Rear Sway Bar --add-on questions

I read through the handful of threads on adding on the Helwig and Addco sway bars, and would appreciate some more detail from those of you who have installed either option. Sounds like either bar will increase on road handling feel, and for those times when I want to go off-road, I would just remove the bar (or endlinks).

I understand that the Addco requires drilling into the frame. Is there enough access on the opposite side of the drill hole to slide behind a box wrench for holding the nut while you torque the endlink?

Also regarding the helwig, does this require any type of drilling to the frame or does it strictly use hardware clamps and brackets for mounting the endlink to frame/body?

If either option requires drilling, do the instructions provide measurements on where to drill? Just trying to get a better idea before I plop the money down on, especially on a mod like this..

 

I went addco.

Yes there is room to wrench on the endlink, tacoma has a c-channel frame that likes to rust still.

You install sway bar on axle first with and then hold up the endlink at 90* to swaybar to find location where you need to drill hole into frame. Frame is super soft and drills easily.

Hellwig is a clamp design.

Addco is a tight fit but does the job.

Either will work and get the job done just depends on cost and install factor.

Addco was pretty quick and did it outside in Chicago winter weather.

 

^^^this. I went Hellwig and it's a great street handling upgrade.

 

Thanks for the quick replies! Thats exactly what I was looking for: I figured the addco directions went something like bolt the sway on, and where-ever the endlinks line up to frame then thats where to drill. I'm very handy and drilling doesn't bother me, but I am worried about long term rusting (although I would spray a coat of undercoating immediately after drilling).

I found the Hellwig directions on last night and may go that route since I found a good price for it.

 

Any of you guys that installed the rear sway bar, was the ride any stiffer, was there any improvement on the axel wrap the Tacoma's are famous for? Who did you guys order from?

 

I ordered my Hellwig from Suspension Connection. No difference in ride that I can tell. Axle wrap? I have no idea what that is, but I'll check it out.

 

Only downside is trying to flex the rear out when off roading. On road it is better in cornering or for hauling loads.

Does not help axle wrap in anyway. Does not stiffen spring rate, not possible.

 

My thought was it might work like a traction bar.

 

Hellwig. Huge improvement in going around corners.

 

Have you guys also gotten the TSB leafs installed? I haven't ran into any axle wrap issues but I also drive like a granny. I do love carrying speed into turns.