[BradC]

I just installed a Hellwig rear sway bar on my 2010 1500. I was amazed at the difference in handling. Well worth the money!!

They sell a front sway bar as well which is tempting given how impressed I am with the rear. I'm guessing though that the benefit won't be as much as the rear over stock but I can't seem to find much info on it searching around.

Anyone running an upgraded front sway bar and was it worth it?

Thanks!!

 

[Guest]

Hellwig makes good stuff! That's an excellent choice.

Actually, a nice stiff front sway bar is a huge upgrade. It improves directional stability, will improve the body roll in the front and if you have already done the rear, you have introduced some understeer. The front bar will correct that and make the handling much more neutral with good feedback and instant centering of the steering wheel.

I'd go for the front one too.

 

[FDBDW]

Im interested, how was the install , any pics.
I was always told that your front sway bar needs to be a little bigger
than your rear sway bar , can anyone confirm that

 

[BradC]

Hellwig makes good stuff! That's an excellent choice.

Actually, a nice stiff front sway bar is a huge upgrade. It improves directional stability, will improve the body roll in the front and if you have already done the rear, you have introduced some understeer. The front bar will correct that and make the handling much more neutral with good feedback and instant centering of the steering wheel.

I'd go for the front one too.

Cool, thanks for the reply. That makes perfect sense. I am noticing the front feels a little loose now after I've run it through a few corners. Not bad by any means but compared to how the rear feels now. I think I'll go ahead and do it.

Im interested, how was the install , any pics.
I was always told that your front sway bar needs to be a little bigger
than your rear sway bar , can anyone confirm that

The install could only have been easier if I had been sitting in a chair with a beer watching someone else do it. It was very simple. There are 6 bolts to take out the stock bar and the new one bolts right back in the same place using the same bolts. It probably took me a half an hour or so. I can take a picture when I get a chance but it's basically the same as the stock one only a larger diameter.

You're right that the front one is heavier than the rear.

 

[mc1hd]

Anyone install these on the 2011 1500's ? I would think they would be the same but their only listed for the 09 & 10's.

 

[BradC]

Here are a couple of pictures of the rear sway bar.

The front one is on order so I'll post pics before and after installation when I get it.

 

[fullmonte60]

i just a hellwig 7709 for mine. will i need to pickup end links or do they come with the kit? thanks.

 

[BradC]

You re-use the stock end links and all the bolts. I would be curious to know if replacing the end links would be any better. I'm so impressed with the difference as it is I would be surprised if it did but if anyone knows please chime in.

I got the front bar on this weekend but I did it late at night (was the only time I had to work on it) and completely forgot to take pictures during - DUH!! Sorry if anyone was waiting for them but the install was basically the same as the rear. It was a little harder though mainly because the access space is more limited. You need to turn the wheels in each direction to get to the end link bolts. Plus, the front bar is of course a lot heavier than the rear so getting it up in place is more of a challenge without help. I did it by myself and had to use jack stands to hold it in place. Also the front one is orientation specific at the end links so take note of how the stock one comes out. Bring it straight down and leave it on the floor in the right orientation so you can compare it to the new one. The instructions don't help with that.

The front bar made a nice difference in handling. Not as significant as the rear did from stock but still well worth the investment.

 

[Guest]

Well, did you have a stock rear sway bar?

 

[fullmonte60]

i'll have to call hellwig tomorrow. i sent an email but never heard back. depending on where you read their literature, sometimes it seems like it comes with the end links and sometimes not...lol.

 

[BradC]

Yep, I had a stock rear sway bar. Still a big difference with the new ones.

The 7709 kit was the one I ordered and it only came with the bar, the two rubber bushings, and the new D shaped brackets. The front is 7708 and it came the same way. I did see it other places online for quite a bit more money so who knows if there are other versions with end links...??

 

[fullmonte60]

i s/w with hellwig and they advised the end links are included.

 

[BradC]

Interesting.. the kits I got didn't have them nor did the instructions say they should. Odd they would use the same part number for different kits. Oh well. Let us know what you get if you order them if you don't mind. I'm curious now.

 

[fullmonte60]

i should find out friday according to my tracking #.

 

[fullmonte60]

weren't in there :4-dontknow: have to call hellwig today.

 

[fullmonte60]

s/w hellwig tech support, he told me he really wasn't sure what was in the box, how reassuring. then emailed john at addco. john told me addco is hoping to have a "complete" kit out in about 3 months.

 

[BradC]

That sucks you got the run around with it... sorry to hear.

So, does your truck not have a stock sway bar in the rear (and as such no end links) or were you after upgraded end links? Just curious if you had info that upgrading them over stock helps with handling.

I towed our ~4000lb trailer this weekend for the first time with both sway bars upgraded and it was a nice improvement. Granted it towed pretty well stock but it felt more stable and gave a better sense of control in the curvy mountain roads.

 

[fullmonte60]

no, it didnt come with one. i may have to check out the boneyards to see if i can get a 09 up for cheap.

 

[fullmonte60]

i did find that Moog makes an rear end link kit for 2009 & up (K750396) in their catalog but no luck finding a store that lists that Moog #. I wrote Moog for assistance.

 

[BradC]

Well, good luck with finding some end links. Man, if you don't have one at all now I'm sure you'll be really happy with the difference when you get one on there!!