Addco has been a trusted name in the automotive aftermarket for decades, specializing in suspension components that improve handling, stability, and ride quality. Whether you drive a classic car, truck, or modern performance vehicle, Addco suspension parts offer a reliable way to reduce body roll, sharpen cornering, and enhance overall control. This guide covers what Addco offers, how to select the right parts for your vehicle, and what to expect during installation.
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ADDCO 017 Endlink Kit
What Are Addco Suspension Parts?
Addco is known primarily for sway bars (also called anti-sway bars or stabilizer bars), but the company also produces coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and suspension bushings. Their parts are engineered to work with factory or upgraded suspension systems, providing a noticeable improvement in handling without sacrificing daily-driver comfort. Most Addco components are made from high-strength steel with a durable powder-coat finish to resist corrosion.
Common Addco Suspension Parts
- Sway Bars: The flagship product. Addco sway bars are available in different diameters (typically 5/8 to 1-1/4 inch) to suit various vehicles and handling goals. Thicker bars reduce body roll more aggressively.
- Coil Springs: Addco offers heavy-duty and performance coil springs designed to maintain ride height under load or provide a stiffer spring rate for better cornering.
- Leaf Springs: For trucks and older vehicles, Addco supplies helper leaf springs and replacement leaf packs.
- Shocks and Struts: While less common, Addco sells matching shocks and struts tuned to complement their sway bars.
- Bushings and Hardware: Replacement polyurethane or rubber bushings, end links, and mounting brackets to refresh or upgrade existing suspension.
Benefits of Upgrading with Addco Parts
Upgrading your vehicle’s suspension with Addco components offers several practical advantages:
- Reduced Body Roll: A larger or stiffer sway bar significantly minimizes lean during cornering, making the car feel more planted.
- Improved Stability: Especially beneficial for SUVs and trucks that naturally have higher centers of gravity. Better stability can also improve towing and load handling.
- More Predictable Handling: Stiffer suspension bushings reduce unwanted flex, providing more direct steering feel.
- Durability: Addco parts are built to last, often outlasting original equipment components.
Types of Addco Suspension Parts Explained
Sway Bars: The Core Upgrade
Sway bars connect the left and right sides of the suspension to resist body roll. Addco offers both front and rear sway bars. A rear sway bar alone can reduce oversteer, while a front bar primarily reduces understeer. Many enthusiasts install both for balanced handling.
- Solid vs. Hollow: Addco uses solid steel bars for maximum strength. Some competitors use hollow bars to save weight, but solid bars offer greater resistance to bending.
- Adjustability: Some Addco sway bars feature multiple mounting holes for the end links, allowing you to fine-tune the stiffness.
Coil Springs and Leaf Springs
- Coil Springs: Addco provides progressive-rate and linear-rate coils. Progressive springs offer a softer ride over small bumps while stiffening under load, making them good for street use.
- Leaf Springs: For trucks, helper leafs increase load capacity without adding a full replacement pack. Replacement leaf packs restore ride height and reduce sag.
Bushings and End Links
Addco offers polyurethane bushings that replace factory rubber ones. Polyurethane is harder and more resistant to deformation, which translates to quicker steering response. However, it can transmit more NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). For daily drivers, rubber bushings may be a better choice. Addco provides both options.
How to Choose the Right Addco Suspension Parts
Selecting the correct Addco parts depends on your vehicle, driving style, and goals.
Identify Your Vehicle Completely
Before buying, confirm your vehicle’s exact year, make, model, and sometimes sub-model (e.g., Ford F-150 with 2WD vs. 4WD). Addco parts are designed for specific fitments, so using the wrong part can be unsafe or cause poor performance.
Determine Your Handling Goals
- Daily Driver: A moderate upgrade (like a 7/8-inch front sway bar and a stock rear bar) can improve handling without ruining comfort.
- Performance Street: Consider a full set: larger front and rear sway bars (e.g., 1-inch front, 3/4-inch rear), stiffer coil springs, and poly bushings.
- Track/Autocross: Maximum stiffness: large-diameter sway bars, adjustable end links, and very firm springs.
Check Compatibility with Existing Modifications
If you have lowered springs or aftermarket shocks, make sure the sway bars do not conflict with suspension travel or contact other components. Some Addco sway bars work best at stock ride heights.
Installation Considerations
Installing Addco suspension parts is typically a weekend DIY job for someone with basic mechanical skills. However, proper safety and technique are critical.
Tools Needed
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set (metric and standard)
- Torque wrench
- Pry bar (for bushings)
- Lubricant (for polyurethane bushings)
- Thread-locker (for hardware)
Step-by-Step Overview for Sway Bar Installation
- Lift and secure the vehicle. Support the axle or control arms so the suspension is at normal ride height.
- Remove old sway bar: Detach end links and bushings. Note the orientation of hardware.
- Install new bushings: Use supplied grease or lubricant for poly bushings. Tighten to spec—over-torquing can deform bushings.
- Mount new sway bar: Bolt into place, then attach end links loosely.
- Lower vehicle to ground before tightening all fasteners; this ensures the bushings are not preloaded.
- Torque everything to Addco’s specifications.
Common Pitfalls
- Overtightening poly bushings: This can cause binding and noise. Follow instructions.
- Not pre-greasing poly bushings: Dry polyurethane will squeak.
- Mixing up left and right end links: Some are specific to sides.
Practical Recommendation
For most drivers looking to upgrade handling without going too far, a front Addco sway bar (around 7/8 to 1 inch diameter) paired with a rear bar (if your vehicle lacks one) offers the best balance. Stick with Addco’s branded bushings and hardware for a proper fit. If your vehicle is used for towing or heavy loads, consider Addco’s heavy-duty coil springs or helper leafs.
For a true street performance setup, combine Addco sway bars with a set of high-performance shocks (like Bilstein or KYB) and good tires. Avoid mixing brands for springs and bars unless you verify compatibility. Addco parts are a solid, proven upgrade that can transform your car’s demeanor without breaking the bank.