Rear Sway bar? Is it worth it? Noticeable difference ?
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 272
Likes: 23
Rear Sway bar? Is it worth it? Noticeable difference ?
2017 f250 CCSB XLT, 6.2, 4x4, Fx4, snow plow prep.
75% of my millage is city.
Moderate towing, but usually small ATV trailer, small boats/jet ski, load of firewood, small camper (under 6k lbs)
would I notice a difference with a rear sway bar? Is it worth the money? If so do I go with the OEM Ford or aftermarket?
75% of my millage is city.
Moderate towing, but usually small ATV trailer, small boats/jet ski, load of firewood, small camper (under 6k lbs)
would I notice a difference with a rear sway bar? Is it worth the money? If so do I go with the OEM Ford or aftermarket?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 902
Likes: 51
From: Clark, WY
I had the same question when I was waiting on my truck. My verdict, after using it, is that the rear sway bar is not needed except if you have a large load with a high center of gravity i.e. cab over camper.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-needed.html
Edit: just saw you have the F250, lighter rear springs........apples and oranges here.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-needed.html
Edit: just saw you have the F250, lighter rear springs........apples and oranges here.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
I replaced my front anti-swaybar and added a rear anti-swaybar on my F250, both Hellwig Big Wig bars. Installed the front one first and went for a test drive. Very noticeable difference swapping out the OEM front bar for the Hellwig. Then I installed the rear bar. Noticeable difference in that it helped the truck corner flatter, but not as big a difference as the front bar provided. Still, I'm glad I got both because it now corners much better than stock. The OEM rear bar is sort of wimpy in comparison to the Hellwig Big Wig (OEM is smaller diameter).
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 682
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From: SF Bay Area
My truck will only see a little snow and an occasional muddy road.
I opted for a BigWig in the rear as my 20” wheels preclude the camper pkg.
I’m real happy with it. Feels like it’s on rails. Makes windy roads fun.
I opted for a BigWig in the rear as my 20” wheels preclude the camper pkg.
I’m real happy with it. Feels like it’s on rails. Makes windy roads fun.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 8
From: Tomball, Tx
I find it completely necessary - it really doesn't affect the ride - but it does keep the truck flat in the turns....a LOT less body roll.
I drive in fields a bit here and there and have not had any issue....im not 4 wheeling with it but even if I were - I could disconnect ti very easily by pulling 2 bolts and zip tying the bar and drop links out of the way.
I went with the ADJUSTABLE Big Wig Bar from Hellwig!
I drive in fields a bit here and there and have not had any issue....im not 4 wheeling with it but even if I were - I could disconnect ti very easily by pulling 2 bolts and zip tying the bar and drop links out of the way.
I went with the ADJUSTABLE Big Wig Bar from Hellwig!
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
I have noticed that each truck I have driven with the rear sway bar (camper package) rides considerably worse and has worse bump steer on imperfect roads.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2018
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Can you disconnect it for offroad riding?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 566
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From: Florence SC
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 255
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
haha I just saw you replied before me...same thing I wrote!
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 449
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The point of a sway bar is to reduce body roll. In doing so it ties the sides together. By doing so when you hit bumps the suspension will not be as compliant as it is going to see some resistance from the opposite side due to the linking of the sway bar. Sway bars work very well at what they are designed to do. They help in cornering and keeping your vehicle flat with body roll. With any suspension change there is also another side...that is ride quality. I have driven dozens of 17+ super duty trucks...trying to figure out what I want. And the one option I absolutely dont want is the snowplow/camper package...go drive one with and without on a non perfect surfaced road. Huge difference in ride quality and bump steer. The 17+ super duty is already the worse bump steer truck I have ever driven, its even worse with this option.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
Interesting. My F150, Taco, Xterra and Rubicon all had them and I never noticed issues offroad, so I wasn't sure if it was something unique to the S/D - maybe due to the size, weight, suspension (carrying/towing capacity), etc. Mine will be use for more daily driving and some towing, not for much offroad riding. I'll see how it does with the lift, shocks and taller rubber, and then we'll make the call to take it off or not.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,399
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I expect the camper package to ride rougher, but am surprised to hear it had more bump steer. My F450 has the 6k springs. I figured that was at least part of the reason that I have no bump steer. I can hit a big bump at any speed and feel no twisting of my wheel. I even went over a rough diagonal expansion joint at 65 MPH with my hands off (bit close) to the wheel to see if my steering wheel would move. It stayed perfectly straight.