Installed RacingBeat Rear Links, ..goodbye TwosRUs Options

[azian_advanced]

So here's the story. As i was in the middle of upgrading my suspension from teins to even better teins, i had sheared one of the studs off of the TwosRUs links because it had fused with the sway bar. apparently links should always be greased up since they swivel and rub with the sway bar while going over bumps so i can imagine the heat or friction occurring and cause the bolts to seize. so instead of ordering another pair, i decided to try something else. after a quick search, i found out a couple of members are using racingbeat rear links off of a 90-97 miata without problems.

After a quick comparison between the two I have to say that not only are the RacingBeat links more affordable than the TwosRUs ones ($59 vs. $75 for the pair), but they're imo beefier and better designed. the studs don't have spherical joints unlike the TwosRUs links and instead have urethane bushings so it provides a stiffer connection with the sway bar and the struts. these can also be adjusted in length just like the TwosRUs links.

..so if you're going to upgrade springs and/or rear endlinks, go for these.. just make sure you grease all the bolts and between the washers and swaybar for easy removal in the future. Now I just need to find similar ones for the front...


Link: 90-97 Miata Sway Bar Rear End Links














RacingBeat Miata vs. TwosRUS ST185 Rear Links





The TwosRUs links in their prime






This post has been edited by azian_advanced: Sep 21, 2012 - 2:01 AM

[azian_advanced]

the difference is with spherical bearings (assuming they are centered), the outer strut is able to travel a certain amount before it puts load on the inner strut while cornering. with polyurethane bushings, there is no room for play in the endlinks so as soon as there is suspension travel one strut, it immediately puts load on the opposite strut and that's why some people are against it as it basically behaves as non-independent suspension. for better ride quality on bumpy road surfaces, spherical is better as it allows for more independent suspension travel. however, if you want more oversteer and don't care much about ride quality, polyurethane is better.

these endlinks are a cheap upgrade for oversteer. since our cars are fwd and have a light rear-end, i actually preferred the oversteer. i also didn't care so much about ride quality since i was already on stiffened lowering springs and also coilovers at one point in time. ideally, you want to start off with an aftermarket sway bar first, see if that suits your needs. if there's still too much sway, then consider getting polyurethane end links, or increasing the stiffness in your dampers (if you have coilovers) and/or switch to stiffer springs.

This post has been edited by azian_advanced: Jan 14, 2013 - 7:42 PM