Making the rear drop links suitable for fit. Created a 17mm hex from the boot/bearing surface and reduced the bolt length, since the deflector prevents use of a spanner and the extra length blocks a socket.

Hi

did you buy Lemforder ones, as there OE suppllier, most other after market ones barely last 12 months before the rubber starts to perish.

I don't think it matters, what is important is an adequate grease pack. Contact with grease will extend the life of the rubber boot. The ball joint seal can be removed by using small cable ties on the wire wrap-around.

@JustBadly - totally unrelated but which circuit is the LMP1 Toyota racing at in your profile piccy?

Ummmm it's Trial Mountain on GT4. I realised I was lifting the right side of the car in the kerb so I thought it would make a good picture. I haven't really driven a Toyota GT-one (much humiliation).

Solid work mate, grinding that hex flat and trimming the bolt length is the right call since the deflector makes it impossible to swing a wrench in there otherwise. Definitely go with Lemforder or another OE supplier for the drop links themselves, because budget ones typically start cracking at the boots within a year and you'll be back in the same spot.