To my knowledge Adjustable Drop Links are only needed if you cannot align the car within specification.

My installer says there is no need when just doing springs.


Is this true? What other advantage are there?

 

drop links attach to the sway bar. if you lower the car more then the stock non adjustable links can go to keep the sway level then adjustable links are needed

 

Right but is it necessary? I don't think it matters of the sway bar is at 0 degrees or at 10. The tension will be the same under load.

 

the front sways will hit the lower suspension if the sway drops to low. theres less than 1/2" of clearance

 

Ah makes sense for the fronts .

 

Actually that distance stays pretty fixed. As the sway is connected by the link to the knuckle/hub, which moves pretty much the same distance as the arm.

Adjustable links are a nice to have, and a last 20% performance item, especially if you start getting serious about corner balancing with coilovers. They are not a requirement for a mild lowering/street use.

 

Thanks for the great response!

 

Do you also mean rear toe links for our spirited street driving?
The tarett site says explicitly that they are needed to be able to get correct toe values... But they are also selling them, obviously.
Thanks.

 

In general the only time that adjustable Drop Links are needed are in cars with after market coilover (Bilstein, etc.) AND for advanced drivers who feel the need for corner balancing. The reason is that corner balancing *may* result in the height of one side being different from the other side, meaning one drop link may need to be longer/shorter than the other side.

But... the main and most common reason that most of us use after-market drop links is because these links use metallic joint (heim joint), as opposed to the PU/plastic/rubber joint of the stock link. The metallic heim joint takes away the looseness of the stock link, hence reducing loose movement and imprecision of stock links. BTW, this is a basic principle of nearly all after-market joints and links (toe link, dog bones, etc., etc.), not just the drop link: replacing PU/plastic with metallic. They WILL improve handling, but will all sacrifice some ride comfort to some degree btw (nothing comes for free). See pic below of stock link versus after market link with heim joint.

So yes your installer is correct, you don't need it, but... you may still want it for other reasons (improve handling and precision of suspension). In general, I recommend the drop links without reservation since they are so cheap and easy to install, and you don't need alignment after install. It is a great way to learn about basic suspension change/principle, and you could switch them in and out yourself to study/convince yourself the change is real. I recommend Tarett since they've been around forever, have great pricing, and is highly reputable and helpful. www.tarett.com

 

i have a set of rear drop links i made and never used if anyone needs a set

 

Great info thanks!


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