Anti Roll Bar Linkage

Hi all, I have a Freelander 1 and in the past 18 months I have changed both the front anti rollbar linkages twice.

Surely they are supposed to last longer than 6-9 months before needing replacement?

I know its a cheap part, 2 bolts and a 15 minute job to do but is this common on the Freelander 1 ?

Any comments welcome

Cheers from Wales - Dave

There are two different lengths of drop link out there (for early or later vehicles I think). Otherwise it would depend on the brand perhaps? I'm looking at changing mine - so have been doing a wee bit of research...

Oh Bu99er... I didn't realise there were two different sizes, I've just ordered a Fleabay kit of two drop links, two bushes and bolts without thinking!!!! - i guess i best check the lengths when they arrive - although, it did say they were compatible with my 2003 (53 plate) TD4

Ah I didn't realise there were 2 different sizes either - I will have to google it.

When I ordered the part from Europarts there was only one size available.

I assume the size difference if only a few mm's ??

I think so, there was a thread relatively recently about it - I'm at work, so don't have the time to find the link at the moment. Wouldn't have thought it would make an enormous difference, but depending on the quality of the part and how many pot holes/ speed humps you hit those few mm could make a difference I guess...
Eurocarparts do it by the reg no. so would have thought they'd have got it right!

Things are a bit slack this evening...

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/drop-link-compatibility.287102/

Ah 10mm difference, I will fit the one I bought today from Eurocar parts but if they go again in the next 9 months I will try the other ones.
Cheers for the link.

davidporthcawl said:

Ah I didn't realise there were 2 different sizes either - I will have to google it.

When I ordered the part from Europarts there was only one size available.

I assume the size difference if only a few mm's ??

Click to expand...

Just found out by looking on RimmerBros -
143mm = to VIN YA999999
158mm = VIN 1A000001 on

Hello guys, same question.
My Vin 3A240906, so longer linkages should be installed. I measured- 143mm. So maybe replaced somewhen, i'm second owner. Now time for replacing, interesting which linkages i should buy. Here i could find shorter inly, longer only from Rimmers.
Where is difference between them?

@oxygen - since this thread was born, and since my last posting... i have become somewhat - very accustomed and familiar with the Freelander 1s - almost to the point of becoming a specialist - but to say that opens a can of worms and prompts a question I don't know the answer to...
anyway... it has transpired, that two different sizes are no longer available, and only the later ones are the ones sold.
what we have to realise, is ideally these should be replaced in pairs, and the difference in length would only alter the angle the antiroll bar comes over the wishbone.
I've not actually come across someone in a 1998 model say they have had problems since fitting 2006 type ARB drop links...
I may be wrong.... after all we aren't all perfect... but I can't see anyone stocking two sizes now... ot for about 5months or so...

Understand.
Then i will try to explain why ARB theme is interesting for me. Now i have 2006 2.5 pre- facelift (yes exactly 2006 and pre facelift ), i had 2005 facelift td4 two or three years ago. Both have same problem (sorry my English is not best).
When i go over bump on the road, and i go with angle (not with two front wheels at the same time), when one wheel goes down i feel serious hit somewhere in the front. If i go faster- hit stronger. Suspension looks good (now i feel ARB links needs replacement because have little play but nothing serious). Checked engine mountings (i thought maybe engine is jumping)- looks ok. Antiroll Bar bushings ok as well.
Two different cars- same hits. Maybe this is 4wd related, when one wheel miss grip with ground for one moment..

if you have a little play in your links, this will make a knocking noise. sometimes the knocking noise sounds like it is under the seat of the car. - late pre-facelift and facelift cars have the same links - replace as a pair and do not buy cheap ones as they will need replacing in a short space of time.
you need the 172 links.

Yes of course, i will replace them with good quality links. Not sure if it will be genuine LR from Rimmers, because LR parts quality goes down.
You still thinking i need 172 links? not 262? Really interesting, much more interesting that 172 links, which i have installed at the moment looks original and old as from factory. From my VIN- 262 should be installed.

All drop links are now the same length. Any play in the drop link ball joints will make a noise.