Hellwig vs Hotchkis sway bars and how hard to install

[eshahak]

Hi,

I have a few questions of upgrading my sway bars.

1. Are Hellwig Replacements worth the extra $125+ over hotchkis? I know they are solid vs hollow, but will that make that much of a difference?

2. I have not seen much as far as install videos on tahoe/suburban, but I have seen some on the gm trucks and it looks like the hotchkis ones are a lot easier to install than Hellwig. Is there truth to this, as I will be doing the install on my own.

3. The main reason I want to do this is because when I tow my boat it tends to sway a little too much for my comfort and I had read somewhere that this could help reduce that sway. Is there any truth to this?

Sorry for my ignorance and I appreciate the help!

 

[bill1013]

You ask a valid question...it's not ignorance in any way. It all depends what you use your vehicle for. If you're just doing everyday driving and don't go off road that often, then the hollow ones will do just fine. They can handle the weight of the vehicle plus a slight bit more. But you're going to be towing a boat and depending on the size of the boat will determine which sway bar you need. If you're towing anything over 18 feet, full cabin, inboard or multiple outboard engines it would be very wise to get the solid sway bars. If you should over stress the hollow ones they could flex, bend or otherwise misshapen and crack. The solid sway bar will take much more stress than the hollow one. Granted, if your towing a big boat and you need to swerve quickly, to avoid something or someone, you'll still have to check your suspension when you finally get a chance to pull over. Then you'll want to inspect the attaching points, like bolts and bushings, as sometimes bushings do come loose, rot over time or just plain fall out. Hope this helps.

 

[Staggered 02]

^^^^ Excellent response. I have Hotchkis Sway bars on my crew cab front and back, the Escalade, and the front of my 02. None on the rear yet because the narrowed rear end moved the shock locations which causes the say bar to interfere etc..

I did go with Hellwig for the Duramax. Solid heaveier firm setup. Had them powder coated before installation for added protection and the look I settled on for r

 

[Doubeleive]

I have always used the Hellwigs myself I have put them on 3 trucks, never had any kind of issue with them, quality stuff
brand's aside they are both equally easy to install, the front is only 6 bolts, the rear is 8 bolts
there is nothing that would make one brand any harder than the other to install.
the rear Hellwig's have the ability to be adjusted I don't think the Hotchkis has that option by default.

 

[eshahak]

Thank you all for the feedback. I am towing a rather a 29ft boat that is heavy, but I have done the drive with it stock, but looking for some more insurance if you will for a longer drive I want to tow it on. For the most part my burb is used for long roadtrips and towing the boat to and from the launch ramp which is roughly 8 miles round trip. Now the next question, is there a place I can get the hellwig ones that has the rear in stock and shipping to california within the next few weeks?

 

[Doubeleive]

Thank you all for the feedback. I am towing a rather a 29ft boat that is heavy, but I have done the drive with it stock, but looking for some more insurance if you will for a longer drive I want to tow it on. For the most part my burb is used for long roadtrips and towing the boat to and from the launch ramp which is roughly 8 miles round trip. Now the next question, is there a place I can get the hellwig ones that has the rear in stock and shipping to california within the next few weeks?

there main dealer is sdtrucksprings, Hellwig is in Visalia, ca. typical shipping time is about a week. last time I bought off of amazon but that was before Covid and now amazon is hella slow with there orders, you could call Hellwig and ask them what the current lead time is and then order thru sdtrucksprings and you should get them in the time that hellwig gives you.
https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/sway-bars-hellwig?zenid=cbdc0501bf1b3f6d6a7ecbd4eb7cdc80
hellwigs phone #
1-800-HELLWIG (435-5944), Local 559-734-7451

 

[eshahak]

Thank you for all the feedback! I will be ordering these! Do you guys get commission for this?

 

[Doubeleive]

lol no, but if you know a tall blonde you can send her my way

 

[hcvone]

I had Hotchkis sway bars on all 12 of my Escalade's (2007-2014) , great improvement over stock, if you tow it's a must, not sure what Callaway uses but I have their sway bars and lowered suspension on my 2019 callaway Tahoe, and it works great

 

[PG01]

lol no, but if you know a tall blonde you can send her my way

You ass.... lmfaololol