Need help with Hellwig install>>> - Diesel Forum

CobraMike · 09-19-2003, 10:13 PM

Either I am a complete idiot (which some will agree) or the parts they sent me suck. I cannot for the life of me install the circular bushings in the link bars. Is there a certain way to do this?

I also got screwed another way. One of the U-bolts was bent and I had to beat the hell out of it to get it back through the shock mount.

Someone please help me.....thanks. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

jschira · 09-20-2003, 12:04 AM

It has been a couple of months since I did mine, but isn't there a lip around one side of the bushing? Don't try to put the bushing in lip first, it won't fit.

You can also grease them to help them slide in.

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. They should just slide in. Tough, but not impossible.

jdadamsjr · 09-20-2003, 04:12 AM

NO, you're not an idiot...
I recall - it was a serious PITA...
Actually took longer for that than the rest of the install !

Thank goodnes I was looking over it the night before and decided I'd go ahead and do "this little thing" that night so I'd be ready to tackle the tough stuff under the truck the next day....

Well, took me an hour, about 800 cuss words, about a pound of axle grease and a MESS to get them in....
I know they have to be tight, but darn !/!

What I ended up doing was:
coat the INSIDE of the metal link with grease,
coat the leading edge of the bushing with grease,
tilt the bushing a bit,
push it in at that little angle as far as it would go
used a LARGE pair of channel locks
with washers around it to protect the bushing
SQUEEZED them in...

Took a specific format for my mouth...
(Held my mouth just right!)
but it worked...

(ON edit - And YES, the instructions and parts they send are pitiful)

CobraMike · 09-20-2003, 08:58 AM

Thanks guys.

JohnBoyToo - I understand exactly what you are saying. It didn't take too terribly long to get to that point in the install and then I hit a brick wall. Thanks for the advice. I also notice you too use the mouth forming technique. It also helps if you stick your tongue out a little! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Thanks!!!!!!!!

Guardrail · 09-20-2003, 10:05 AM

Trying going to this link www.eurekaboy.com/f250/heilwig.htm it has good pictures of an install. I'm saving if for the day when I get to put one on.

jdadamsjr · 09-20-2003, 03:43 PM

Ha, I tried the tongue, but kept biting down - NOT a pretty sight!

Eurekaboy HAS some great toys installed on his...
LOT's of well documented articles on it all...

Wish I had that kind of patience!
I'm more of the bit it to fit, paint it to match type...
and if it doesn't the first time - somebody ELSE gets paid to do it!

CobraMike · 09-22-2003, 01:56 PM

Well, thanks guys for the help. I have a habit of being too easy with parts sometimes for fear of breaking them and being screwed. I just went out there, greased them up real good, and forced the mothers in. After that install went very smooth. Took her out for a spin and all I can say is DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is by far the most apparent driving mod I have ever made on any vehicle. Complete night and day difference. Thanks for the help.

jdadamsjr · 09-22-2003, 03:34 PM

Does make a remarkable difference doesn't it !?!

Still not a sports car, but MUCH better !

jschira · 09-22-2003, 05:08 PM

I was unimpressed with any improvement until I looked at the speedometer and realized that I was going around curves about 20 mph faster than before. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

jdadamsjr · 09-22-2003, 06:04 PM

Yeah - OOPS !
But, But, But... Officer.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]