Sway Bar Adjustment

[DaveHess]

I read in the issue 48 about the Hellwig 7658 (I think) sway bar mounted under a 3rd Gen. I ordered one and installed it. No problem. Instructions were clear and concise except when it came to the end links. After installing the sway bar to the end links, how far up or down the threaded section of the end link do you go? I am kind of anal on mounting stuff like this so I do measurements. I mounted the axle mounts so that the bottom of the brackets were 12" from the garage floor and there is 1/2" of thread below the bottom nut of the end links on both sides. Can anyone out there tell me if it makes a difference on high up the sway bar is mounted on the end links? My measurements put the sway bar on the end link in such a way so that the polyurethane bushings bulged evenly against their respective washers. In other words not at an angle. In Dave's mind it did not seem to make a difference as the bar will twist no matter where the end of the sway bar lands on the end links. Any thoughts other than I need to seek professional help... ... .....

 

[fkovalski]

I called the mfgr. on this and they said (paraphrased)... : the bar and link should be at a right angle to each other; the link to the chassis is to be at a right angle as well. If these are not at 90^ ,it will put undo stress on the components in a sharp turn. "



There should be enough play in the installation to allow for the proper geometry, even if turning up or down the bushings at the axle housing to get the former relationship correct.



-frank.

 

[SRadke]

I agree with Dave's mind. It's gunna twist no matter the angle so just allow the necessary cleance to other components and set both ends the same height



-Scott.

 

[DaveHess]

Hey Scott and Frank! Thank you both for your inputs. I did find that I was off on the axle mounts from left to right by 1/2" and I'd get a popping noise I did not get before. That's what prompted this post. I corrected that measurement setting them both at 12" from the garage floor to the bottom of the brackets and the popping went away. That 90 degree info is good to know Frank. Thanks for making that call. I wonder why they do not include that info in the instructions. I did go back and look.

 

[SRadke]

Now my question..... What do you think of the product? Does it help in body roll while cornering? Do you haul tall heavy loads? Looking forward to your opinions.



-Scott

 

[fkovalski]

Now my question..... What do you think of the product? ... . -Scott

I think it will help although I have not had a load on it to where it would tell. My truck came with the *not for use with slide- in camper disclaimer* and between the sway bar and taller bump stops I am making my own 'camper package' as I anticipate getting one sometime soon. To me it is BS that a factory sway bar is not included! I think the DC bean counters are telling the engineers that it "does not require" the bar. Hey DC bean counters: SHUT UP AND LET THE ENGINEERS DESIGN THE TRUCK! Just because the chassis is wider does not negate the fact that a sway bar WILL improve handling. (soapbox down. )



I had been considering the sway bar and an awsome deal from a fellow member came along so I jumped at the chance to install it. I had the truck in its stock form for only a short period of time prior to the upgrade, so I cannot remember too much the ride prior.

 

[DaveHess]

Scott: I haven't horsed around with the truck since the sway bar install. It has been icy here so I don't think testing a sway bar would be too bright on my part. I don't carry anything tall so basically I just wanted one. I pull a 30' TT so I am not sure what to expect from the bar while towing that. I guess basically to firm up the truck was it. Installation was pretty straight forward. The bar is awkward to install on the axle as you are try to put everything together and it is a heavy. The other thing was the clamps that go over the frame for the end links are a bear to tighten as they want to move around alot while you tightening the nuts. A lot of patience goes a long way in the install and it took me about two hours.