Do You Need Uprated Adjustable Drop Links? (Explained)
Updated: Oct 16, 2021
Should anti-roll bar drop links (also known as end links or sway bar links) that have been upgraded and made adjustable be used?
Specifically, we'll go over the reasons why they may be the next important component for your anti-roll bars.
Table of Contents:
What Is a Drop Link?
Almost all sway bars have a drop link attached to the end of them.
The drop link's function is to transmit the roll stiffness produced by the sway bar to the suspension.
It connects each end of the anti-roll bar to the damper or a control arm.
Drop links are used to bridge the space between the anti-roll bar and the suspension.
They can be up to 300mm in length, and even these are not uncommon.
Ultimately, the anti-roll bar end link is designed to connect the anti-roll bar to each side of the cars suspension, usually via the control arm or damper.
What About a Rear Torsion Bar?
However, drop links are not used to connect all anti-roll bars.
When it comes to some front-wheel-drive cars rear suspension, for example, a number of torsion bar designs feature an anti-roll bar that goes through the central beam and is then connected to the trailing arm through a solid metal connection.
The torsion bars are separated to manage the spring rate. A firm connection between the bar and the axle is used in certain other designs.
At first glance, this may appear weird, because if the anti-roll bar is firmly coupled to the axle, why not simply strengthen the stiffness of the axle?
Some vehicles have eliminated the back anti-roll bar entirely, and the roll stiffness has been incorporated directly into the axle beam.
The disadvantage is that it lacks subtlety in reaction and is tough to accomplish correctly.
This is why most semi-independent trailing arm suspensions continue to employ a separate anti-roll bar.
It is possible to fit an extra anti-roll bar that is placed on the axle beam and is used in conjunction with the current sway bar setup.
If you have a semi-independent torsion beam suspension, such as those seen in VAG group applications with a rear beam axle, this is usually the best option.
Adjustable Drop Links
Many aftermarket manufacturers produce adjustable anti-roll bars, which feature a number of holes created in the end of the bar to allow for unbolting and subsequent movement of the drop link.
The anti-roll bar's lever length is adjusted as a result of this.
Increases in roll stiffness are caused by shortening the drop link, and reductions in roll stiffness are caused by increasing the length of the drop link.
An adjustable drop link can help fine-tune the roll stiffness of a vehicle.
Adjustable sway bar links are also very quick and easy to adjust, allowing for quick changes of roll stiffness.
Benefits of Upgraded Drop Links
There are many advantages to upgrading a drop link, such as those listed below.
Stronger & Less Flex
A stronger anti-roll bar link will also slightly increase the roll stiffness due to less flex.
This increased strength also improves the lifespan and durability of the drop link.
Rapid Adjustability
An upgraded adjustable drop link gives you the ability to quickly and easily change the length of a drop link.
As mentioned earlier, changing the length of a drop link will alter the roll stiffness of the suspension.
This adjustability allows you to fine-tune and quickly change the cars characteristics.
Ability to Corner Weight Properly
Another advantage of having adjustable anti-roll bar drop links is that they may be used in the practise of corner weighting.
When cornering weighting a chassis, it is essential to detach the anti-roll bars because of the effect they have on the weight distribution of the vehicle when the chassis is changed statically.
After the car has been corner weighted, the anti-roll bars should be linked to the suspension.
However, OEM end links usually have pre-load when attaching the anti-roll bars to the links.
This pre-load from the OEM drop links will then cause the corner weights to be skewed.
High-Quality & Powder-Coated
Brand new aftermarket parts are almost always powder-coated, this gives them superior rust protection than the original manufacturer parts.
They are also usually constructed from higher-quality materials and parts, allowing for a longer service life and improved durability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, uprated adjustable drop links are not only for show; they have a functional purpose as well.
The end link's length may be adjusted to fine-tune and quickly change a vehicles roll resistance.
You can also carry out a corner weighting properly with adjustable drop links.
Essentially, an upgraded drop link is a critical component of the anti-roll bars function and uprated drop links should be used in every tuned cars suspension setup.
Uprating your drop links goes great with uprated sway bars and an upgraded suspension setup, such as upgrading to coilovers or springs.
