I have a 2008 Ford truck I bought recently. Something has me a little perplexed.
I found both links on the rear stabilizer bar broken. They were OEM from Ford. Ford used a 10 MM bolt, grade 8.8. Pretty much the same tensile strength as a US grade 5.
Since both the originals broke right in two I am thinking it might be good to use something stronger? I have no history on this truck but it certainly does not look like it was ever used hard or off-road.
So I ordered what appeared to be a HD option in the aftermarket - from Delco Professional. I opened the box and these come with US bolts that are 3/8" and grade 5. So if anything, a bit weaker then what Ford used OEM.
Am I missing something here in the engineering? I am tempted to just go out and buy some 3/8" bolts that are grade 8 unless I discover there is a reason not to?
I checked 5 different brands of rear link kits and none have bolts any stronger then what Ford used OEM.
I found both links on the rear stabilizer bar broken. They were OEM from Ford. Ford used a 10 MM bolt, grade 8.8. Pretty much the same tensile strength as a US grade 5.
Since both the originals broke right in two I am thinking it might be good to use something stronger? I have no history on this truck but it certainly does not look like it was ever used hard or off-road.
So I ordered what appeared to be a HD option in the aftermarket - from Delco Professional. I opened the box and these come with US bolts that are 3/8" and grade 5. So if anything, a bit weaker then what Ford used OEM.
Am I missing something here in the engineering? I am tempted to just go out and buy some 3/8" bolts that are grade 8 unless I discover there is a reason not to?
I checked 5 different brands of rear link kits and none have bolts any stronger then what Ford used OEM.