View Poll Results: Hotckis or Helliwig sway bars

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  • Hotchkis install required no modding of mod

    5 50.00%
  • Hotchkis install with modding required

    1 10.00%
  • Helliwig install required no modding of mod

    3 30.00%
  • Helliwig install with modding required

    1 10.00%
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Thread: Hotchkis or Helliwig sway bars

  1. #1
    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
    Name: stew

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    Lightbulb Hotchkis or Helliwig sway bars

    Just wanting to get a little feed back from members who have either installed on their rides and which one is the eaiest to install. I hate having to mod a mod. I am looking to put something on mine, note that it is at stock factory drop height. Take into consideration whether it just bolted up or whether you had to mod the installation to get it to fit.

  2. #2
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    Did Hellwig on mine, no problems...huge improvement. Highly recommend doing the shock upgrade at the same time (so you won't be huffing/cussing TWICE!!). In case you have not seen this yet:
    http://www.nhtoc.com/vbforum/showthr...hlight=hellwig

  3. #3
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    Name: stew

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    Thanks Krom and I defintely was going to do shock upgrade at same time. Which shoks did ya go with Hotchkis Bilstiens? Where did you get yours from LFP?

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    I wanted to stay close to OEM ride/feel so I picked the 'screw-spec Bilsteins (a lot of guys here favor the L-spec units). Got the shocks locally (San Diego): www.shox.com. I arranged for a pick-up to save on shipping/handling (BTW, make sure you ask them to compress/band the shocks, easier when time to install)

  5. #5
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    Name: stew

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    Nice,

    Thought that they all came banded thanks for the heads up. It is a biotch to put them on when they are uncompressed.

    Pretty good price on those shocks to.

    What is the difference between the Lspecs and the Supercrew? Lspecs stiffer?

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    Installed the Hotchkis on mine. No problems. Installed the Hellwig on my brother's ... piece of junk but works. Subsequently removed the Hellwig and installed the L bar on his. I am also going to install the L bar to mine when I get the time.
    aka LeeRandall - NHTOC #25

  7. #7
    #4954, 12APR01
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    Yes, L-spec units are stiffer. Also consider if you added more drop to your truck (in addition to the 1-in drop by FORD). Mine is dropped 2 extra in in the rear and used SoCal Speedshop shock extenders to regain/maintain shock travel length:
    http://www.nhtoc.com/vbforum/showthr...shock+extender

  8. #8
    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
    Name: stew

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    02 H-D why going to Lightning sway? instead of Hotchkis? Thought that I saw some threads a little while ago that you needed to do some break line modding to get it to work.

    Break, Break

    Krom,

    I will keep my factory drop, now just to decide on L-SPEC or SCREW SPEC.

  9. #9
    #4954, 12APR01
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    I actually spoke to one of the engineers at Bilstein (Miramar) and after asking me a few questions about my intended use of the truck, handling/ride preferences, etc.: he recommended the 'screw-spec units.

    I have a hunch you will go for the L units!!! :bo:

  10. #10
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    Well, I am trying to stay away from going all out with a TVS. I guess that since I intend to leave it stock drop height that I will go with replacing front sway and adding rear sway and go with the Screw Spec shocks.

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    Brake line mod is necessary on the Hotchkis too; kit includes a spacer for vent tube.

  12. #12
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    Thumbs up

    Full on Hotchkis TVS with Hotchkis/Bilseitn shocks. One word Incredeble. 1.5" drop F 2.5" drop R
    IN MEMORY OF
    Blake (Fuzion) Finnel 12-3-1986 - 08-11-2007
    NHTOC #120

  13. #13
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    I know I know tryin to resist the urge Dblg AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHGGGGGGGG.!

    Thanks for the info Suds!!!

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    cant run hotchkis in the rear only. Have to at least run front & rear.

    No offense to Lee or anyone who had install issues with th Helwig, but I did mine on the ground in my driveway in under an hour. A couple notes on the helwig, when you get the bar, take the shortest set of end link bolts included, go get 2 more the same size approx 1-1.5" shorter, just in case. I ahve done 3 helwigs now & have needed shorter links on 2 (both were lowered).

    For my taste the finish on the helwig is the only real dissapointment. If you get one have it stripped & powdercoated.

    The L-Spec bar I am told will work, but some report exhaust clearance issues since it mounts facing rearward.

    If you have or plan on side exit exhaust.. that wont be a factor.

    Bottom line... put a rear bar on their with some L-spec Bilstiens & you will be shocked at the ride quality & handling improvement.

    Rob W.

  15. #15
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    yep, finish on the helwig is crap. i used my belt sander and sanded the finish off, sent it to crockett, and he had it powdercoated red for me.
    Install isn't too bad. by yourself its a pain to try and get the bar in place and bolt it all up. if you plan on lowering too, lower it AFTER the swaybar, it'll save you tons of work. same with shock install.
    the ideal way to do it all at once....take stock shocks off, put swaybar in, new shocks on, then lower the rear. that'll get rid of 90% of the headache of installing the bar..and a 2nd set of hands helps too
    HUGE improvement!

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