1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Sway bar end links

If I was going to be changing the end links those are the ones I'd buy. Heim joints aren't going to last long on a street driven car. The dirt will grind them up & make quite a racket doing so.

 

They are a very nice end link. Very strong and smooth operation. The sealed boot is key. a Heim joint works for a while but gets really lose and sloppy over time due to dirt and water. In stock ready to ship! (the factory is right down the street from me so i can get any size needed for any custom application, and you can already see we sell several sizes because of lifted countryman's and lowered cars. Detroit Tuned Adjustable End Drop Links MINI Cooper S R53 R56

Chad
Detroit Tuned

 

Been running Powergrid end links for years with no issues.

 

You can either source a slimmer washer, as I know the washers are a bit on the thicker side, or not install them on the lower mounting point.

In a perfect world, yes the washer should be there, but we've never had an issue with it not being installed in this situation.

Glad we could be of assistance, let us know if there is anything we can help you with in the future. :cornut:

Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

Those are the ones I have. They are made by PowerGrid and they are strong and last.

Buy the from Chad at Detroit Tuned.

You have to buy them from dealers. Powergrid, Inc.

 

Forgive the noob question, since I haven't lowered a car before. Thinking about KW V2 for my wife's Clubman. Is it recommended to go to adjustable end links at the same time? Anything else to consider when changing to an adjustable setup?

 

If you are lowering more than an inch, then yes adjustable end links are a good idea. That one inch rule also applies to at least the lower rear control arms so you can correct the alignment. RMW, and Helix have the best rear LCA's on the market, but others can be had for a lower price point if quality isn't everything to you.

 

Thanks. I live near Helix, so that is where it would be done.

 

John I had Marzo install my V2's with the adj end links above along with adj camber plates.

I don't think Eric sells the Helix Adj plates any longs but he can still get other types that are just as good. It really helps when it comes to dialing in the car when on the alignment rack.

Also after a year I replaced / upgraded the KW springs to stiffer Swift springs for a much better ride. KW spring are Meh....ok for a while.

 

I run Powergrids and like them, too, but one thing to note when switching to R56 trailing arms: The material is thicker so the end of the bolt is a hair too short.

 

I got Webb's rear end links years ago when he was still around.
Aurora rod ends with teflon lined bearings and an aluminum center.
Non-sealed, but they're still doing very well after many salty winters.
Got them more for the strength compared to stock than the adjustability.
Would probably go with a sealed variety if I had to replace them.

 

I got Randy Webb's end links many years ago, and although
they're not sealed, they have held up very well through many
salty winters. They have Aurora rod ends with teflon lined
bearings, and a hollow aluminum billet center. He's no longer
around the MINI community, so if I had to replace them, I'd
probably go with a sealed design like detroit-tuned, or maybe
get relacement rod ends from Aurora of the same type and size.
I got them mainly for the strength over oem rather than the
adjustability since I'm on oem springs.

 

For this r56 trailing arm mod is it necessary to upgrade/replace both upper and lower control arms? I've got hotchkis lowers but stock OEM uppers.

 

No need to replace control arms, but you will need to change over to R56 style shocks, they use a different lower mount.