3G Protege Sway Bar Endlink Compatibility Guide
 

Thought I would post a quick guide for third gen endlink compatibility since people are always replacing them (thanks for the amazing design Mazda! :FU2: )

• 1999-2000 have shorter front endlinks than the post-refresh models, but share the same rear endlinks.
• All 2001-2003 use the same front endlinks (MP3 and MSP included)
• Rear MSP endlinks are the same as the 1999-2000 front endlinks.
• When upgrading to the Racing Beat (MSP/MP3) rear sway bar, make sure to use MSP rear endlinks

As for upgraded replacements, there are a couple options:
HARDRACE - http://www.hardrace.com/products.asp?strClass1=6 - HARDRACE makes reinforced front and rear endlinks (MSP rear and with that 99-00 front coming soon). As they are the same design as the stock endlinks, just reinforced, noise shouldn't be an issue.

AWR - front and rear. They are adjustable so they fit pretty much any sway bar you can throw at them. They do make a LOT of noise though, be warned.

UPDATE: Info from MOSI Race Dynamics:

99-00: Fronts: 7.5", Rears: 8"
01-03: Fronts:10.5", Rears: 6"
MP3 + MSP Fronts: 10.5", Rears 8"

Great post! Thanks, Chris.

It's discussed so often that I figure someone might search and find this now to save them the time of posting asking about them.

I'm still searching for a U.S. dealer for HARDRACE stuff. I know there's a shop on toprotege that did a group buy on their 6 piece adjustable rear suspension link package as well as now the endlinks.. but do you see all the stuff they sell for us??

But if people stop asking questions, I won't be able to answer them, and then what will I do while I'm at work? ;)
Drooling for more info on the engine mounts and steering bushings. They look all kinds of tasty.

I know.. I've been asking around on various forums to see if anyone knows of a dealer for their stuff. It's the lower control arms that I'm drooling over, as well as the rear suspension links.. mmm pillowball mmmmmm

Pillowball = hardcore!

http://www.delubozparts.com carries some hardrace stuff. Nothing listed for proteges (that i could find) although i bet they could source a certain part if you asked them.

Just occured to me, as you mentioned there are no MSP ones ready to buy.

Shouldn't the front ones work either way, MSP bar or stock? I thought they were the same lenght for front.

And as for rear, wouldn't the ones for the 1998-2002 Protege fit the MSP as they are shorter?

Correct me if I'm wrong.

k - YOU'RE WRONG!!! :D

the front ones are the same for all 2001+ protege's, so yeah, no problem there. the rear's are LONGER on the mazdaspeed to keep the bar in place.

HARDRACE doesn't have a sway bar endlink application for the 99-00 Proteges yet (which is what I said in that post, right?) which would then allow the MSP to have an application as well (As MSP rear endlink = 99-00 front endlink).

Ah OK! I knew the rear MSP links were the same as an older set. Just forgot which ones I guess, as it's the older fronts.

Haha, don't mind me!

Same here.. because I know the endlinks I got weren't an MSP part number (since MSP-specific part numbers are very obvious) but they were 'the same' as the MSP ones..

precisely why I had to put this stuff in writing so others could use it as a clarified guide of sorts

Good thing somebody has the proper info :D

Updated the first post with some real numbers I just found!

On a related and important sidenote:
Some people who bought the first round of HARDRACE endlinks have completely broken/destroyed their front endlinks already. They measured them, and they're 8.5" rather than the 10.5" they should be!

For anyone getting HARDRACE links, might I recommend just getting OEM endlinks from http://www.mazdamotorsports.com .. I've heard the full set is cheaper than just two from the dealership (actually cheaper than the HARDRACE). I finally registered with mazdamotorsports.. I sent them my race results, got an e-mail back saying that what I provided was sufficient and the account activated.. but I still can't order yet. --therefore not exactly sure of the price.

when you find out, let me know - i'll give you money to get me a set, if they're cheap enough.

oh, and for some MORE information, here are part numbers i pulled from Mazda's parts books [the bracketed numbers are superseded numbers]:

99-00
Front
... B26R-34-170 (-0801)
... LC62-34-170A [LC62-34-170B] (0801-)
Rear
... B26R-28-170 (-8C07)
... BJ0E-28-170 (8C07-0928)
... B30H-28-170 [B30H-28-170B] (0928-0A01)
... B30H-28-170R (0A01-)

01-03
Front
... LC62-34-170A [LC62-34-170B]
Rear
... B30H-28-170B

MP3 / MSP
Front
... LC62-34-170A [LC62-34-170B]
Rear
... B26R-28-170

as you can see, there is some cross over between years and part numbers, so it really depends on what model and year that you have, and whether or not you have an upgraded suspension or not. so, while SOME endlinks will interchange between years, it appears that not all of them will.