The Hotchkis Sway Bars are Installed...
04-03-2006, 12:26 PM
#1
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Randolph, NJ
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Hotchkis Sway Bars are Installed...
Ok, I installed my Hotchkis swaybar set yesterday. Here are thoughts on the install:
Front:
1) Very easy, simple remove and replace.
2) I torqued the sway bar mounts to GM's spec of 24 ft-lbs, not 20 ft-lbs per the hotchkis manual.
3) I also did not torque the endlinks to the 13 ft-lbs that hotchkis manual stated, I shot for the 89 in-lbs that the GM manual says and played it by feel and sight.
Rear:
1) This was the most time consuming part of the overall install.
2) You do not have to remove and/or move the gas tank, you can simply slip the backing plate through a hole in the frame.
3) Alignment is critical and very time consuming. Take your time to measure and mark before drilling into the frame. I ended up making my dog bone mounts flush to the outside of the frome for both sides.
And some thoughts on the ride:
The truck drives very nice. It is without a doubt more stable on the highway and makes driving through the twisties more fun. It isn't a sports car, but it does provide more confidence while taking corners. GM should have built the truck this way from the factory.
Here are some pics (click to enlarge)
Jeff
Front:
1) Very easy, simple remove and replace.
2) I torqued the sway bar mounts to GM's spec of 24 ft-lbs, not 20 ft-lbs per the hotchkis manual.
3) I also did not torque the endlinks to the 13 ft-lbs that hotchkis manual stated, I shot for the 89 in-lbs that the GM manual says and played it by feel and sight.
Rear:
1) This was the most time consuming part of the overall install.
2) You do not have to remove and/or move the gas tank, you can simply slip the backing plate through a hole in the frame.
3) Alignment is critical and very time consuming. Take your time to measure and mark before drilling into the frame. I ended up making my dog bone mounts flush to the outside of the frome for both sides.
And some thoughts on the ride:
The truck drives very nice. It is without a doubt more stable on the highway and makes driving through the twisties more fun. It isn't a sports car, but it does provide more confidence while taking corners. GM should have built the truck this way from the factory.
Here are some pics (click to enlarge)
Jeff
04-03-2006, 06:49 PM
#4
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Randolph, NJ
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I bought them from Tbyrne during the group purchase. Group purchase or not, he still has the cheapest prices for the Hotchkis sway bars. You'll love them, I sure do.
Jeff
Jeff
04-03-2006, 07:21 PM
#5
TECH Addict
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: southern california
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i beg to differ. not all people have to move the tank, there is no way i could have got mine in there without moving it a little , my gas tank has virtually no gap between the frame and tank. its not that bad though just two screws on the filler neck and two bolts that hold the straps. just enough to move it over a little! i love the sway bars so much, i am pissed i waited so long to do them! they go great with a drop and some low pro tires!definatley worth the money imo!
04-03-2006, 08:16 PM
#6
TECH Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Randolph, NJ
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2004ss, I was able to slip the backing plate through a hole on the outside of the frame, not between the inside of the frame and gas tank. There is no room between the frame (inside) and the gas tank.
Jeff
Jeff
