bmore430

Anyone who has replaced these what brand did you go with if you did not use Oem? I have read guys have had bad luck with the moogs making noise and failing prematurely so I want to steer clear of those.

Rear suspension has gotten very noisy so I'm going through everything. car has 95k miles and I plan on keeping it a long time.

I have already ordered rear sway bar and new bolts and bushings and want to do these endlinks at the same time while the shocks are being replaced.

bmore430

Oem parts around around 160 shipped for the pair. 4883050030 and 4883050010.

BradTank

Moog Problem Solver are great, I've used them on several cars over the years, I've never had an issue. A set on Rock Auto are like $60

The OEM are also obviously great but are close to 3 times the price.

bmore430

Thanks Brad. I read the early Moog stuff was excellent when it was sourced from Japan with the 555 markings but after they switched to China, India and even usa etc the quality is sketchy and hit or miss. a bunch of other forums on clublexus reported early failure, noise, corrosion and the grease fitting design left much to be desired.

some of these were from installing with impact guns I'm sure so don't know what to think. how long have yours been installed?

BradTank

The Moog I would NOT recommend are the "R Series" which is their economy line. But honestly, they could be fine, I just haven't used them. But it's usually Chinese and made for the people that buy parts at places like AutoZone and PepBoys.

The Moog "Problem Solver" are their premium line, and I'm not sure if I've ever bought a Moog "problem solver" that was made in China. I would guess 99% of that line is not made in China, it's usually the United States or Japan.

I've even purchased Moog problem solver and inside the box was basically the same thing as you would buy at a dealership with the OEM stamp.
Raybestos Premium is also a good part line.

If there was one suspension part I would say you could safely save some money on, it would be the rear sway links. If you were buying say a front lower ball joint, I would say pay the extra money and get original Lexus.

And my guess is when people do mess up stabilizer links , it's with an impact gun as the joint gets messed up spinning inside the ball socket.

Also, you might not even need to change yours even if it's original.

LSKelvin

iTrader: (3)

I use the Energy 9.8169 links. There's not much, if any, movement back there so they don't squeak.

bmore430

Which length did you get since they seem to be a universal fit in various Lengths? we're they a direct swap? they look like a nice option since they are polyurethane.

they list a 9.8169G and a 9.8169R when I put in the part number.

bmore430

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Energy-Suspension-9-8169R-Pivot-Style-Universal-End-Link-3-3-4-4-3-4-/131091004641

are these the correct ones?

LSKelvin

iTrader: (3)

You'll have to measure the stock links. I don't remember the length of the top of my head. But I'm lowered a bit so I opted for slightly shorter than stock links. They were direct fit, no drilling or anything required. Took me 15-20 minutes to install.

Yes those are the ones I use. Except I use the one with black bushings. (9.8169G)

G and R are just the indicator for bushing color. R for red, G for black.

bmore430

Thanks that's a huge help. I'm going to be slightly lower as well on springs so I'll opt for the shorter ones also.

bmore430

Sorry i didnt clarify. I only ordered a new sway bar and bushings because i am upgrading to the OEM Sport Swaybar and Bushings at the same time I am doing the Rear Sport Shocks.

I measured the factory links at 4" exactly just in case anyone is curious.

bmore430

Placed order from summit racing for the Energy suspension endlinks in black polyurethane.

bmore430

Does anyone know the torque specs for the endlinks and swaybar bushings?

rkw77080

You may also want to check the Height Control Sensors to see if they are functioning properly. These sensors take a lot of abuse as they "see" every little bump on the road.

bmore430

Thanks for those diagrams!

My drivers side height control sensor was definetly bad. First symptom was the AFS OFF light flashing. I pulled the sensor off and opened it up to find one of the 3 springs inside was completely corroded. These units have a very poor seal and allowed moisture in.

I ordered a new sensor from Lexus and will be installing at the same time the rear suspension is gone through.