Hello folks. Regarding the Hellwig bar. I just installed one and quite frankly I am amazed at the results. I've done lot's of " bolt on " modifications before and wasn't really expecting much - I was wrong - these things really work.

My tech tip - if you have gas shocks like my Bilsteins in the rear, you need to support the shock with a floor jack when you take out the factory shock mount u-bolts. If you don't the shocks will expand and you will end up having to take them off to proceed with your installation. Or you may want to consider taking them off to start with and this will make realignment of the male shock mount pin to the female axle locator much easier. I had a hard time getting that alignment corrected leaving the shocks on, but they are really hard to compress and mount by yourself so I went the leave them on route.

On the directions - I would agree that they are not very good. On the other hand they were not horrible. You just have to figure out where YOU want to use several of the bolts - specifically the upper and lower drop link bolts.

One pair is longer than the other, but both will work top or bottom. I also added some extra washers - about seven total including two split rings for the top drop link bolts. I know that they might break, but I like them.

Also - match the orientation of the drop link sections as you see fit, but I found it easier to put the short side of the top link section against the frame rail with the lower opposite.

More - I don't know where it's supposed to go but I used the top drop link bolt as the new emergency brake cable mount and bent the cable mount to center the cable between spring and drop link.

Last - I ended up with four of the large, short bolt's and nut's when I was done. I have no idea what to do with them. Anybody know?

 

To many bolts=spares

Glad you felt a deference
When we spend money, we want a change

 

I just added the Hellwig bar to my 2001 Ex. Man, the handling is amazing! I couldn't believe the improvement! I highly recommend this mod for the Ex. By the way, I don't seem to have the traction bars on my Ex. Could it be because I have a 2wd? Anyway, I love this Truck!!!

 

Is the drop down link long enough to accomodate 6" lift? The drop down are in 2 flat pieces right? Can I redrill the holes to lengthen it a little? I am also going to check out the factory ones today since I have an account with dealership I promise I will thrown in my .02 cents when all done.

 

I doubt it.
However, it would not be hard to cut and sleeve.