Installation notes on FRONT Hellwig swaybar

Dan_d_glassman · 03-22-2003, 01:47 PM

Well, just completed the front sway bar and while easier to install than the rear bar, it is not truely "bolt on." Don't get concerned yet... if you have a hacksaw or SawsAll and some elbow grease I'll step you through the rest.

Main problem I had (stock front end ride height) was that the new bar is larger in diameter than the old and rubs the steering arms when you turn the wheel left or right. This was when I installed the bar using the stock end-links. I could see that the bar was basically too low at the ends of the bar and needed to be raised.

Fortunately the kit comes with longer bolts and metal spacer tubes (eventhough your not supposed to need them

) The metal spacer tubes need to be shortened with a saw by 1-1/2". Using this new spacer and the longer bolt, assemble the end-link by using two of the stock "acorn" bushings for the connection to the lower A-arm. Then place the shortened spacer on, then one of the poly bushings (with washer) from the kit. Slip the end of the bar over the bolt and then another poly bushing (with washer) and a nut.

I'll try to snap some pics and post.

Other helpful tips:
1. Place frame of truck on jack stands, remove both front wheels.
2. Place a floor jack under the stock front sway bar and raise it until it just touches. This will keep it from falling after you remove the four frame bolts that hold it to the truck.
3. Before tightening everything down turn the wheels all the way left and right to check for clearance issues.

Dan_d_glassman · 03-30-2003, 09:40 AM

As promised - here's some pics. Note - with this "frank-en-d-link" I created I do now have a front end clunk. I'll be back under the truck sometime to aleviate it.

Dan_d_glassman · 03-30-2003, 09:41 AM

Dan_d_glassman · 03-30-2003, 09:43 AM

side-by-side comparison

Richo · 03-30-2003, 07:21 PM

SOOOO Dan, How does the truck handle???? Thanks...

Nevermind, I read your other post!

03-22-2003, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dan_d_glassman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NC Posts: 465 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	Installation notes on FRONT Hellwig swaybar Well, just completed the front sway bar and while easier to install than the rear bar, it is not truely "bolt on." Don't get concerned yet... if you have a hacksaw or SawsAll and some elbow grease I'll step you through the rest. Main problem I had (stock front end ride height) was that the new bar is larger in diameter than the old and rubs the steering arms when you turn the wheel left or right. This was when I installed the bar using the stock end-links. I could see that the bar was basically too low at the ends of the bar and needed to be raised. Fortunately the kit comes with longer bolts and metal spacer tubes (eventhough your not supposed to need them ) The metal spacer tubes need to be shortened with a saw by 1-1/2". Using this new spacer and the longer bolt, assemble the end-link by using two of the stock "acorn" bushings for the connection to the lower A-arm. Then place the shortened spacer on, then one of the poly bushings (with washer) from the kit. Slip the end of the bar over the bolt and then another poly bushing (with washer) and a nut. I'll try to snap some pics and post. Other helpful tips: 1. Place frame of truck on jack stands, remove both front wheels. 2. Place a floor jack under the stock front sway bar and raise it until it just touches. This will keep it from falling after you remove the four frame bolts that hold it to the truck. 3. Before tightening everything down turn the wheels all the way left and right to check for clearance issues. __________________ NHTOC # 68 2002 DSG FTVB & deep pan - awesome! Front and Rear Hellwig swaybars, bilstein shocks, Denso IT20, Column pod w/ Autometer ultra-lite boost gauge, K&N panel, Retrax tonneau, slotted/dimpled rotors & Hawk HPS pads, LFP e-fan, LFP heat exchanger, 170° Stant t-stat Last edited by Dan_d_glassman; 03-22-2003 at 01:50 PM..

03-30-2003, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
Richo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 683 View this user's gallery iTrader: 0 / 0%	SOOOO Dan, How does the truck handle???? Thanks... Nevermind, I read your other post! __________________ NHTOC # 21 2003 10th Annv Torch Red Convertible Cobra Predator/Runnin With The Devil Billetflow 2.76, idler and 4 Pulley Kit LFP Ported Blower LFP Heat Exchanger K&N FIPK LFP Brisk Plugs Bassani Catback/Catted X-Pipe LFP/Kirban Shifter MGW Shifter Handle 470HP 481.5tq new KB numbers soon Last edited by Richo; 03-31-2003 at 09:28 AM..

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