Sway bar - Diesel Forum

Boston · 10-04-2003, 04:49 AM

I apologize for posting this question. I know it has been talked about many times. I did a search anc could not find the information I was looking for. I want to know plan and simple, do I have a sway bar on my truck, if not, should I get one? I am talking one the is mounted on the truck, not the one on the hitch for towing. I do tow some, but I am hoping for better handleing on the truck. Also, if the answer is I should get one, where can I go and how much does it cost? Thanks for your help.

jschira · 10-04-2003, 08:45 AM

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I want to know plan and simple, do I have a sway bar on my truck,

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No. All 7.3's were made before November 2002. Ford (in its infinite wisdom) did not installing rear sway bars until about March 2003. Also, you do not say, but no 4x2 came with the rear bar. You do have a front sway bar.

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if not, should I get one?

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Yes. Definitely.

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Also, if the answer is I should get one, where can I go and how much does it cost?

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Summit Racing or JC Whitney. About $140-$150 + installation.

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Thanks for your help.

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No problem.

Boston · 10-04-2003, 12:43 PM

I have a 4X4 and it was born on November 02. I will have to check to see if I have a front sway bar.

Todd T · 10-06-2003, 11:54 AM

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I have a 4X4 and it was born on November 02. I will have to check to see if I have a front sway bar.

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they all have front sway bars, you are looking for a rear, If you're lookin!

I would say if you are happy with the cornering and sway when changing lanes and such, just leave it alone. NOW... if you looking for your next mod and have $150 burning a hole, then order youself one [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

jdadamsjr · 10-06-2003, 04:49 PM

Boston...
Had an '02 4x2 Ex without the rear sway bar and always felt 'uncomfortable' taking any corner without slowing to what I considered a crawl... and quick 'avoidance' lane changes were always and adventure... even had the mother-in-law HIT her head on the side windw when we hit a dip in the road !

I got the Hellwig... cussed about the horrible instructions, but LOVED the change in the handling of our 4x2 Ex...

The new '03 4x4 we have came with a stock rear sway and it SEEMS much smaller than the hellwig..
but seems to be acceptable thus far....
will probably swap it out after I finish my other 'personalization' efforts...

Bruce1954 · 10-07-2003, 04:14 PM

John Boy

I will offer a quicker cheaper idea that I think will work.
Just replace the Excursion OE bar with a Ford 30mm SD bar.
I used part # F81Z-5A772-AA FOR 55.35 List I paid $43.17 The bar came with new rubber bushings on it so they all fit the same brackets.

That way you will be all Ford factory parts, see my pictures to make sure it will work I think it should, let me know how it looks compared to yours
I would think you could change out the bar only in less than 1/2 hour just 6 bolts and you are done!

For all the parts from dealer I paid $132.61 including tax total but no instructions and had to make the link arms shorter and cut down that big plate on the right shock attachment.

The 30mm is PLENTY of sway control.

Bruce

jdadamsjr · 10-07-2003, 05:00 PM

Thanks and may be worth it...
Don't know the Helwigg size, but it was only $122 or so from JC Whitney...
will have to research the downlinks, etc