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Truck Sway Bars - OEM, Helwig, Roadmaster. etc, How Big is Enough?
FYI, polyurethane bushings squeak. If you ordered rubber, just assemble and you are good to go. But if poly, make sure you use poly grease where the bushing goes around the bar.
Scott how do you tell if the grease is comparable with the poly bushings? I think poly is what Ford is using, but now that you mention it Ill find out.. I'm not even sure I can tell the difference between rubber and poly. I have Lucas Red&Tacky grease on hand..
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
I'm not even sure I can tell the difference between rubber and poly.
Keith
Rubber will feel like..well..rubber. Poly will feel very solid like a roller blade wheel..sort of.
If they are poly, Ford will probably supply a bit of grease with the bushings.
2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
2021 303RLS
Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too...
either way use di electric grease on the bushings. the di electric grease is a silicone based grease that does not was out easily.
Also most rubber bushings are matte finished and feel tacky even if shiny. Poly on the other hand is usually high gloss and feels like it's oiled at all times.
Joseph
Tow Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
South of Houston Texas
Jlawles2Scott'n'Wendy
Thanks for the clarification on how to tell and what grease to use. I have some dielectric on hand.. Fords description of the bushings is that they are urethane -at least for replacement ones..
Got an email yesterday that everything has shipped
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
Everything has arrived
I did find this install video that gives detailed instruction on what goes where and his install process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t04zl_2RLyA
The only difference in the parts list is the nuts to fit the link bolts. His part number is W520214--S440 (flange hex nut) I ordered W707492-S439 which has a wider flange on the hex hut.
If I find more install videos I will edit this post.
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
Update - All of the parts fit perfectly. Install was easy. First read through the link I attached as some of the photos are better.
First everything got the LocTite on it, Some of the bolts already had a coating,, but not the nuts.
Step one install the capture nuts and then the link plate - they went in much easier than I thought the would.
All this goes together without much trouble. However on the drivers side install the link rod to the bracket before tightening as the fuel/def tanks don't leave much room to get the top in with the bracket snugged up.. Note the link bolt faces out . My impact gun on setting 1 made quick work of the bracket bolts, but I had to use a combination wrench on the link nut - probably the toughest part of the install
Once you have both link rods in place slide the sway bar in and bolt it up to the shock mounts. I did use one bolt to chase the threads out. Slid the link ends into the bar first and swing in place. It was a bit tough holding the bar up and getting the bracket bolts to thread properly. I did not grease the bushings -they appeared to be greased during assembly and the bushing rotated freely (very stiff) to align the bushings in the sockets - rounded side towards axle and square side in the bracket.
Last step is to install the nuts on the link arms.
I have not done a test drive yet but will soon.
Next project tomorrow, the dash camera.
Questions?
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
Curious how much difference it makes. My truck also does not have a factory rear bar. But, I haven't really figured I need one. Post up a review after towing for a while?
2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
2021 303RLS
Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too...
Curious how much difference it makes. My truck also does not have a factory rear bar. But, I haven't really figured I need one. Post up a review after towing for a while?
Will do I have always had them on my tow vehicles and missed it without one. I will be curious how much of the side rolling it takes out - especially with stiff cross winds
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
Will do I have always had them on my tow vehicles and missed it without one. I will be curious how much of the side rolling it takes out - especially with stiff cross winds
Keith
What size diameter is that OEM sway bar? Can't tell from the pics but it looks much smaller than the Hellwig that I just installed.
40-year Camping Enthusiast
2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity
What size diameter is that OEM sway bar? Can't tell from the pics but it looks much smaller than the Hellwig that I just installed.
Yes it is smaller. I know the numbers are out there if you do a search.I thing what I have is
0,8 and the Helwig is 1" otr1.25" iF I remember correctly.. However it also depends on the steel used. I was surprised in the install of the weight and the close tolerances on the OEM bolts and nuts. Once installed they are not going anywhere. The old adage of go big or go home is not quite true of sway bars. You can go too big. As the OEM bars have done well in the past for me I decided to go that way first. If it does not work I can order just the bar from Helwig and install with what I just did.
ON a positive note to our Northern friends most of the components, including the sway bar and links are " Made In Canada"
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
ON a positive note to our Northern friends most of the components, including the sway bar and links are " Made In Canada"
Keith
I always like seeing Made in Canada or Made in USA on stuff I buy. Often very hard to find.
The goofy thing about North American economies is that it would probably cost me more to buy that kit here than to buy it online from an American store and have it shipped back here from the States.
2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
2021 303RLS
Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too...
While not with the trailer I have about 1500 lbs of stuff in the bed. I like the ride. The sway bar takes a lot of the side to side rocking out and reduces wander on washboard gravel roads. I really like the difference.
Keith
2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.
I always like seeing Made in Canada or Made in USA on stuff I buy. Often very hard to find.
The goofy thing about North American economies is that it would probably cost me more to buy that kit here than to buy it online from an American store and have it shipped back here from the States.
LOL! I try to stock up on “made in USA” parts when in Florida. This winter, I specifically bought Timken bearings while in the US. When they arrived, I checked the source . . . Made in Canada . Now I am wondering if that is really true or Chinese knock offs.
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