anyone have experience with helper springs? my rear end is squatting from 14 years with a heavy fiberglass cap over it and I was hoping to rectify it with a set of Hellwig 550's. I was originally thinking I'd swap my leaf packs for oem replacements, but right now its a little out of the budget. I was hoping to not cut open a leaf pack for AAL's mostly due to a pretty large lack of tools right now

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2002 Ranger Edge
Ex-cab, step side
4.0L V6, 4x4

Personally, the work is the same just about only thing you may save is half of the cost of two springs even if OEM replacements with the Hella kit and which you could probably even beat that buy robbing a set off a salvage yard truck even if only temporary. Just do it once and get it over with, same tools needed which is basic wrenches and a socket. I find it hard to believe that you've got no friends or family to loan you a tool or two if not just two ratchets - Hit up Harbor freight and buy two Gator-grip sockets. lol

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...af+spring,7544

But if you really looking for the weight/payload capacity. Knuckle up and pick up a set of the UFC HD Leaf springs. It's a mild bump from 1100 factory springs to 1750lbs without the jarring rear end. My Flip-Pac topper weighs in at 290lbs and I don't so much now but generally I always had an extra 250-400 lbs of gear in it at all times. Its a 5 leaf pack compared to the stock 3 leaf setup and the ride is good unloaded and loaded on/off road.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...8308&jsn=10481

I've had the Flip-Pac on it. Had an entire complete front Dana35 and TTP suspension, rear axle complete, all the dash and body harness plus additional components, 4 stock wheels & tires (although bald) and it didnt even squat a sweat bead.. for the difference of $35-50 a spring. Totally worth it 3 years later still until I change over to a custom Deaver Spring pack.

Just my experiences..

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my main thing right now is cost, from what I've seen shopping around its going to be $100+ per side to do full leaf springs where the helpers are only $70 for a pair and in my head may help to re arch the existing leaf packs

It's not really about the payload increase, I trashed the shell a year or so ago when the rails delaminated and have since replaced it with a light aluminium one

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2002 Ranger Edge
Ex-cab, step side
4.0L V6, 4x4

So lets build up a logical perspective here for a moment.

Helper springs are for payload capacity, not leaf spring crutches so in your thinking, truly they are a moot point.

So now with that in thought, you can buy just good ole` standard replacement springs for $82 each I saw on Rockauto and be Good As New. Rather than go to a point of paying for something MEANT to increase payload (since that is not a issue, NOR a desire as you say) and then re-arch old springs? and still perform all of the same work to do either plan.

Do I, errr. we have that correct?

Brotha, can I start a gofundme fund on your behalf to do it the right way and not cut or makeup odd corners? We could easily get 50-60 people to donate a single $1 for the cause here. There's some damn good people on here.

This way you can just get two new springs and be done.. Maybe if we get it at $1.50 we can get you a couple tools to aid in the work effort too.

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except the ones i'm looking at are marketed as "helper springs" but in the description are described as being great for my intended purpose, I asked if anyone had any experience with them- from what I've gathered here you in fact do not, so your points are moot

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2002 Ranger Edge
Ex-cab, step side
4.0L V6, 4x4

Helper Spring is as in - Aid in Payload capacity NOT bandaid.. I happen to sell the things, I don't have to read the brochure. Did you read the brochure by chance?

"Our value line-up of Hellwig Helper Springs; these units pack a lot of capability in every box. Packaged complete with the same heavy duty powder coated and plated components, hardware and installation instructions as our heavy duty helper spring products, these kits are designed for the vehicle that needs lighter assist in carrying the load. Simple bolt on design using common hand tools provide the installer ease of installation and the vehicle owner hassle free use. Ideally suited for light towing and loads, these units are fully adjustable using the heavy duty u-bolts included in the kit using simple hand tools. If your tow and haul needs change, simply adjust the heavy duty u-bolts to suit the new requirement. Once installed and adjusted you are free to haul and or tow a multitude of equipment and commodities with greater control and stability. Manufactured with heat treated ASTM 5150 alloy spring steel in our California based facility, these units can increase your vehicles level load carrying capacity up to the manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating."

• EZ level- 500 lbs. level load capacity
• Reduces leaf spring wrap up
• Cost effective spring solution
• Makes your “heavy load” driving safer

SOURCE: http://www.hellwigproducts.com/produ...elper-springs/



So either your using the wrong terminology for the situation OR your asking the wrong question that I answered correctly and objectives gave you options based upon experience within the product itself but how many sets of leaf springs have you changed out now?

I wasnt trying to bullshit you to put a box under your arm. I was giving you facts and experience, that IS what you asked for is it not?


Figure it out the hard way then...

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Well on that bit, I don't find it hard to believe. I'm in the same boat he is in. I grew up with brothers that were mechanics and friends who all wrench in their backyards.
I've rebuilt some trannies and rebuild engines with them, but that's in the past now. They're all out of state now including my brother.. I don't have any friends or acquaintances now that like to work on their own Vehicles, save for one but he would never let anybody borrow any of his tools or offer to help them. On the plus side he is a phenomenal welder and would always love to do any kind of welding project so that's a nice trait to compensate at least.
But Anyway, my point is I know how he feels, I had to star searching garage sales for deals on tools when my brother left the state about 15 years ago. He was the last person around to help me work on cars.

my God man! The guy is trying to help you out, I don't know how you could gather from what he said that he had no experience. If anything what he would suggest the complete opposite. Either way show a little bit of respect to the people that are going out of their way to really help you especially when you see that they are so thoroughly typing so much for you.

You know what's the old saying? You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. Anyway, I appreciate the information that you had posted. The main reason why I found this was that I was interested in the same subject. However I actually want to increase my payload capacity for towing and Hauling. The last piece of the puzzle for my tow package that I created is the rear suspension. I got a lot of different advice on what to do, including one person suggested not even replacing the springs or adding helpers but to go the route of adding airbags to the existing suspension. Their logic was that if the ride is acceptable now I could always deflate bags and let the stock suspension do its work when I'm not towing and just inflate them when I am Towing. I don't know I'm still debating things, luckily I haven't even bought, the trailer yet.

I'd say depending on what you're hauling, how often, do the loads very or is it a consistent haul [work related perhaps ?] I would still consider the upgraded springs, but thats just me. I will agree that the Helper Springs do work but I feel also that maybe because they're refereed as such items "Helper" springs that for long term use or as the original OP was considering to freshen up or put in place of replacing worn items which my point to him was similar in saying "if theres a hole in the oil pan fix the oil pan, dont pull over every couple miles and pour more oil in just to go a few more miles."

THEN, should you need that additional payload assistance, then consider the helper springs. Where Airbags will fit in is helping level out a load obviously with regard to increasing or decreasing air and provide a more comfortable ride under load. Now a couple versions of helper springs much like the Hellwig ones do have some adjustability which I find beneficial and of course the cost factors will eventually come into play along with usage. If you're towing a small toy hauler or camper, the airbags will certainly be kinder all around to the truck and the towed apparatus. If its just throwing a bunch of gear in the back and or a small trailer for landscaping or other smaller needs but could get a bit heavy.. helper springs would make more financial sense perhaps.

On our F450 LB dually, we pull a 47' Road warrior toy hauler/RV and we use an airbag setup in the rear. Mostly to level out the trailer. Without the Airbags the trailer dips in towards the 5th wheel adapter lifting the rear of the trailer up 4". So we increase air to about 65% and that gives us about 2" of lift and levels the trailer itself. A must especially considering here in Nevada we can get away with double towing.





BTW, thanks

.

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