2002 FE9

[2004LB7]

Another tax season ends, and another stab at the round-tuit list begins!

Rear big Wig bar is in. A brief run around town is impressive. It makes me want the front. It’s wasn’t all beer and skittles though - install sucked.

Their hardware was sad. Everywhere they cut, they never dressed the cut and the nuts didn’t want to thread. For their price, it’s shameful. Then, I hadn’t considered that lowering the truck would have impacted the install - duh me. I had to cut the down rods from the frame so that the bushings/arms threaded up as high as possible or else the bar was pushed way down. I also had to screw with clocking it on the axle or else in droop it would hit the support gussets of the pumpkin. I’m not thrilled at how the bushings are at less than straight, but I’ll screw with it later (never), lol.

I am concerned that since I didn’t put bars or caltracs on yet, this bar is going to be fighting pinion climb. That’s not its purpose and I don’t think I like that. Better move bars up on the list a little higher = sooner.

Let us know if it changes anything with the steering. Or you get oversteer. I read soom get oversteer when they didn't upgrade the front. Back end brakes traction easier when going around corners and somehow a front one fixes that

 

[N2BRK]

Unless I intend to swing it wide, these trucks tend to under steer, so I thought this might make it more neutral. If it wants to lead with its ass, I’ll report back. I do intend to put their matching front on soon though.

 

[NC-smokinlmm]

My 1500 tracks straight as an arrow with the stock one up front. I did upgrade to coil overs and Vikings though.

 

[1FastBrick]

On my 1500 ECSB, the rear bar made a huge improvement. Adding the front really improved the over all handling. I used a local company called Progress Auto. I tried for a while to get Hotchkiss to make there kits again for the 1500's but they would do anything with out me fronting the money upfront for 20 full kits.

I would really like to put something on my 2500 but I haven't decided on what brand to use.

 

[N2BRK]

Now that I have a few hundred miles of experience, I can say that this bar is great! The truck is cornering very flat and it feels very stable. The ass does come out a little easier, but it’s not unexpected or unnerving. I ordered the front

 

[1FastBrick]

Quick question, is your truck running the stock rear exhaust pipe?

 

[N2BRK]

Mbrp 4” exhaust. I used the correct part number from Hellwig for the mbrp and it fits without interference.

 

[1FastBrick]

Mbrp 4” exhaust. I used the correct part number from Hellwig for the mbrp and it fits without interference.

Ok, just wondering because my truck has a Banks 4" exhaust on it.

 

[N2BRK]

I finally decided on my dilemma of fabbing another set of long bars vs. caltracs... Calvert is shipping a set today, with the new larger bars and heims

 

[1TRIKHD]

I finally decided on my dilemma of fabbing another set of long bars vs. caltracs... Calvert is shipping a set today, with the new larger bars and heims

Whats the part number if you don't mind me asking.

 

[N2BRK]

It’s a custom order. It’s their 3410 but with larger bars and heims

 

[N2BRK]

Since I’m not on a lifted truck with big tires, I didn’t want the additional holes from the larger pivot plates that the HD kit would have.

Besides, on my LMM it LOVED going into the second hole (hehe) and 5 turns off the spring pack. So I don’t think I need the lower holes anyway.

 

[N2BRK]

Big Wig front arrived Friday and I put it on yesterday. First romp today... WOW! They work VERY well together (front/rear Big W bars). The truck is dead flat when I throw it around, and it is now neutral; neither end wants to break free ahead of the other. I went through a spot where I hot footed it with the rear only a couple weeks ago, and instead of the rear going out again, the truck just held the curve. I didn't feel either end wanting give up yet. I'm sure that I'll slide an off-ramp or something soon and see how it actually breaks free, but I'm impressed! Maybe it's a little rougher ride? But we are talking about a f'n 2500HD! LOL. Get a caddy or STFU.

For most of you that have been here for a while... I have to say that I was thinking about the "elephant" and Mike's handling claims today I'm not on board with the motor mounts making the truck handle better, but he was right about the bars RIP OM!

Wally

 

[N2BRK]

Marketplace yielded a couple good scores this week. I got a JL Stealthbox and an LMM center console/jump-seat. Now I need to find time and good weather to get it all installed it’s been raining for a week. Ugh.

 

[N2BRK]

I thought I finally fixed the AC once and for all last year. Just died. But it turns out it rubbed through on the turbo.
Mi do t suppose I can repair this? Is there a flex hose replacement??? This sucked bending it around the s475! I’ll upload video in a sec.

 

[N2BRK]

Source: https://vimeo.com/1084731535


Linky link link

 

[2004LB7]

You might get by with a Heat-Seal Stik

​

Amazon.com

Otherwise, short of replacing the tubing, you can cut and flare the tube and put a fitting on it for either a flexible or another aluminum tube. Or just put a double flare connector right at the leak

 

[N2BRK]

Good idea. I considered it, but this is aftermarket aluminum… might just be too thin. Maybe start over with a new line and try to bend it with a little more clearance

 

[N2BRK]

I just got off the phone with a local shop that makes hoses. I’m meeting him tomorrow. The plan is to make a new section to repair and replace where this is bad, and give more clearance to the s475.

 

[N2BRK]

Cleaned up nicely. Drying well too… seller left it out in the rain. Ugh! Still, for $100 I’m super happy!