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TNGW1500SE's avatar
TNGW1500SE
Explorer
Jun 24, 2016

Clunk after CHF

The cheap handling fix made a world of difference in my 2003 F53 but now I have a clunk in the front. I don't see any sign of the sway bar link hitting the spring but that's about all it can be. It's close!

I think I need longer front links.

I've done a bunch of research and found these longer links:
Hellwig 7962 11-14" Adjustable Endlinks


but from what I'm reading, the bushings that come with the Hellwig links have to be replaced because they are the wrong size for a 2003 F53. Is that correct? Also some of the reviews say the threads on the Hellwig links are not always machined that great. Is there another option?

Looks like some people who install the Hellwig links use their old bushings but I really don't want to use my old ones. I'd like to upgrade to poly ones. Like these:



I've been searching the web for polyurethane bushing to replace the bushing on the Hellwig links with and haven't had much luck.

Anyone know where I can get a front set for a 2003 F53?

Any other advice is ALWAYS welcome!!!!!
  • TNGW1500SE wrote:
    mccsix wrote:
    I had a clunk at first, re-tightened the bolts no more clunk.


    I'll double check but I think they're tight.

    66 foot pounds is the spec
  • You don't need to use the original bushing, just use the metal sleeve from the originals it fits right into the Hellwigs bushings. this way you can use the stock Ford bolts with no clunk. That is what I did with mine. 2500 miles no problems.
  • mccsix wrote:
    I had a clunk at first, re-tightened the bolts no more clunk.


    I'll double check but I think they're tight.
  • RLS7201 wrote:
    This guy on Ebay has been the gold standard for F53 sway bar bushings. There are others with bushings but Skuterdude's bushings are of known quality. I have bushings from him that are going on 8 years and they still look like new. Well except for the dirt. GRIN

    Richard


    I saw those but they are for the rear. I do want to replace the ones on the axle but I also want to replace the ones in the links.
  • I had a clunk at first, re-tightened the bolts no more clunk.
  • This guy on Ebay has been the gold standard for F53 sway bar bushings. There are others with bushings but Skuterdude's bushings are of known quality. I have bushings from him that are going on 8 years and they still look like new. Well except for the dirt. GRIN

    Richard

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