Rear anti-sway bar install

[GJolicoeur]

I just purchased an Addco #2209 rear anti-sway bar for my 04. 5, 3500 4X4.



I can't seem to find a way to make it bolt up. The instructions have no pictures and a careful read does not shed much light on the installation.



Anyone have any experience with this?



I had one (OEM) on my '97 and miss it when I'm towing my 27' travel trailer. The trailer rocks the back end of the truck when there are side winds. Never had that problem on the '97.

 

[JLehman]

Hi just did search for sway bar and here you are Did u get this installed and if so how does it work??? Need so help with the same problem ha,ha

 

[GJolicoeur]

I spoke to the guys at Addco. Apparently, the setup was engineered based on the 1500 axle. Needless to say, it doesn't match the 3500 setup (mine) and probably yours also. To make it work with mine, I'd have to get some metal pads that the 1500 axle uses and get them welded onto the axle tubes. Then I could attach the plates that hold the sway bar.



The other problem is that the bar is farther away from the frame than the 1500 application. One would need to get longer attachment bolts (probably about a foot long) rather than the 8" ones I got in the kit.



The fellow at Addco said he'd be glad to send me some. I'm still thinking about sending it back and getting a Hellwig or one of the other units that are specifically engineered for these trucks.



There are other issues as well. For instance, if you mounted it so it went backwards, the exhaust is in the way. If you mount it going forward, you're drilling into the frame at a point that's more of a concern (as opposed to a foot behind the rear axle). The other 2 applications I've seen both use u-bolts around the frame to mount the bar - better than drilling.



Probably the money I saved buying this unit, I'd just spend on getting parts welded on to make it fit. Siggghhhhh,...