Hellwig sway bar

[Red Ramrod]

Just thought I would inform anyone interested that Hellwig is now making a rear sway bar for the 03 Dodge - part #7658. I ordered mine from Mike at macsprings (just enter the part # 7658). It was $151. 80 with free shipping - a lot better price than the IPD sway bar. Mike mentioned due to steel prices going up the price would be going up about 20% in April as a result of Hellwig raising their prices. I ordered about 3 weeks ago and finally got around to installing this weekend. Would be easy to install if you do not have a superhitch. The superhitch interfers a little with the brackets and some modification was required. With a stock truck it would be a easy install probably just over an hour. Handling is much better in the tight corners. It may be a while before I get a chance to try with the big slide in camper.

 

[Bertram65]

Good info, I have been waiting for them to come out with one for the 3rd gen trucks. How does it attach to the axle and the frame? I looked at your pics, looks like maybe U bolts for the axle?

 

[Buzzer]

Thanks for the info. Just ordered one from mac.

 

[Red Ramrod]

I added a few more pictures in my suspension gallery .



The lower brackets use a U-bolt that goes around the axle.



The Upper mounts go to the bottom of the frame rail just behind the spare tire crossmember. A U-bolt goes over the frame rail and attaches to this bracket.



Everything is bolt on - no drilling required. Pretty easy to install.

 

[GWDiesel]

Sway Bar

Thank you for the Info. I ordered one to day. GWD

 

[Bertram65]

Thanks.

 

[RonWeiss]

Thanks for the install update and pic's. Let me know how it changes your handling when you get the slider on. I have a 2,000lb slide in camper and I'm debating if it's worth it or not.



Thanks



Ron W.

 

[ramtifosi]

Thanks for the info, I ordered one today! Also ordered replacement air bags for my MH.

 

[Red Ramrod]

Ron,



The sway bar helped quite a bit with the camper. We put about 500 miles on with the camper last week. With the camper loaded, before adding the sway bar we were taking corners at 0 to +5 mph over the posted speeds and now with the bar at +5 to +10 mph over the posted speeds. Our camper weighs considerably more than yours (5600lbs loaded) so I think you would notice a lot of difference. We notice a tremendous difference unloaded. The wife says she needs a 5pt harness now as the truck pulls hard in the corners- lol. All the fuel you save by not slowing down for corners will be spent in additional tire wear.

 

[geusterman]

Hey Red Ramrod... notice any decrease in empty ride quality with the sway bar? When the rear hits a bump? George

 

[Red Ramrod]

I did not notice any decrease in ride quality. The adjustable Ranchos help a lot in the ride department though. I leave the rear shocks set to 1 when unloaded. Now I get a soft ride yet it is still very aggressive in the corners.

 

[RonWeiss]

Red Ramrod



Thanks for the report on the sway bar install... Looks like it's on my wish list for sure, besides 5" exhaust, chip, tires, gauges etc... .





Ron W.

 

[Gypsyman]

Is that passenger side mount really as close as it looks to the tailpipe? Curious as to whether or not it would clear the DPP system that I have.



Just another reason to go with stacks!!!

 

[GWDiesel]

EX.clearance

I had to remove my 5" ex. and go back to the stock EX. for now , to clear the spare tire and the EX. with the 4" EX. there is plenty of room,IMHO. GWD

 

[Gypsyman]

Thanks for the info. Stacks will cure that problem for me.

 

[Red Ramrod]

Yes, as GWD stated - with the stock exhaust thier is room. I measured the clearance at just over 1". You are correct that it may not clear on a aftermarket exhaust - good point.

 

[ramtifosi]

I installed the Hellwig bar about a week ago and yesterday installed a HOG Performance SS 4" system, they contact each other, later today I am going to try and tweak the bar mounts to try and establish some clearence. It is not like they run into each other, but they do rub on each other.

 

[GWDiesel]

SS EX.4"

MR. Ramtifosi,If you can modify the sway bar mount with out to much trouble,let us know. That is the plan I have,SS4"EX. instead

of the 5" EX. To clear the bracket. GWD

 

[ramtifosi]

GWD,

I shifted the sway bar for about 1/2" clearance but that will not likely give clearance over the full suspension travel. I'm leaving on a 1500 mile run in the morning so I'll see how it works and address the issue when I return. The angles on the pipe vary from brand to brand, so some other brands may not have the problem. I am very pleased wit h the construction and tone of the HOG system with the Augmenter muffler and 6" tip, so I will find a work around. Keep you posted.

Charlie

 

[GWDiesel]

Reply

Charlie, Have A nice trip,Thanks for the reply. Jerry