1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

End Link Kits

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Old 12-20-2006, 09:59 PM
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Default End Link Kits

What sway bar end link kits should I use for my 94 bonneville. I would like to use energy suspension kits for my car. I have been searching on the forum and from what I have found I am supposed to use kit # 8120 for the front sway bar and kit # 8105 for the rear sway bar. Now I am lost for what grade bolts I should use for these and how many of each kit do I need. I am hunching that each kit comes with two end links so I only need one of each right. Correct me if I am wrong for the kt #'* and if there is any better kits out there. I just want the loosey goosey steering to go away. Oh and I am pretty sure that I have FE2 suspension.

Thanks, Erik
Old 12-20-2006, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by willwren
Ok....here'* the deal (with ALL the details for 92-99, all models):

The link kit from GM is crap. Not sure when the change happened, but GM is using plastic spacers and washers on the new kits (verified in person at the local dealer). I think the plastic would give too much, and doesn't provide enough support for the insulators, especially on the firmer SSE/SSEi suspensions. Wanna firm up your ride?

Buy Energy Suspension kit #9.8120RC. This kit is for the left and right (front) endlinks. It'* complete with BIGGER than stock bolts (and shorter, thank god), washers, and POLYURETHANE bushings (insulators). I got mine at Autozone for about $15 for BOTH sides (in the same package....full front kit). Follow the advice previously stated in this thread for install, but the kit comes with good directions, too. You don't need a maintenance manual. Just a good set of ramps and basic tools.

Wanna do the rear? Leave it to GM. They don't sell a kit for the rear. Each individual piece (bolt, nut, 2 washers, 3 insulators) have to be purchased seperately. Combined, it'll run you about $25. I have a better idea. Buy just the BOLT from GM. Get 2 of the 10026678 bolts (trust me, you want new....don't re-use the old), should run just shy of 4 bucks each. Then go to your local hardware store and buy two 8mm 'nylock' hex nuts. Fit them to the bolts to make sure, and try to get stainless steel. Now go BACK to Autozone and buy the Energy Suspension kit # 9.8105RC Bushing set. Comes with 8 washers and 8 bushings (insulators). You'll have 2 extra of each. Cost me $9 (US).

I haven't done the rear yet, but I now have a better than stock kit ready to go in for less than $20 for the rear.

Here they are lined up (left to right):


Far left, new package, old front endlinks. Far right, new rear endlink 'kit'.
Old 12-21-2006, 07:15 AM
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On the front, the bolts come with the kit.

For the rear you can also substitute a 3/8" x 3 1/2" long grade 8 bolt with locking acorn nut.
Old 12-21-2006, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by BillBoost37
On the front, the bolts come with the kit.

For the rear you can also substitute a 3/8" x 3 1/2" long grade 8 bolt with locking acorn nut.
Which you should be able to get at your local Ace Hardware or other good hardware store.
Old 12-21-2006, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by lash
Originally Posted by BillBoost37
On the front, the bolts come with the kit.

For the rear you can also substitute a 3/8" x 3 1/2" long grade 8 bolt with locking acorn nut.
Which you should be able to get at your local Ace Hardware or other good hardware store.
You have to be VERY careful the threads of the bolt don't protrude into the inside of a poly bushing or it will CHEW up the bushing from the inside. This is why I suggest the GM OEM bolt for the rear.

Not all bolts of that dimension out there have the same thread length.
Old 12-21-2006, 12:59 PM
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Agreed!

It needs to be a grade 8 bolt with the threads for only the first 1-1/2" I believe. Like the one in the picture Bill posted above.
Old 12-22-2006, 01:18 PM
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Thanks for all the great info. I managed to get the front kit yesterday for it but the back was on backorder :(. Now I just gotta make the time to install it.

Happy Hollidays,

Erik
Old 12-22-2006, 01:20 PM
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Erik...put the front on ramps..it'* much easier with the suspension compressed.
Old 12-23-2006, 01:20 PM
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Unfortunetly I do not have ramps. But I might be able to access a four post hoist to do the job. But more than likly I will be just getting under my car on axle stands to do it. Is it safe to put the axle stands underneath the front a arms of the, this would compress teh susspension a bit. I know some people say it is safe on some cars and not on others. Just wondering if its safe for bonnevilles.

Thanks again,

Erik
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