i have a s5 that needs new joints but there big bucks ... i have a s4 to pull what i need but nut sure what else other than the arm is needed.

 

front control arms?
just swap em and replace whatever is fucked up.......i.e. bushings, ball joint boot

 

what about the swaw bar end links?

 

Those should still match up if you use the bracket from your S5 control arms.

You're probably better off using the S4 sway links with new bushings though, the S5 can snap if you drive it hard.

 

thats just what i needed to know ... thanks

 

IIRC the S5 sway bar with S5 end links and using S4 lower control arms will not work. I had to swap S4 lower control arms onto a S5 car. I left the S5 sway bar on the car and used S4 end links. It's not right as it will put too much torsion on the sway bar. You need the sway bar and end links off the S4 car when you use the S4 lower control arms.

 

Does it like pre-load tension on the bar?

 

Yes, because the links are shorter and the S5 sway bar itself is shorter in length. The front end won't feel quite right. I know from experience.

 

so all i need for sure is s4 swaybar-endlinks and endlink bracket to make s4 control arms work on my s5 ?

 

no, you also need s4 sway bar for it to work properly.