Hotchkis swaybars

[SSoCal]

for anyone whos installed the hotchkis swaybars, did you have to move the gas tank like the instructions said? looking under the truck id say yes but i want to be sure before i go through the trouble. if so, what method did you find to be the best for moving it and was it low/empty? thanks in advance

[DanY]

I did shift the tank a couple of inches to do the install. Some others have

reported that you can fish the bracket backing plate through one of the

holes in the frame.

 

If I were you I'd try the fish method but be prepared to drop the tank

(ie have it nearly empty).

 

It definitely helps to have an extra set of hands when you're doing this

step.

 

Also, drilling the frame sucked. One hole when through a double thick

area of the frame. Nice hot metal flakes falling on you the whole time.

Long sleeve shirt and face shield required.

[WEEZARR1&SS]

How long did it take you to do the install?? Was it worth it?? I have been thinking about getting the Hotchkis. Thanks..

[SSoCal]

lol, yeah i was thinking of fishing it, just dont want to lose it in there and end up moving the tank anyway. my tanks almost full right now and i was going to do install within a day. would you suggest waiting?

[BenKey]

lol, yeah i was thinking of fishing it, just dont want to lose it in there and end up moving the tank anyway. my tanks almost full right now and i was going to do install within a day. would you suggest waiting?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not unless you can lift 20+ gallons pretty easily. Wait until next weekend.

[SSoCal]

easily, laying on my back, under the truck, drilling? probably not. but i have this little motorcycle jack that should support it nicely. even has wheels on it. but before i even mess with that i think im going to try the fishing method unless someone can persuade me otherwise.

[DanY]

I would definitely wait until you have the tank emptied down.

 

I tried to siphon mine out but couldn't get the hose to go all

the way down the filler neck. I just waited until I burned off

most of the gas before doing the intstall.

 

Install time probably took me 4 hours, but I wasn't hurrying

and did take some breaks. The biggest PITA is moving the

tank. I supported mine with 2 floor jacks and a long piece of

3/4" plywood.

 

The other pain was drilling the frame. It took quite a while

with a pretty big Miilwakee 1/2" drill.

 

The front bar is easy. Just note the bend on the old bar

before removing it. I first slid the bar in upside down

and realized that wasn't that didn't look right.

 

And by the way. The bushing grease is something else.

It sticks to everything and won't come off without solvent.

Feels kind of like RTV silicone. Even if you found it in a

grease gun tube, you would never be able to pump it into

the fittings.

 

The bars make a huge difference in handling. I took my

neighbor for a ride and he was amazed at the difference

between the SS and his 2000 Z71.

 

The next step is to get some Bilstien HD shocks to replace

the spongy stock ones. Hopefully this helps with the

pogo bounce on concrete highway expansion joints.

[SSoCal]

quick question. do the dog bones have to be at a 90* angle or does it matter as long as theyre mounted?

[DanY]

I think my dogbones are at 90 degree angle to the bar.

 

After looking over the install pictures, I came to the conclusion

that the dogbone mounting hole on the rear bracket should be

centered on the tubular crossmember that runs through the rear

frame rails.

 

I think this location leads to a near vertical orientation for

the dogbones.

[SSoCal]

i wish hotchkis would have explained it like DanY. so much easier than that craptastic b&w picture. or im just slow..

[quickmedic1]

I liked mine when I was done with the install. Good luck with yours. Here is some pics.

 

 

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/569946/6

[DanY]

Actually I thinnk I went to the Hotchkis website and printed

out the install instructions in color. Much easier to see what

was going on.

 

Of course for a $450 kit, you think they could spring for a set

of color instructions.

[WEEZARR1&SS]

So how much diff did it make on the ride, was it worth doing??

[jchitwo]

Actually I thinnk I went to the Hotchkis website and printed

out the install instructions in color.  Much easier to see what

was going on.

 

Of course for a $450 kit, you think they could spring for a set

of color instructions.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

you only paid $450? where did you find those, the cheapest i've seen is about $500+ shipping?

[DanY]

I was off a little on price.

 

I received them in early April 04 from Tbyrne.

 

They were on sale for $431.99 + $33 shipping.

 

I just checked tbyrne.com and they are now

listed for $429.99 regular price.

 

Tbyrne used to run Hotchkis sales from time to

time.