Hey all. I'm going to buy a hellwig rear anti-sway bar for my '01 X. It occurred to me that since I tow a 7600# TT I may also want to swap the springs for F250/350 springs. Does the hellwig model # change depending on what springs are on the truck?

I'd hate to buy one, install it, get ready to upgrade the springs and find my hellwig didn't fit the new springs.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I haven't installed an anti-sway bar beore.

Thanks in advance!

 

The Helwig comes with adjustable links. You can still use it even if you swap springs.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

emptyd,

our previous TT was a 7500# one that went 27' (30' ball to bumper). We towed her near 7000 miles last year with no issues. The tongue was in the 900-950# range. The rear of the Ex did FINE on stock springs...I did NOT have the air bags ONLY the Hellwig. PROPER WD adjustment is KEY to reducing the sag for trailers in this weight range...get much heavier or carry a LOT of people and gear INSIDE the Ex and then YES I agree that your rear springs need help.

Will you have a lot of people and gear inside the Ex or is the tongue exceptionally heavy that you are leaning toward new springs?...my towing experiences on STOCK springs last year in numerous miles has me wondering why the thought you need to swap...my experiences say you should be fine BUT only you can make the final determination.

What WD hitch do you have?

 

My guesstimated hitch weight is around 1100lbs. I have the airbags, but only because I thought I was going to need them. with 1200lb WD bars the truck rides level. I only keep around 10 psi in the bags i tried them at 35psi but didn`t see much of a difference in height. if you want to install anything the Hellwig is definitely first, a must have. I would leave the factory springs and add air bags. this way you have factory ride unloaded and the support you need when loaded. and no I didn`t see a problem with the sway bar interferring with the F250/350 springs! unless the springs are wider?

Now my buddy has an 05 and his sags unbeleivably. his hitch weight is lighter than mine by about 150lbs. and he pack less in the back of his X than I do!

 

X_Hemi_Guy,

All my info on this issue has come from posts on this site. My TT is 7600# with a tounge weight < 1000#. I'm not sure about replacing the springs, but wanted to leave my options open if requeired.

Your info gives me hope that I'll be able to leave it as is!

Thanks

 

emptyd,

This site has lots of great folks with lots of great info for sure...

If you have any questions on "proper" WD setup just ask...as that is the real ticket to taming this beast...

I added airbags to help stiffen the rear for the people load in the Ex after I dropped 1100#'s of tongue on the back...the air bags will "assist" the softly sprung rear that's all. I will still crank the WD bars to transfer appropriate weight fore and aft.

You should have no issues tuning your setup...the Hellwig was one item I added that REALLY made a HUGE improvment in body roll reduction...as 1 Ex Camper states...the Hellwig should be your first mod.

Also what type of sway control are you using? IMO forget friction bar...either Equalizer or a Reese or Drawtite Dual Cam (DC)...I have had my DC all last year...it is amazing at how it controls sway from even starting!...I went thru all kinds of weather and road conditions in our near 7000 miles and not one hint of instability...

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask about WD setup or if you want just PM me so you will be sure I get an email with your question.

 

I use a Hensley. Nothing else is even worth trying in my opinion. Can't say enough good about it. I've towed thru conditions that probably would have killed people without the Hensley.

The only reason I'm doing the anti-sway (just ordered it this morning for next weekend install) or considering the springs is that I'm very conservative when it comes to my family's safety.

Begin-rant
I read posts about people towing 8000# TT with Expeditions, or equal or shorter wheel bases, only 1/2 ton suspensions, no sway control or the friction based system, and I'm just amazed that people think they are safe! Those friction systems cause more harm than good, especially if you believe they are helping and get complacent!
End-rant

Anyhow, I'm going to hook up the TT to the X in the next few weeks and see how it does on some winding grades around town. Thanks for the idea on the air bags. I like the thought of softening the ride when the TT isn't hitched.

What is the longevity of the bags? Never heard of them before this site and I've towed for years with a 3/4 ton 'burban. My first concern would be that they'd be rupture prone.

 

valid concern...not sure what the life expectancy is on them to tell you the truth...Firestone warrants them for only 24 months for manufacturing defects...Would think they would be good for 5 years or so but I could be wishing! LOL...I truly do not know...I'm sure others have experience...

On the safety issue...I agree 100%...too many small "toy" trucks trying to pull LARGE man sized trailers...but when you mention that to someone there are those that beat their chests and state how they have been overloaded for YEARS and never had a problem...good for you...I am glad...but that ONE time something isn't PERFECT...hopefully everyone survives and no one innocent is affected!...The Hensley is an excellent hitch for sure!...some of their advertising videos lead people to think that their little toy can do amazing things though...a 27' TT behind a Dodge Intrepid?

Let us know how your setup works out...give it a try first is the best advice...I think you will be surprised that with "proper" WD adjustment the Ex will do EXcellent!

 

Jc whitnet ha them back ordered for $179, but summit will match the price

 

I have a 03 excursion with a 6" pro-comp lift and i am running 315/75/16 i tow a 7000# toyhauler empty around 9000# loaded and i get alot of sway but it seems to do it even when i'm not towing lift shops around here have told me that it is just the vehichle because they are so top heavy so they will get the body roll but it dosent seem correct

any answers or suggestions would be great

 

havasurat, you explanation sounds just like how my X was. it was all over the road without towing anything and the TT would sway going down the highway. Installed the Hellwig and it was like driving a different vehicle! the X stays in it`s own lane now and when towing I find myself driving with one hand now. I did lower my hitch 2" but I don`t think that had much to do with my problems. I don`t see a problem with the 6" lift. I think you could drill 2 new holes lower in the frame to mount the links, there is room below the factory holes. the Hellwig uses factory mounting points.

This is a must do mod for any X owner!