Introduction: DIY Extended Sway Bar Links.
After installing a 2 1/2 inch lift kit on my 1992 Jeep Yj, I couldn't get the sway bar links to hook up nicely. I shopped around and found lots of expended links but they were $60 and up.
I devise this solution which cost me all of $12. I already owned the Tap and Die set but if I had been forced to buy it for the job I would still have only spent $27
Step 1: How Long Were They
I started by measuring the current length and finding this midpoint. I cut them in half using a right angle grinder and cut off wheel.
Step 2: Cutting the Outside Threads
I measured the outside diameter of the center section of the sway bar link. Checking a tap and die chart and I find I can use the 1/2 20 die from my harbor freight tap and die set. Conveniently there is a tap of the same size.
Step 3: Cutting the Thread
I used the die to cut the threads on the link halves.
Step 4:
Again I referenced the tap and die chart and found I needed a piece of tube with a 29/64 id. I ordered a 12" piece of tubing 3/4 OD with 3/16 walls leaving 3/8 ID.
I cut the tube to 2 X 4 1/2 inch length
I chased the bore with a 29/64 drill bit, then tapped the internal threads.
Step 5:
I screwed everything together and measure the result, exaclty 2 1/2 inches longer.