I did notice a difference when I replaced the OEM with a Helwig on my Expedition, but I'm wondering the same thing you are. Is it worth the bang for the buck, and if so, where should I prioritize it.....
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
You wouldn't think there would be a big difference between the two, but there is. The OEM bar is 24mm while the Hellwig is 30mm. Not much of a difference, right? Wrong! The difference is amazing. Not only is the Hellwig bar bigger but the metal is more rigid meaning it doesn't bend as much. The Hellwig was the best modification I've made to my X, and that includes the Bilstein shocks. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
__________________
2003 Eddie Bauer Excursion (born 8 Apr 03), 6.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel w/8 C95 Fuel Injectors, Oxford White & Arizona Beige, 4x4, 5-spd Torqshift Transmission, 3.73 Rear, Two-tone Tan Leather Interior, Heated Seats, 6CD, Bull Rings, Adjustable pedals, Hellwig Sway Bar, Rancho 9000 Shocks, PSD Badges, Tekonsha Prodigy Brake Controller. McKenzie Starwood 29ft travel trailer.
[b] My Excursion Pics (Updated 30 Dec 03)
Gary,
Excellent question. I had not even considered replacing the stock sway bar. I knew the earlier X's didn't come with a sway bar so the Hellwig install was a no brainer.
I find it interesting that the Hellwig is even noticeable when swapping it out with the stock unit. I'm wonder about the front now.
I know the difference between my 03 X 4x4 which didn't have a rear sway bar and my 04 X 4x4 with a rear sway bar is night and day. It handles much better, especially cornering. If the Helwig can improve a lot over the stock bars then I would consider changing both fron and rear. Thanks for all the responses.
I sent Hellwig an email and asked them if their front unit came with all new Hellwig hardware or reused the existing Ford hardware. No reply. My guess is the former.
No way I'm trading that good Ford hardware for that cheap crappola that Hellwig uses, even for a bigger bar.
I thought it was the 24mm with the towing package or nothing [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
Also I had missed this post about swaping the 30MM for the 24mm sounds like the way to go if you have the 24mm, easy and under $50.00 I had asked a while back if it had been done and if was effortless as I thought it should be, I have my answer now.
Also the Hellwig is 1-1/4" or 31.75mm for those that have to have the absolute largest one available
Bruce
__________________
2005 X PSD Limited Mineral Grey, 4X4 Has Second row bench then Every other factory option available. Under Construction
4x2 Lift Gate Lifts,
Tekonsha Prodigy
Ford 30MM Rear Bar
BridgeStone 285/75-16AT(D range) Revos, Now have a winter and summer set each with a set of wheels!
V Code LF, U Code RF Modified Fs in the rear
Catch All Linners
750 W Inverter
Magnaflow XL System W/ 3.5 DP OE Cat spliced in at 4" inlet and 3-3/4" outlet.
ART Rotors, Performance Friction Pads, Front & Rear
Rancho RSXs on Front and 9000s set at 2 on rear
06 Chrome Package Grill,bumpers and hooks. After an encounter with a Honda, (She got the ticket) 2005 Ex and Specs and Pictures of 2002 X
__________________ 2004 EB Excursion, 4x4, 6.0, everything but step tubes and 2nd row chairs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Isspro Gauges in an under cubby pod, Fumoto sitting on V Codes and Revo 285's.
"Treat me good, I'll treat you better; treat me bad, I'll treat you worse." - Sonny Barger
[ QUOTE ]
The 30MM bar I used came off a 2002 F-350 Crew Cab 7.3 PSD 4X4 off road w/ camper package.
Replaces the 24 MM bar perfectly.
[/ QUOTE ]
I think that is the only combo that gets one, When I bought mine the parts guy refered to it as a "350" bar.
Bruce
__________________
2005 X PSD Limited Mineral Grey, 4X4 Has Second row bench then Every other factory option available. Under Construction
4x2 Lift Gate Lifts,
Tekonsha Prodigy
Ford 30MM Rear Bar
BridgeStone 285/75-16AT(D range) Revos, Now have a winter and summer set each with a set of wheels!
V Code LF, U Code RF Modified Fs in the rear
Catch All Linners
750 W Inverter
Magnaflow XL System W/ 3.5 DP OE Cat spliced in at 4" inlet and 3-3/4" outlet.
ART Rotors, Performance Friction Pads, Front & Rear
Rancho RSXs on Front and 9000s set at 2 on rear
06 Chrome Package Grill,bumpers and hooks. After an encounter with a Honda, (She got the ticket) 2005 Ex and Specs and Pictures of 2002 X
Further on there is more info on a discussion that went on a little to long about the benifits of the Hellwig Vs the Ford 30MM
You will see that the 30mm is almost two and half times as stiff as the 24mm.
__________________
2005 X PSD Limited Mineral Grey, 4X4 Has Second row bench then Every other factory option available. Under Construction
4x2 Lift Gate Lifts,
Tekonsha Prodigy
Ford 30MM Rear Bar
BridgeStone 285/75-16AT(D range) Revos, Now have a winter and summer set each with a set of wheels!
V Code LF, U Code RF Modified Fs in the rear
Catch All Linners
750 W Inverter
Magnaflow XL System W/ 3.5 DP OE Cat spliced in at 4" inlet and 3-3/4" outlet.
ART Rotors, Performance Friction Pads, Front & Rear
Rancho RSXs on Front and 9000s set at 2 on rear
06 Chrome Package Grill,bumpers and hooks. After an encounter with a Honda, (She got the ticket) 2005 Ex and Specs and Pictures of 2002 X
Linear Mode
