Helwig Install tips... - Diesel Forum

TXMoose · 05-01-2009, 02:59 AM

Hey guys...
I have on order, a whole bunch of front end rebuild parts including ball joints, drag links, ties rods etc...putting tuff country 2.5" spring pack up front with rancho 9000 XL shocks all the way around too...and to top it off, the Helwig rear anti-sway...
Ive done plenty of archive reading and am seeing some differences in the pick up install vs. the excursion install...Im doing this on the Excursion so can anyone verify that there is a difference and what it is so I can prepare for it before the project starts, because you can tell from the parts list, Im gonna be busy and would like to avoid as many SNAFU's as possible.
Thanks in advance folks!
Robb

Hoowasat · 05-02-2009, 08:05 PM

Do an off-vehicle set-up first to ensure you have all the correct fasteners on hand. The biggest gripe I've seen about Hellwig swaybars is the hardware bag is often missing a few pieces. Some found their way into mine a few years back 'cuz I had extra fasteners when I installed a Hellwig on my '01.

BoilermakerSteve · 05-02-2009, 11:00 PM

Hoowasat is right.

The install is straight forward. My parts bag came with course threaded nuts and fine threaded bolts, or maybe it was the other way around. Fortunately, I figured it out on my living room floor, not under the X.

I don't know what is different between the trucks and X's.

The only other hint I would give is to block the shock mounts up to make your life easier when tightening the nuts on the U-bolts. But, since you are replacing the shocks you won't have to worry about that.

Steve

TXMoose · 05-04-2009, 01:33 AM

Thanks guys....I appreciate it....

but, isnt there some difference in the angle or height of the drivers side mount that goes up to the frame? Doesnt that passengers side skid plate on the lower shock mount have to be cut too?

Thanks,
Robb

therabbittree · 05-04-2009, 07:07 AM

kinda off subject..I plan on doing a sway bar install my self.. and I was wondering what that skid plate etc on the pass rear shock mount is for?..I'm about ready to modify it with the hot wrench..
Thanks
deo

BoilermakerSteve · 05-04-2009, 10:37 AM

Hi Robb and deo,

The Hellwig mounts a piece of 1/2" flat bar to the shock mount u-bolts. The flat bar angles up and forward, where the "D" shaped bushings are used to mount the sway bar.

The Hellwig is mounted in front of the axle, above the base of the shock mounts and over the driveshaft. You don't have to modify that large mounting plate on the passenger side.

Robb, IIRC, you have to modify that oversized passenger side shock mounting plate when installing the Ford truck swaybar that mounts behind the axle. Bruce1954 may need to chime in on this one to let you know if I am off base.

Hope this helps, the Helwig in goes pretty easy, if you have all the hardware, maybe 30 minutes if you are taking your time.

Steve

TXMoose · 05-07-2009, 03:21 AM

Steve,

Thanks again...I got the Excursion one that mounts in front and I see where the flat bars bolt onto the shock mounts and the D-rings with the bushings mount to those...that makes sense why there is no plate modification on the Ex version...I did find tho, that the 3" 7/16ths bolts they gave me are fine thread and he corresponding nuts are coarse thread...oh well, the rest looks to be straight fwd tho!

Thanks!

Robb