Hellwig Front Sway Bar Question

[DanY]

I'm looking to get a Hellwig front swaybar for my 2015 High Country.

 

Can someone with a 2014 service manual tell me the factory torque specs for

the front sway bar link ends?

 

Someday HelmInc will actually publish the 2015 service manual.

 

Thanks.

[Strykers_Inc]

I have the kit but not installed yet.

 

These are the numbers I have but are not confirmed.

 

Hellwig Instruction Manual

--------------------------------------

TORQUE TABLE
BOLT SIZE:

3/8” = 20-30 ft. lbs.

7/16” = 35-45 ft. lbs.

½” = 50-70 ft. lbs.

9/16” = 70-90 ft. lbs.

 

 

GM Data

Stabilizer bar

-------------------------
Link nut = 17

Clamp bolts = 37

 

Can someone verify the GM Specs for us?

 

Ootherwise I will just use the Hellwig specs and and ask for forgiveness later.

[thetruck454]

Honestly I'd fell good with some blue loctite and those tq specs.

[DanY]

Installed the front sway bar yesterday. A bit of a PITA. U clamp hole spacing was too wide to fit. I ended up cross threading one of the bolts, thankfully I have the huge Hanson tap and die set. I needed to grind out the holes quite a bit and pinch one of the brackets together a bit.

 

I' m very happy with the performance of the bar. Feels much better turning into corners. the bar weighs twice as much as the factory bar.

 

If you are installing, I recommend comparing the holes on the new U brackets to the factory brackets before you try using them.

[tsdrumm]

Do you know if there is any more tire clearance when the tires are turned to full lock with the Helleig bar compared to the stock one?

[DanY]

Do you know if there is any more tire clearance when the tires are turned to full lock with the Helleig bar compared to the stock one?

I don't think so. The Hellwig bar appears to be nearly identical shape to the factory bag.

[Strykers_Inc]

Installed the front sway bar yesterday. A bit of a PITA. U clamp hole spacing was too wide to fit. I ended up cross threading one of the bolts, thankfully I have the huge Hanson tap and die set. I needed to grind out the holes quite a bit and pinch one of the brackets together a bit.

 

I' m very happy with the performance of the bar. Feels much better turning into corners. the bar weighs twice as much as the factory bar.

 

If you are installing, I recommend comparing the holes on the new U brackets to the factory brackets before you try using them.

So the question was in reference to torque specs. What did you use?

[DanY]

So the question was in reference to torque specs. What did you use?

I used 25 ft lb for the brackets, Hellwig install spec, and 17 ft lbs dot the end links.

[Strykers_Inc]

I used 25 ft lb for the brackets, Hellwig install spec, and 17 ft lbs dot the end links.

 

Thanks bud!

[Spurshot]

I've had a Helwig front bar installed since last fall. I agree, it's really an improvement on the road. I also have the rear bar that I haven't installed.

[DanY]

I've had a Helwig front bar installed since last fall. I agree, it's really an improvement on the road. I also have the rear bar that I haven't installed.

I installed the rear bar first and wanted the front bar to match.

 

I was a bit worried installing with the 8-speed. I got the 6-speed spacer kit but didn't need it the bar doesn't get close to anything. Spacer kit instructions say it's needed to clear the trans cooler lines.

[RobZ71LM7]

The spacer kit for the front bar wasn't needed on my 2014 6-speed either. I think the spacers may have been needed for GMT-900's. I have both bars and they make a big difference. A 38mm/1.5" bar is the absolute limit to what can used and still use the factory threaded inserts for the D bushings-hence why the metal strap fit was so tight and why they use socket head cap screws.

 

It's very important that the endlinks be tightened evenly side to side. Otherwise, you will preload the bar and the truck will handle differently in right versus left hand turns. Measure the extension of the bolt and make sure they are compressed evenly.