Re: Anyone using adjustable Sway bar link? Do they make a difference in front end "fe
Down links are only needed if you get outside of the standard suspension setup including, corner balance mandates adjustable down links, lowering springs, use of adjustable swaybars, and if you really want to twist the OEM (preload) sway bar to compensate for drivers weight. Otherwise, a waste of money and there is a little rattle from the spherical bearing covered with a rubber protector boot. I have Tarett down links to help with Tarett GT adjustable swaybars and cornerbalance. My car was lowered about 35 mm due to the cornerbalance, which would be an issue with standard downlinks.
The Tarett GT adjustable swaybar makes a big difference is the balance of the car. I tried to correct the inherent understeer with my adjustable shocks, but that really did not solve the understeer. The ability to soften the front bar (5 position holes) and stiffen the rear bar (4 position holes) did the job. The shocks add stiffness (compression) as well in rebound and help a lot when either bar is in full stiffness, like my rear bar is now. The stiffer shock helps settle the car in bumpy back country roads, when a lot of swaybar is used. As far as feel goes, the adjustable sway bar does reduce roll compared to OEM. If you used the stiffest setting front and rear and used a very stiff Ohlin shock adjustment, you could eliminate most corner roll although these settings would only work for smooth surfaces and I am sure the feel would be diminished from OEM. But with sticky tires, Bridgestone RE71R's, the G load would be well managed by the suspension.
The reason I need to over compensate the balance is my front Michelin PSS are getting old, they still have tread, but have lost their grip compared to the rear. My next set of autocross wheels and tires will address this tire footprint issue so I can change to a softer rear swaybar setting and add one hole stiffer in front.
The down links also look racy with the burgundy anodized barrel and a heavy rubber boot over the end link.