I understand that OEM is sometimes better, but goodness, I just saw this looking for other front-end parts and just wanted to share... is the OEM sway bar link really SO much better than aftermarket? I can replace aftermarket ones nearly 8 times over before equaling ONE LR link. Where does value equation break down here?

 

Depends on the brand. There is OEM/Genuine meaning in a Rover box. Then there is OEM, meaning the same product made for Land Rover but in the manufactures box - like Lemforder. To me those are one in the same, so I always find the OEM maker if I can and go that route. Because some aftermarket stuff is horrible. ÜRO comes to mind, they almost killed a couple Benz owners I know when they put in new driveshaft flex joints and they failed in very short order dropping the shafts. Then you have some that maybe did not make a specific part for Rover but they produce a lot of products, so they generally can be a trusted aftermarket brand. Of course that is not always the case, I installed two AC Delco front sway bar links on my LR3. I still had a clunk only to find one was bad right out of the box, the ball joint had lots of slop. Then about 2 months later I saw the other's rubber boot looked like it was installed for ten years it was cracked so bad.

So personally, with really mission critical stuff I tend to go OEM, not Rover Genuine boxed. Save at least some $$. If its something that can fail without certain death of the passengers and you dont mind replacing more often, then I may go aftermarket. Just my 2 cents.

 

I personally prefer the Meyle Heavy Duty (HD) drop links. They are a better quality and at a great price.
I think this is the part number for their front links... RBM100223HD

 

I grabbed some units on sale at Rock Auto like a year ago and they were basically 10.00 each and the quality was better than the OEM units I took off.

 

Shopping for the extended wheel arches at the moment.

The aliexpress ones look 100% identical to the OEM ones from my local dealer or the great folks at @PowerfulUK at about half the price.

I like OEM but I also like saving money. Half the price almost seems too good to be true but looks like all the accessories (plastic ones at least) are made in China and then badged for OEM cert. These seem identical.

I guess it's no big gamble really. Just wondered if any others had gone this route with accessories.