sway bar design dynamics

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Oliver Closehauf

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I want to add a rear sway bar. The only ones I can find designed for my truck won't work as designed because it's a diesel, my exhaust is in the way, and I don't want to change it.

Since my rear end is used on Chevy trucks also, I was looking at those options because it seems like it would be a simple mod to just use a bar that extends forward instead of to the rear. However, the bar I was looking at for the Chevy has much shorter "legs" than the Hellwig I was originally thinking about.

Bar diameters are the same, so what would having longer legs provide as far as actual performance and ride quality? Would the shorter legs be stiffer? Would longer legs be more supple over bumps? Will one act more quickly than the other?

Also, anyone know what difference the direction makes? After thinking it through, if I were to just mount the Hellwig bar closer to bottom of the axle on the front side and extend the legs forward, I could probably use that kit as provided, but the Chevy version from another manufacturer looks like it would also bolt right on since their version requires you drill holes in the frame to mount the end link mounts, whereas the Hellwig is a simple bolt on.

I'm looking for less roll, that planted feel in corners, but as little added harshness as possible. I understand I bought what is a tow vehicle and may be trying to square peg a round hole, but that's what these forums are for, right?
 
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Oliver Closehauf

Oliver Closehauf

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I contacted Hellwig and asked them about changing direction. Understanding their kit is not meant to mount this way, if you could do it, it would have no effect on the bar's performance. In other words, the bar doesn't care which way you mount it, effect would be the same.
Now if I was driving through a field of hay, having the legs forward would be a big mess, but on the street, not an issue.
So I'll be doing some measuring and broom stick mock ups to see if it hangs too low or is tucked up enough to get away with.
 

crazykid1994

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Can you post pictures? Your truck is a 2500 Diesel 4wd. I’m surprised it didn’t come with a rear sway bar but than again I guess I’m not. The factory sway bar offered won’t fit? Is it factory exhaust?
 

HemiLonestar

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I contacted Hellwig and asked them about changing direction. Understanding their kit is not meant to mount this way, if you could do it, it would have no effect on the bar's performance. In other words, the bar doesn't care which way you mount it, effect would be the same.
Now if I was driving through a field of hay, having the legs forward would be a big mess, but on the street, not an issue.
So I'll be doing some measuring and broom stick mock ups to see if it hangs too low or is tucked up enough to get away with.
Earlier factory bars and the Belltech I'm using the legs go forward:
Rear sway bar install.jpg
 
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Oliver Closehauf

Oliver Closehauf

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@crazykid1994 As far as I can tell there is no "factory" rear sway bar for a Gen 3 2500. And while a bar for a 1500 would probably work, the rear end may not be set up to accept the mounts and the frame may not be set up for the end links.

My exhaust is not stock and is in the way behind the axel, but in front it's tucked up nicely.

I looked at some bars meant for GM's with the AAM rear axel that face forward. Same axle that's in the 2500, just have to figure out the end link situation and how one with short arms would behave. I'm just guessing that longer arms equate to a more supple ride.

I know this is way off topic but I just read in my owners manual that AAM rear axels DO NOT REQUIRE (that's how its stated in the manual) LSD anti friction modifier. I swear I read exactly the opposite in the service manual.
 

HemiLonestar

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Oliver Closehauf

Oliver Closehauf

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I don't understand why that kit won't work on my 2500. I might need longer end links but everything else looks like it would fit.

Guess I need to email them.
 

Later2u

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I hope you find one that works for you. I have the Hellwig on my '04 4x4 1500. The difference in handling is night and day.
 
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