Tell me about sway bars

[fatbassman]

99% if my use is on highways/freeways. It was suggested to me that I should get a Helwig rear sway bar.

I do tow heavy - about once every 18-24 months - I tow a tractor to get service. About 9800 lbs.

I am happy with the stock CCD suspension. I like the soft highway ride, and enjoy the drive modes.

So.. I know the drive modes still work with a rear sway bar, but here's what I know...

Based on what I've read, it will stiffen the ride and reduce body roll. Sounds great for towing.. but since I do it so rarely.. and I like how it feels now. Should I do this for the rare occasions I tow?

Your thoughts appreciated.

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[Buyer2021]

Some folk's driving habits and style don't really bring out the benefits that an anti-sway can offer. IMO it sounds like you may well be one of those folks, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

I suspect that your once-in-a-blue-moon tractor maintenance haul is taking things quite easy, you don't hint that rare trip is 'troubling' for you in any way. I wouldn't make a change just for that rare event which you seem to manage just fine.

IMO, if you are truly happy with the handling and ride of your truck the way you use it, and it sounds like you are, I'd not mess with that formula.

If you don't perceive a shortcoming .... well, as the truism goes ..... "If it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it!"

One opinion, just for your consideration.

 

[mdomicolo]

The sway bar is great if you want to reduce body roll, and have the rear of the truck feel more planted.

 

[Rinn69]

I like the sporty, stable, and planted feeling when I zip around corners and a sway bar is key to that. I've towed a bit (5-6000 lb loaded cargo trailer I owned) but not really sure if the sway bar helped or not. As far as ride quality, it does slightly stiffen the rear suspension, so that's something to consider.
Should YOU add one for that occasional tow job ? I'd say no, but that's my $.02 ?‍

 

[My 2ND Ford]

A rear sway bar does help with a felling of stability by keeping the rear axle under control, but if you're happy with how your truck feels then don't worry about it.

 

[powerboatr]

Search here
Snakebitten has a plethora of good stuff on the ccd..
Plus many of us have steeda or hellwig rear bars installed.
For me it's life changing in the overall better manners with rear of truck
Kills me how somebody decided 150s didn't need rear sway from the get go
But the roll and sea saw is drastically reduced.

 

[Dale B]

I added a rear swaybar and it helped the rear suspension feel much more planted and stable. It did not make the ride rougher at all. There was no downside for me.

 

[JerseyGlock]

I have Hellwig RSB on my 21 PB, no complains with curve roads and I rarely tow.

 

[Ricksc]

Bilstien 5100 on rear with hellwig sway bar. 100% better. Then added Bilstien 6112 coil overs on front. Totally different ride.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Hell just the Bilstien 5100 's on the rear made a world of difference in handling over the FX shocks.

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