I just bought a rear sway bar from SLP for my car. Its a 21mm bar (as opposed to the current 19mm bar which is on there now). Now here is my dilemma. I decided to replace the links at the same time. I purchased a set of the same links that are on the car now: i.e. GM part # 10221779. But, after discovering from the GM buy sites that a second type of link was available that were listed with the description "w/firm ride and handling" I decided to buy these instead. These have GM part #10164176. To get to the point, does anybody know which one of these gives "better" or "firmer" response, or what the real difference is between the two ? The stock ones have rock solid bushings on them (they're white) but the others that are specified "with firm ride and handling" have black rubber type bushings on them, so I'm totally confused. I asked my mechanic his opinion and he suggested that the ones with the white "harder" bushings would be firmer. I know this may sound like overkill, but we camaro hobbyists get consumed by even these minor details Anyway, any comments would be appreciated as I'm about to start the swap anytime now. Maybe I should just go to an aftermarket link so theres no confusion. But I already purchased these two pairs so I'll probably want to use one or the other.



BTW, I have SLP bolt-on subframe connectors, boxed track bar and LCA's and 17 inch wheels and BFG G-force KD tires.

 

GM p/n 10221779 is the 1LE Endlink. I would use that one.

 

Thanks for your reply. You pretty much validated what me and my mechanic talked about. I just wonder why the hell they would list the ones with the rubber bushings with the description "with firm ride and handling" like they were included as part of a special suspension package or something.

 

I have found the black ones you speak of on a V6 Firebird and a Trans Am before and they are better than the white ones. The white plastic ones are total junk IMO. They are probably good for a while when new, but all the old ones I have seen are severly worn out and not with a ton of miles on them either.

If I were you I would go to Autozone and get the Energy Suspension ones. They are like $15.

 

I think the "firm ride" is all the bushings in the car,and I know a different rack&pinion also.My car has firm ride.If you got it there will be a 1FP# in the top right corner of the RPO code list on driver door .
I would probably choose the ones for firm ride in your case.But I would do like 95 Z28 LT1 said and get some ES or Prothane end links.
I use Prothane,and just bought more for my new 35mm front.

 

You guys rule. Thx for all your help ! I haven't done anything yet but I can now make a decision based on all the angles you've given. Those white ones did look a little suspicious. They look like ceramic material of some kind. Maybe that's why 95 Z-28 LT1 observed some really worn ones. I eyeballed mine (my car has 26000m on it) and they did look like they could be worn already. Maybe there made of plastic.... I may have to check out the ES ones at the local Auto-Zone.

Thanks again guys.

 

nope the white ones are solid urathane. I've always used the ES bushings too, but the GM links should be just as tuff as an aftermarket urathane bushing and approx. half the price. probably have a different durometer rating though.

1LE endlinks

 

Wow I can't believe there was a picture of those on the web ! Well maybe I can, everything else seems to be. Since I have the pair already, I think I'll go with Rick's suggestion, the 1LE links. The black rubber one's I can't find myself instinctively thinking are better.

Again, I appreciate everyone's feedback.

Sal