I don't know how I didn't see that meme coming. Hahaha

Ordered :D

Measured up the rear end link as best as I could with the wheels on and car on the ground. It was somewhere almost 8" as best as I could determine, so I got the 7" rod. The ends have more than enough adjust-ability that it doesn't matter much if I'm off.

Total came out to a bit more than expected at $392 (the little offset spacers were the killer), but still less than the retail options out there, and I got the absolute best rod and rod ends available. I'm sure you could get them down to $300 for the set if you tried, and you wouldn't really sacrifice much.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...3ba0e908f6.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9c7af5b314.jpg

Forgot the boots. Found them at Midwest Control Products. Not necessary, but I wanted them. 8 came out to $52. Total now up to $444, but I'm still just under retail (AP end links are $450 for the set plus shipping tax etc) and I feel pretty confident that I have a much better product.

If I ordered these things in bulk, and maybe used a more reasonably-priced rod end, we could probably get the full kit down to under $400 for the F/R set. Minus the boots maybe under $350. Just sayin...

https://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=11622

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2a1e747560.jpg

Awesome - so you ordered everything from QA1 and the boots and Midwest Control correct? I'll order a set as well.

It would be nice to do an order in bulk to get the price down. Not sure how many would be interested in this setup though? I feel like almost anyone who has coilovers or is lowered would benefit..

Ordered the rod end hardware from QA1, the Joes Hex Tube from Jegs, and the boots from Midwest.

Got it. Thx again for your help on this!

Parts started coming in today. Beefy!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ceb1be5b10.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...6db25d03df.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...fa2e849d2d.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0be5d56e32.jpg

might be a dumb question as I read thru the thread a few times but.... whats the difference in the rod end part #'s? By the way awsome job with the research!:y

XML10-12 - Left hand thread
XMR10-12 - Right hand thread

Allows you to turn the connector tube to make the end link shorter or longer without undoing any of the fittings.

Gotcha! Thanx Mort!

Rods came in today

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5c11bb33f2.jpg

You may have noticed that one of the 7" rods is lighter in color than the others. All of the rods are solid billet aluminum throughout, with threads at the ends, except for the light colored one which is hollow. I'm going to have to return that - same part number, but clearly an older stock.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...33860063e1.jpg

BOOM. End links.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1458b5e4d5.jpg

Nice one Blkrokt. Those look like solid end links.
Post some pictures once you have them on the car and let us know if you can feel a difference.
You guys in the States are lucky to have such easy access to car parts.

Sub'd

This is an awesome thread, thanks for all the detail. Will definitely be copying this set-up when I get myself some coilovers.

Great job guys! Thanx for posting. Just finalizing shipping details with Golan on a set of club sports. This could not have come at a better time. After a recent discrepancy with AP and poor customer service, I would prefer not to deal with them. Ordered all the parts thru Jegs cause QA1 does not ship retail to Canada. Great customer service on both ends. All said and done after tax/shipping and customs fees total price is a touch higher than AP but I'm sure so is the quality. Also purchased the K-mac stage 3 race kit with all the bells and whistles! Received a really good MB world discount and good service. Thanx again great post!

Nice going BLKROKT, these are best option for aftermarket end links.

Thanks guys, hope it helps.

FYI, in case this matters to any of you:
QA1 = China
Rod End Supply = China
FK = American
Aurora = American

I might try Aurora or FK rod ends with the next batch, or for any other control arms I make. Might also look at stainless options depending on how the chromoly ends hold up.

Thx again for posting BLKROKT - will be looking forward to your feedback with them on the car!

Nice.. I was going to ask this guy http://www.fulltiltboogieracing.com/ if he would entertain making various components. I run his stuff on the wife's cobra and it is high quality.

But looks like you have found a nice places to source the DIY guys

What is the black cover over the ball joint? I've been running shorter AP's up front for over two years. Their original kit was way too long and needed something shorter according to a suspension guy who did my car. The APs did not have the cover I see on yours...dust cover? I always had to lube mine, they would creak and cream like crazy.

Here

Got all my parts in today from Jegs today. For the hex rods, I got the exact opposite. All hollow tubes except for 1 - 7'' tube was solid. Called Jegs to see what deal was. They ended up giving me the joes racing sales rep number. I'll give em a call in the morning to see what the deal is.

I'll trade you for the solid one if you want my hollow one? I don't think it makes any difference, I was just going to use it.

Yeah man I'm down. Was thinking hollow or shallow they are super beefy and should be more then strong enough. Pm me your details and I'll get it off to you today before I leave overseas.

PM incoming. I'll get yours in the mail tomorrow. Good stuff!