Anyone using a Hellwig rear sway bar?

[peterro]

I attempted to install my rear sway bar this weekend and didn't get very far. The instructions are really bad. This is an older version of what they currently make. I bought it with other suspension parts from Just Suspension at least 5yr ago. They don't seem to offer this kit anymore. In any case, I expect the kit works, it's just the instructions. If anyone does have this one, I'd like to see some clear pictures of how it's mounted.

Attaching to the rear-end is pretty easy, it's the end link mounts that aren't very clear.

[dodj]

Does the bar mount to the rear or the frame?

[73Chally]

If it's their frame mount, save yourself the hassle and ditch it, and either get an original off Ebay/Tony's, or get a new Firm Feel bar that mounts to the rear end and not the frame.

I had mine for about 2 months and snapped both end links because of the way it mounts.  Their earlier ones mounted with solid bolts instead of end links.  I think at some point they at least changed that, but you still get a better setup with the original.

[Chryco Psycho]

The factory bars is mounted to the frame with links down to the springs , this system works , the Helwig I believe is the opposite , it is carried by the diff & links into the frame rails , , I have seen it rip the mount out of the frame rail & take a chunk of the rail with it , we had one mounted to an A body so it may be different , useless design IMO .

[peterro]

Thanks I appreciate the advice. I think I'm going to get something else at some point. At least now I know.

[wiging19]

The factory bars is mounted to the frame with links down to the springs , this system works , the Helwig I believe is the opposite , it is carried by the diff & links into the frame rails , , I have seen it rip the mount out of the frame rail & take a chunk of the rail with it , we had one mounted to an A body so it may be different , useless design IMO .

That happened to my car.  Had to have the frame peices welded back in and then put in an original setup.

[peterro]

And another good reason not to use this bar.

[73Chally]

Wow! I guess I lucked out by just snapping the end bolts on mine.

[HP2]

They can be made to work, but you need to spread the load on the frame rail attaching point. This definetly means do not use the provided bolts. Weld in plates or brackets to keep things from pulling apart are a requirement. Their provided brackets don't line up too nicely either, so fab work to make things line up correctly may also be in order. So if maintaining originality is a key point, this bar probably won't do it for you.

[dodj]

That happened to my car.  Had to have the frame peices welded back in

Happened to me as well

[wiging19]

Up to the point they ripped out of the frame they made a huge difference in the ride of my convertible.  Which is why I went with the original setup after I fixed my frame.  I bought the originals for about a $130 in the late 90's and it took me a while to find them.  Today I'd get a firm feel setup because it appears to be very close to the original.  Plus I think the bar is a little heavier than the original which isn't a bad thing if you balance it with new bars on the front.  Someone here did a really good article on how you want you supension setup in an ebody a few years ago.  I really appreciated it at the time.

[peterro]

Here's the current update. Just before I posted here, I sent a request off to Hellwig for better instructions. Well today I received an email from someone there that said I should call them. He said they don't make that design anymore and they haven't sold it for 8yr. He said I should email my yr/make/model and an address and they'll replace mine with the current model. Wow! That was great service. I even told him that I had bought it a number of years ago but he said it was no problem.

I suspect they realize all the issues the design has had and they want to replace them for safety (read lawsuit) reasons. Whatever, I'm pretty happy.

Anyone have any experience with the current design?

[wiging19]

 

[Road_Runner]

Here's the current update. Just before I posted here, I sent a request off to Hellwig for better instructions. Well today I received an email from someone there that said I should call them. He said they don't make that design anymore and they haven't sold it for 8yr. He said I should email my yr/make/model and an address and they'll replace mine with the current model. Wow! That was great service. I even told him that I had bought it a number of years ago but he said it was no problem.

I suspect they realize all the issues the design has had and they want to replace them for safety (read lawsuit) reasons. Whatever, I'm pretty happy.

Anyone have any experience with the current design?

Wow!!  That's good customer service!  You're probably right that the threat of law suits makes this an attractive option for them, but still that's a pretty good deal!  I have one of their 1 1/8" front bars to put on and an original rear bar setup,  but I'd be interested to hear your experience with their newer setup as a larger & adjustable bar would be cool to have.

Later, Jim

Later, Jim

[73Chally]

If their current design is still a frame mount, I would take it and sell it as New In the Box, then buy an original one, or Firm Feel with the original rear end mount design.