Hellwig Worth It?

ralphnjoann wrote:
Thank you for all of your information. I replaced the front bushings at the same time I replaced the rear. I've also added the larger rubber stops, I don't remember the name, that come in contact with the helper springs when loaded. And speaking of springs, could that be the problem?

I'm assuming the rocking problem is unloaded? Or is is when you are loaded?

If its when you are unloaded, the the super-swaystops are the problem. The increase roll-stiffness dramatically (that's why they are so great for campers). If you like the sway-stops, then your best solution is increasing the diameter of the front sway bar. You could also try removing either the sway-stops, or the rear sway bar, to verify the issue.

carringb wrote:

ralphnjoann wrote:
The truck has the trailer package which includes helper springs. I've added air bags and polyurethane bushings, but I still get a lot of rocking around, especially when I'm turning while pulling out of a driveway. I thought maybe the original sway bar might have weakened some with age, or that the Hellwig, given its sterling reputation, might be of substantially better stiffness in spite of its smaller size. Also, I've tried more and less air in the airbags, but I haven't noticed much difference.

Sway bars are only loaded during cornering, so they don't really fatigue. Material of the Hellwig and stock is pretty similar.

You "rocking" sensation actually makes me suspicious you are experiencing the same thing I was when I first installed my 1.5" rear Hellwig bar. It was so stiff compared to the front, the van was basically "locked" (roll-wise) to the rear axle. Turning out of driveways would slam my head against the window!

My problem was the front sway-bar wasn't doing anything anymore because its bushing were shot. Once I fixed that, it was pretty well balanced. Have you looked into the condition of your front-end?

Thank you for all of your information. I replaced the front bushings at the same time I replaced the rear. I've also added the larger rubber stops, I don't remember the name, that come in contact with the helper springs when loaded. And speaking of springs, could that be the problem?

ralphnjoann wrote:
The truck has the trailer package which includes helper springs. I've added air bags and polyurethane bushings, but I still get a lot of rocking around, especially when I'm turning while pulling out of a driveway. I thought maybe the original sway bar might have weakened some with age, or that the Hellwig, given its sterling reputation, might be of substantially better stiffness in spite of its smaller size. Also, I've tried more and less air in the airbags, but I haven't noticed much difference.

Sway bars are only loaded during cornering, so they don't really fatigue. Material of the Hellwig and stock is pretty similar.

You "rocking" sensation actually makes me suspicious you are experiencing the same thing I was when I first installed my 1.5" rear Hellwig bar. It was so stiff compared to the front, the van was basically "locked" (roll-wise) to the rear axle. Turning out of driveways would slam my head against the window!

My problem was the front sway-bar wasn't doing anything anymore because its bushing were shot. Once I fixed that, it was pretty well balanced. Have you looked into the condition of your front-end?

I put a rear bar on, and replaced the front with a larger one. Factory only has a front bar. With the air suspension out back and firestone air shocks up front it tended to roll a lot in turns, now my butt slides across the seat before the body leans in turns.

carringb wrote:
You will lose roll stiffness. Why do you want to switch?

The only advantage would be the truck will be even less likely to over-steer with the smaller sway-bar, and maybe a better ride on some surfaces.

The truck has the trailer package which includes helper springs. I've added air bags and polyurethane bushings, but I still get a lot of rocking around, especially when I'm turning while pulling out of a driveway. I thought maybe the original sway bar might have weakened some with age, or that the Hellwig, given its sterling reputation, might be of substantially better stiffness in spite of its smaller size. Also, I've tried more and less air in the airbags, but I haven't noticed much difference.

You will lose roll stiffness. Why do you want to switch?

The only advantage would be the truck will be even less likely to over-steer with the smaller sway-bar, and maybe a better ride on some surfaces.