Sway/stabilizer bar size

[hades02]

I have a 1997 Expy XLT 4x4 with a 4.6 non air ride. I started getting a clunking noise when going over bumps or entering/exiting driveways. Figured out that it is the driver's side end link. I purchased Moog end links but they do not look like the ones on my Expy. The Moogs look like every other one that comes as a kit out there. I have attached a picture of what mine look like. I have two questions:
1) Does it matter that they do not look the same?
2) How do I figure out the sway bar size so that I can buy the sway bar bushings that attach to the frame? There are many available 28mm, 30mm, 33mm and 35mm. So I don't know which one to purchase.

Now before I get hammered for not using the search feature, I would like everyone to know that I did use the search feature and did not get any results. Maybe the key words that I used or maybe the topic has never been covered.

Need help.

Rich

 

[tonydiv]

The stock sway bar links have a lot of 'compliance' built in to them to give the expy that soccer mom ride that Ford thought everyone wanted. In order to firm up the ride, pick up a set of the moog links and change out both sides. Don't do just one side or the bar will be pre-loaded.

 

[panda24619]

heres what my new ones look like.
and my old one that broke.

i really like them. easy to take off if i wanted to off road with them off, but i keep them on. not a big deal. also since that side is broken you dont have to worry about the sway bar hurting you when taking the other one off. there is no longer preload. but when putting the new ones on you have to do both at the same time. slowly. left-right-left-right. till they are both tight.

 

[hades02]

End links

Thanks guys for the info. installed the new ones and she handles really well. Got rid of the squeak that I had in the front end and no more clunking. Took me about 5 minutes a side. Very easy job.

Rich