i was looking at the instructions that came with my new sway bars. it states that i may have to drill a hole in my frame for one the end links that go with the rear sway bar. it says older F150s may require the drilling. anyone have the hotchkis bars on a 00 L?

 

From what I remember. I didn't have to drill on my 99.

 

Don't overthink this one.

Install the bar. Install the end links to the bar. Make the bar level to the ground. Swing the frame end of the links up to the frame.

Is there a hole somewhere near the right spot? If so, use it. If not, drill one.

Do not fuss around with getting the bar perfectly level or the links perfectly vertical. It makes no difference. Just be close.

I have found no better device for frame drilling than a Unibit, but any right-sized bit will do it. The frame drills very easily.

 

well i got the rear bar installed today. good news is that i did not need to drill anything. bad news was that i had to remove the drivers side rear shock. i tried every socket and wrench that i had but in the end i had to remove the shock. i tried to get it as level as i could. installing the front bar in the morning.

 

sounds simple, but remember, level when the truck is on the ground, not on jacks.

--Dan

 

True dat. If you use jackstands on the rear axle, you're good to go.

On the front, you will need to get a jack under one of the control arms and jack it up until it's at ride height. No need to measure the other side, as you won't be able to move the bar anyway.

 

i installed the rear bar with the truck on the ground. bonus of only running hotchkis leaf springs in the rear. the front went very smooth. the nut on the end of the end link was a pain in the a$$ to get started though.