Anyone with a rear Hellwig sway bar?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 923
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From: MO, USA
Anyone with a rear Hellwig sway bar?
I still feel a little uncomfortable taking corners in the beast. Also, I was on the highway behind a semi a while back and I must of been caught in some cross-wind but the whole truck was wobbling back and forth.
I had read that a rear sway bar would help but I also heard that they were prone to making annoying noises. Would shocks be a better choice?
I have read the past threads and wanted to see if anyone new had one of these installed. For $135, I would spend the money to improve the handling.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
I had read that a rear sway bar would help but I also heard that they were prone to making annoying noises. Would shocks be a better choice?
I have read the past threads and wanted to see if anyone new had one of these installed. For $135, I would spend the money to improve the handling.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 509
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From: Corona, CA
kkirt1,
I put front and rear Hellwig bars on. Installation on the front was a breeze. However, I did shorten the links by almost 50% to make the front bar parallel with the ground. I believe the front kit they sent was for a 4X4....so the link length should be just right for yours.
The rear was a bit more challenging in that you be careful to assure enough clearance around the brake hydraulic lines and the right-rear lower shock mount. I mounted the bar above the axle housing with the brackets aiming about 45 degrees up. You cannot install it directly over the top of the axle.
After installing, there was definite improvement. I was able to take freeway transitions about 10-12 mph faster without feeling like the truck was going to roll over.
Also, no problems with noise like some others members have mentioned.
I've got 9300 miles on it now and I will be ordering some Edelbrock IAS shocks for it. The factory shocks started failing around 6000 miles.
One other change I made to the front bar was to replace the hard, flatter-style poly bushings that came with the Hellwig kit with some thicker, more malleable poly bushings. As for the way it rides, it is a little harsher. However, the stock ride was already like a 65 Caddy.
Get a JCWhitney catalog.....they usually have specials going on. I've got two catalogs right now with 10-15% off or no delivery charges. I think I paid around $240 for both.
If you have any other Q's, let me know.
I put front and rear Hellwig bars on. Installation on the front was a breeze. However, I did shorten the links by almost 50% to make the front bar parallel with the ground. I believe the front kit they sent was for a 4X4....so the link length should be just right for yours.
The rear was a bit more challenging in that you be careful to assure enough clearance around the brake hydraulic lines and the right-rear lower shock mount. I mounted the bar above the axle housing with the brackets aiming about 45 degrees up. You cannot install it directly over the top of the axle.
After installing, there was definite improvement. I was able to take freeway transitions about 10-12 mph faster without feeling like the truck was going to roll over.
Also, no problems with noise like some others members have mentioned.
I've got 9300 miles on it now and I will be ordering some Edelbrock IAS shocks for it. The factory shocks started failing around 6000 miles.
One other change I made to the front bar was to replace the hard, flatter-style poly bushings that came with the Hellwig kit with some thicker, more malleable poly bushings. As for the way it rides, it is a little harsher. However, the stock ride was already like a 65 Caddy.
Get a JCWhitney catalog.....they usually have specials going on. I've got two catalogs right now with 10-15% off or no delivery charges. I think I paid around $240 for both.
If you have any other Q's, let me know.
Last edited by Area 52; Sep 20, 2001 at 02:46 AM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 97
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From: Chicopee, MA, USA
Screw Mods
Hey Area 52,
I'm interested in some of the mods you have performed on your Screw. I have the same truck and have added an intake kit, Superchip, Lightning wheels, and 2" rear lower.
1. How is the Gibson exhaust? Cabin drone?
2. Did the Flowmaster Y-collector make a difference?
3. How have you configured the ******* lid w/Yakima Load Warrior basket?
4. What's a WaterWetter?
I'm interested in some of the mods you have performed on your Screw. I have the same truck and have added an intake kit, Superchip, Lightning wheels, and 2" rear lower.
1. How is the Gibson exhaust? Cabin drone?
2. Did the Flowmaster Y-collector make a difference?
3. How have you configured the ******* lid w/Yakima Load Warrior basket?
4. What's a WaterWetter?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: Corona, CA
Hi Dan,
To answer your Q's:
1. How is the Gibson exhaust? Cabin drone?
---No drone at all. (w/no Y-pipe mod)
2. Did the Flowmaster Y-collector make a difference?
----Yes...it opened up the flow better...increasedthe sound of the exhaust to a level of 'ever-so-slight' drone in the cab.
3. How have you configured the ******* lid w/Yakima Load Warrior basket?
----I have the optional extension on this basket, so it is longer...increases surface capacity. I turned the basket sideways; placed it approximately 6 inches from the back window to make sure of no interference when the lid was raised up; aligned the basket then drilled 8, 1/4in holes through the lid; installed with 8 carriage bolts (1/4in) and used the Yakima 1/4in wing nuts on the underside. I'll take a pic of the basket today and send it to you if your address is in your profile. This saved my butt when my son and I went camping in the Sierras last month....there's not quite enough room in the bed for all of our camping gear!
4. What's a WaterWetter?
----It's a product made by Red Line; when added to radiator coolant (new or used antifreeze) it will improve the heat transfer of ethylene and propylene glycol systems. Their claim: "up to 30 degrees cooler". Cost is $8. I felt that for eight bucks it was a worthwhile buy if it helps reduce the temp and possible pinging when it gets hot. Results...no pinging at all this summer.
To answer your Q's:
1. How is the Gibson exhaust? Cabin drone?
---No drone at all. (w/no Y-pipe mod)
2. Did the Flowmaster Y-collector make a difference?
----Yes...it opened up the flow better...increasedthe sound of the exhaust to a level of 'ever-so-slight' drone in the cab.
3. How have you configured the ******* lid w/Yakima Load Warrior basket?
----I have the optional extension on this basket, so it is longer...increases surface capacity. I turned the basket sideways; placed it approximately 6 inches from the back window to make sure of no interference when the lid was raised up; aligned the basket then drilled 8, 1/4in holes through the lid; installed with 8 carriage bolts (1/4in) and used the Yakima 1/4in wing nuts on the underside. I'll take a pic of the basket today and send it to you if your address is in your profile. This saved my butt when my son and I went camping in the Sierras last month....there's not quite enough room in the bed for all of our camping gear!
4. What's a WaterWetter?
----It's a product made by Red Line; when added to radiator coolant (new or used antifreeze) it will improve the heat transfer of ethylene and propylene glycol systems. Their claim: "up to 30 degrees cooler". Cost is $8. I felt that for eight bucks it was a worthwhile buy if it helps reduce the temp and possible pinging when it gets hot. Results...no pinging at all this summer.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 797
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Anyone with a rear Hellwig sway bar?
Hey there guys, I have a 1999 F 150 L look alike and back in 1999 I lowered mine using Ground Force kit and after about 2 weeks I decided the same thing you are asking about, wild ride on the hiway, loose rearend too. I found a HellWig sway bar from J.C. Whitney for under $120 bucks and have never L@@Ked back! It was shipped factory direct and a pain at first to install but once it was on, onlt had to adjust it once and yes there was a few days of binding knocking noises but once it settled in, I love it. Makes the truck hook up so well too! Good Luck!
Brandon in Kansas City..................ShowYa
Hey there guys, I have a 1999 F 150 L look alike and back in 1999 I lowered mine using Ground Force kit and after about 2 weeks I decided the same thing you are asking about, wild ride on the hiway, loose rearend too. I found a HellWig sway bar from J.C. Whitney for under $120 bucks and have never L@@Ked back! It was shipped factory direct and a pain at first to install but once it was on, onlt had to adjust it once and yes there was a few days of binding knocking noises but once it settled in, I love it. Makes the truck hook up so well too! Good Luck!
Brandon in Kansas City..................ShowYa
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: Sac, CA
Kkirt1..
Yes I have it on my 01 SCrew 4x4.
Put it on about 6months ago.
At the time they did not have one for the front?
Defiinitely noticed an improved cornering ability...
And as my name sig implies... I don't take corners slow
Along with the new Toyos Proxes 285's... even more.
Like Area 52... I too will be up grading to ISA performers soon.
I have seen some install it upside down? So as not to hit the brake line.
Heres a pic of mine...
Yes I have it on my 01 SCrew 4x4.
Put it on about 6months ago.
At the time they did not have one for the front?
Defiinitely noticed an improved cornering ability...
And as my name sig implies... I don't take corners slow
Along with the new Toyos Proxes 285's... even more.
Like Area 52... I too will be up grading to ISA performers soon.
I have seen some install it upside down? So as not to hit the brake line.
Heres a pic of mine...
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Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Jasper, GA.
I had a Helwig rear anti-sway bar installed, added
Edelbrock IAS shocks and Michelin LTX MS 265's x 17".
You'll need to play the tire air pressure...... mine's fine
at 32psi (all tires). With these mods you'll think it handles !!
LOL
NordicBastard
Edelbrock IAS shocks and Michelin LTX MS 265's x 17".
You'll need to play the tire air pressure...... mine's fine
at 32psi (all tires). With these mods you'll think it handles !!
LOL
NordicBastard
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, SC USA
Area52:
What is the part number for the swaybars you've ordered (and is your truck a 2WD or 4WD)? I had heard that the front swaybar wouldn't work for the SCrews so I was wondering what you got to work. As for the rear, how tightly does it hug the hoghead? I have the Gibson Dual Sport exhaust and it takes up quite a bit of space between the shock and the rear dif. I have a 2" shackle on my rear end so that might make some difference as to what rear bar I get. I see Hellwig makes different bars for different suspension drops.
-Michael
btwArea 52, thanks for the pics
What is the part number for the swaybars you've ordered (and is your truck a 2WD or 4WD)? I had heard that the front swaybar wouldn't work for the SCrews so I was wondering what you got to work. As for the rear, how tightly does it hug the hoghead? I have the Gibson Dual Sport exhaust and it takes up quite a bit of space between the shock and the rear dif. I have a 2" shackle on my rear end so that might make some difference as to what rear bar I get. I see Hellwig makes different bars for different suspension drops.
-Michael
btwArea 52, thanks for the pics
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: Corona, CA
Hi Fireman,
I have a 2wd 2001 SuperCrew with the limited slip differential.
See an earlier post in which I replied:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=13028
As for modifications, I had to cut down the front links from 6" (which came in the Hellwig kit) to about 2 1/2" or 3". I bought shorter bolts and then cut the link spacers down so the front bar sat parallel instead of angling up (from front to back).
I think the front kit they sent me was probably only for a 4X4 as I think the 6" end links would have been perfect for that ride height.
Regarding the rear, I mounted the bar above and slightly in front of the 3rd member housing. If you look at it from the passenger side, the front part of the bar sets at about 1:30 o'clock. The brackets were mounted just outboard of the lower shock mounts (the bushings ride almost at the 90 degree turn on the bar).
The rear bar arms angle slightly upward toward the front, so I would think that you should not have any problem with angles at your ride height. However, your biggest concern may be with the dual exhaust pipe location. You stated that the pipes run between the shocks and the axle housing. I assume the pipes run above the axle and then sweep out toward the side to allow room to remove your spare? If so, you may have enough clearance.
PS: Go to JCWhitney.com and see if they have any specials going on....sometimes you get free shipping or maybe 10-15% off the purchase (including shipping).
I have a 2wd 2001 SuperCrew with the limited slip differential.
See an earlier post in which I replied:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...threadid=13028
As for modifications, I had to cut down the front links from 6" (which came in the Hellwig kit) to about 2 1/2" or 3". I bought shorter bolts and then cut the link spacers down so the front bar sat parallel instead of angling up (from front to back).
I think the front kit they sent me was probably only for a 4X4 as I think the 6" end links would have been perfect for that ride height.
Regarding the rear, I mounted the bar above and slightly in front of the 3rd member housing. If you look at it from the passenger side, the front part of the bar sets at about 1:30 o'clock. The brackets were mounted just outboard of the lower shock mounts (the bushings ride almost at the 90 degree turn on the bar).
The rear bar arms angle slightly upward toward the front, so I would think that you should not have any problem with angles at your ride height. However, your biggest concern may be with the dual exhaust pipe location. You stated that the pipes run between the shocks and the axle housing. I assume the pipes run above the axle and then sweep out toward the side to allow room to remove your spare? If so, you may have enough clearance.
PS: Go to JCWhitney.com and see if they have any specials going on....sometimes you get free shipping or maybe 10-15% off the purchase (including shipping).