Mr. Canadian Jamie,
Not one has more miles with Walker links than I do so let me give you the low down. First off anytime you spend money on something you want to get your money's worth, I can understand that. Because this is a relatively new product there aren't many in the field yet but we ( I work for WER) have been demoing them at the last few rally's and events we have attended looking for unbiased opinions. So far we have had nothing but positive feedback. I'm sure you are saying to yourself, sure but he wouldn't tell me if there were negative comments. Actually, I would.
The only negative I originally thought of for these was they weigh slightly more than the stock solid links. This is true, however when I replaced a set of adjustable aftermarket links on a customers car the other day I was surprised that the billet adjustable links ( I won't name the brand) were actually heavier than the Walker Links.
Your stock links by design actually store energy in the rubber bushings as they cycle though the travel and tend to load and unload at sporadic rates and that is one reason why these SXS vehicles sometime feel vague or unsettled in the corners. This problem can be fixed but using a heim Joint like most aftermarket links.
What you don't get with any solid link is the initial free movement that the Walker Links provide. So, better shock action (regardless of the brand or type of shock) at initial movement but it retains a solid feel in the corners. It actually improved traction in the corners. When your outside tire is loaded and you hit a bump with the inside tire a solid link will upset the car by making the opposite shock react to a bump it did not hit. With the Walker Links the inside un-weighted tire can float over bumps without effecting the loaded tire.
As far as your worry about body lean or a loose "no sway bar fell" I think you will be surprised by the actual improvement in feel these provide. I'm not sure if you have a Turbo or not but if not then you already have lean because of no front sway bar. If you do have a Turbo you will want Walker Links on the front once you feel the improvement from the rear. (fronts are in development now)
You want a better wash board feel, better articulation and a controlled feel with better traction when cornering. My guess is you will love these.
For the record, the Walker link in the top picture is a prototype and had a threaded body. The production unit will be a hard clear smooth body similar to the bottom picture.
I am here to help you understand and if you want to talk in person please email me at
[email protected] and I would be happy to chat more.
Happy trails!