Sway Bars- Hotchkis, addco, hellwig, eibach???

[8bud]

I ordered a set of hotchkis sway bars for my 2" lowered '03 Tahoe two months ago and just got an email saying they were backordered for another two months...........Really? So I would like some opinions on which sway bars handle better. If the hotchkis setup is better than the others I'll wait, but since they are like $200 more than the other companies and I'd be waiting 4 months for them minimum I'd like some input from you guys to see if I should just get a different set that are in stock. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[8bud]

Nobody has done aftermarket sway bars on here???? I read the sticky about the eibachs. Nobody else has any input?

 

[dropmech]

I would PM Norcalss and ask him these questions. He'll know better than anyone.

 

[pmexpert]

I've installed DJM sway bars, so really happy about that. If you compare eibach, djm, hotchkis etc, you'll find that all of them are almost the same. Front is 30%harder than stock one and rear almost 70%(as it is made of solid metal not OEM pipe)

 

[fiatdale]

Ive ran Hellwig on my 03 Denali and my 07 Tahoe. VERY pleased with them.

 

[8bud]

Seems like they are all pretty good and seeing as the hotchkis bars are like $200 more and their rear bar is hollow, I think I'll talk to norcalss and see what he thinks. Thanks guys.

 

[robb.]

been runnin eibach on my Hoe since 04,
i think they are all pretty much the same.....a far as doin what they are inteded for.

 

[Vortecmass]

I want to get this kit because for the money is 10% cheaper than Hellwig

http://www.amazon.com/Eibach-38106-...TF8&colid=3MYAND2X99VJQ&coliid=I2DATIJZBF1OJD


Any feedback from Eibach? Yay or Nay?

 

[Cobra]

I want to get this kit because for the money is 10% cheaper than Hellwig

http://www.amazon.com/Eibach-38106-...TF8&colid=3MYAND2X99VJQ&coliid=I2DATIJZBF1OJD


Any feedback from Eibach? Yay or Nay?

I've been eyeing that kit myself. However I think the hotchkis and Hellwig are thicker. I could be wrong but does anyone know for sure? On a bigger SUV would we benefit from a more sturdy thicker bar or is all the same?

 

[livingez_123]

I've been eyeing that kit myself. However I think the hotchkis and Hellwig are thicker. I could be wrong but does anyone know for sure? On a bigger SUV would we benefit from a more sturdy thicker bar or is all the same?

Really? you have to ask? of coarse a bigger sway will lead to better handling.
The rear of our SUV's tend to rock side to side, and that gives you more lean in the corners. BUT, what you gain in one area you will lose in another (ride quality) So you have to decide what you want. A firmer ride and better handling or a bit softer more manageable ride? Most of the AWD Denalis will benefit from a larger rear sway bar and leaving the stock one alone. It give's them a little more oversteer and less plow and be more fun to drive in the snow and other wet stuff. in other words, it will make it more tail happy instead of pulling it's self straight. (for those that like to not drive in a straight line) So again, spend more $$ and buy the Hellwig. IMHO

 

[8bud]

After speaking with Tony, I decided to go with the djm kit. I Definitely lost some ride quality with the belltech 2/3 drop, but the difference in handling was well worth it. Then I went from the stock 16 inch wheels to 20s and the handling was much better again, now I could push the truck to the point where I could feel the body roll. Can't wait to feel the difference when I put the sway bars on.

 

[Vortecmass]

I jut ordered a front sway bar from Hellwig $177 shipped from amazon prime, I need to get a set of new tires installed and the mechanic shop said i while the mechanics do the tires i could have the sawy bar installed for free, good deal!

 

[Danzigman]

I am buying my front from amazon today as well. I picked up my new rear bar from Ryan Saturday night. I was impressed with how heavy the Hellwig bar is. I hope to get it installed soon!

 

[Cobra]

Really? you have to ask? of coarse a bigger sway will lead to better handling.
The rear of our SUV's tend to rock side to side, and that gives you more lean in the corners. BUT, what you gain in one area you will lose in another (ride quality) So you have to decide what you want. A firmer ride and better handling or a bit softer more manageable ride? Most of the AWD Denalis will benefit from a larger rear sway bar and leaving the stock one alone. It give's them a little more oversteer and less plow and be more fun to drive in the snow and other wet stuff. in other words, it will make it more tail happy instead of pulling it's self straight. (for those that like to not drive in a straight line) So again, spend more $$ and buy the Hellwig. IMHO

So I looked into it a little more. Hotchkis, Hellwig, And Eibach are pretty much all the same. Hotchkis has the biggest front sway bar at 37mm, Eibach at 35mm, and Hellwig at 33mm.
Rear sway bars Eibach and Hellwig equal at 32mm and Hotchkis at 30mm.
Hotchkis and Hellwigg offer a lowered suv version kit. Hotchkiss is a kit part #2249 and Hellwig lowered part is front#7633 Rear # 7850
At this point I'm thinking I'm gonna save a buck and just go with Eibach after I do a little more research.

.

 

[livingez_123]

it would be nice to have a matched set so they don't work against eachother.

 

[tjd3004]

So I looked into it a little more. Hotchkis, Hellwig, And Eibach are pretty much all the same. Hotchkis has the biggest front sway bar at 37mm, Eibach at 35mm, and Hellwig at 33mm.
Rear sway bars Eibach and Hellwig equal at 32mm and Hotchkis at 30mm.
Hotchkis and Hellwigg offer a lowered suv version kit. Hotchkiss is a kit part #2249 and Hellwig lowered part is front#7633 Rear # 7850
At this point I'm thinking I'm gonna save a buck and just go with Eibach after I do a little more research.

.

I've only had experience with Eibach when I had my 03 Z71 Tahoe but it was a major difference! When I upgrade on my 04 Denali I have now, I plan on going with Eibach again.

 

[robb.]

im havin a Very very hard time finding bushings for my eibach sway bars...front n rear.
seems like no 1 can or knows how to get official eibach bushings.

 

[Cobra]

im havin a Very very hard time finding bushings for my eibach sway bars...front n rear.
seems like no 1 can or knows how to get official eibach bushings.

Are you replacing only the swaybar bushings you mentioned running since 04'?
I would call Eibach directly. I think they have a million mile warranty.
If not you may be able to substitute Energy Suspension Polyurathane bushings they come in various sizes.

.

 

[robb.]

i called summit racing to see if maybe they could help out. The guy recommended energy suspension bushings...
but we werent sure on the actual size of the sway bars..front n rear..
specs say 35mm front .and 32mm rear.
i went to napa autoparts n picked up some bushings for the rear.... they dont fit very well....there is about a 1/8 gap. And those bushings are rated at 32mm.
Sooo i need to get under the truck and take precise measurements of the bars diameter.
eibach customer service is useless...they dont know anything either...lol.

 

[Danzigman]

If their service it that bad, I would say that is a good reason to avoid eibach!