I used these to correct sagging springs on a 1968 Mercury Cougar and they worked fine; kept the rear end up with a full tank of gas and two people in the backseat... I've never used them for pulling a trailer. Thanks for making this video...
these helpers are effective. they are not made as a repair or assist for damaged leaf springs as some commenters are suggesting and insulting but what is mentioned in this well made video is it decreases the hight lost from weight added to a small truck. in other words its just a rack to help hold up the weight
Have used these before. I could not remember if you had to unload the suspension first or after the installation. That was my reason for watching your video. On a different note, your video was made very well. Simply and strictly to the point without a lot of extra watching you tighten bolts and stuff like that. Keep up the good work
I agree with others. Finally a video without the camera being constantly shaken and pointed in different directions every fraction of a second. Good job!
I put this same kit on an '02 Blazer b/c I have to tow a 5'x8' UHaul trailer which will be full. The truck will also be packed to the roof within and have a rooftop carrier. Last time, it sagged about 4 inches, which wasn't the worst. But for the less-than-$40 for helper springs, I thought this was a chance worth taking to have a better ride, headlight alignment, and control. Thanks much for this vid. I do most of my own car repairs or improvements, and this was one of the easiest. I've read nearly nothing but positive feedback from people who've used this method, esp for the occasional heavy load. It seems some people are looking for lift only, which (according to their reports) occurs more often when their stock springs are atrophied. On mine, like the springs themselves, they appear they'll 'kick in' when the load becomes too much - they work in a concentric/progressive manner. Just my take on their operation.
I had these on my Colorado and I actually installed them in front of the axle on the bottom side of it.... it worked better then placing it on the rear... once I lowered my truck I actually flipped them and put them on TOP of my axle, it lowered the truck .5 inch BUT with the rivet in the highest setting I was still able to load a 1500 pound tool box fully loaded in the bed and haul it without any squat
Just beefed up a rear suspension on an old ford police SUV. For some reason it had only 3 leaves in the back , it was so gutless it literally wouldn't hold it's self up without air shocks. Took the springs off and just swapped the top leaf onto an 8 leaf spring from an old ford van to keep the factory dimensions in tact. I had to get longer u bolts for the axle but that thing sure isn't gutless now that old van was built with what looked like a 1 ton axle on it for some reason.
Your video gave me the info I couldn't really find in the kit instructions. Very well done. Keep up the great work. Down the road I'll look into new leaf springs for my '52 Plymouth. I'm not towing with it but with 2 adults in the backseat, those curb feelers starting making a racket on easy left hand turns. Hopefully, these spring helpers along with recently installed new shocks will help.
A very good step-by-step guide video. However, I am interested in the end result. Those leaf spring helpers seemed more for a lighter passenger vehicle. They don't look HeavDuty for that pickup. On another note, the load you have shown seems better handled by a 1500 Ram truck. Perhaps that would be the better fix. In the future, it may be safer to add a solid piece of flat wood to place jack and stand for positive stability. A thumbs up for the job.
This type of helper spring also seems to put a lot more wear on the leaf spring bushings and causes them to get crushed sooner. I think upgrading the bump stops is a better solution than helper springs because it has basically the same effect of lifting the rear but it doesn't add strain on the bushings or warp the leafs.
Summo bumper stop or Timberland bumper stop would give the suspension more support. Or as i suggest just add a long leaf to your pack that goes under your bushings on both sides and supports entirely top leaf
I have 2 questions for you..... Now that you have used these helper springs do you think they really make a big difference. I have a 2 wheel drive ranger truck and a family mini van that I have taken all the middle and rear seats out and it is a hauling machine. However, I haul a lot of firewood with the van and thought these would help.Question 2 is have you ever used the Timbertuff $20 sawmill that slides on a 2x4 or a 2x6. Just wanted to know from someone that has actually used it a lot to see if they are worth buying.
My gmc 1500 Sierra leaf springs are at normal height but they have a gap between them. I'm guessing from pulling heavy loads. I can feel every little. Bump and they kind of reverberate when up go over things. Like a speed bump there are wave like rebounds as if the shocks are bad. They are brand new and the last shocks do the same thing. I was told the springs are just worn but I'd like to clamp them or find a way to get by until I replace them.
Good video. I just installed ride effex add a leafs to my ranger. That is what you need if you want to keep a level ride and be able to haul way more than stock.
Thanks for the video man. Just bought the same kit. Been working in Philly for a few months and I have noticed my rear suspension is getting really beat up. 08 Colorado, I'll let you know if they helped in a few weeks.
I have a Chrysler 5th Ave. 1987 with only 78,800 original miles. Naturally, after 36 years, it sagged a little. With the helpers, it rides much more firm!
Been looking at some options for beefing up the rear on my SUV for towing, but am unfamiliar with the suspension components. Your video helped me understand the positioning and installation on a set of helper springs, which look to be about my best bet…very clear and well done, thanks!
You are excellent explaining videos thank you for the input I had a doubt of what kind of lift spring helper I need to buy and with your explanation help me for make my choice
This is great! If you want counter rotation of cutter and lathe you can reverse rotation of cutter by flipping the angle grinder 180 in the jig and reclamping instead of reversing lathe although the chips would go up...
Will you still be able to install helper springs if your older leaf springs that they are getting attached too are less bow shaped than others? Thanks.
Good video and instructions. I have a 1995 ford ranger 4x4 that pulls a 15' trailer with a skid mount pressure washer and 325 gallons of water. I was gonna universal fit this same system only the 3,500 pound capacity. Do you think it'll give good improvements? The truck with the trailer fully filled squats it pretty good. I already have a 4" lift and it makes my tires almost tuck.
I'm gonna have to install these on my 58 MERCURY Monterey, my vehicle saggs big time, it's basically a damn low rider, I just hate that crap.😭😭 I'm always scraping the pavements and making sparks at night😭😭😭. I've installed air shocks it went up bout an inch, but that's it, my springs are no more, their super weak, and to make matters worse this car weighs almost 4 tons, I just can't afford new springs, THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME 👍👋.
What's weird is that we have a 1958 Ford Custom 300 which appears to have the same kind of leaf, though it appears to have more of a bend to it. Not causing any problems but i'm thinking that maybe Ford had a towing package back in the day like they do today like on the Crown Victoria's.
Fabian Fazzari I'm not completely sure. I can still crush the springs pretty good under heavy load, but by the time I'm at that point, my truck is under powered. What I do know, is that even with a lot of weight, I've still got good handling without a lot of "roll". But my tires are pretty light on the ground. Heavy duty springs would be better, but a larger truck is always better for weight and breaking power.
not a bad idea for soft springs in small vehicles. ideally a weight distributing hitch would be better for this type of trailering as the spring helpers do not put any more weight on your front tires. the steering will still be "light". spring helpers do NOT increase the vehicle's GVWR or GAWR and thus does NOT allow you to legally carry any more weight as determined by the manufacturer.
thank you for your time.. thumbs up. i want to do the same to my 1988 f150. this looks easy. my question is, is there a difference between stock an the added leaf?
+Richard Downer I did this as a quick option, if I had your truck, I'd replace the springs with new ones or just heavier springs. My brother replaced the springs in the same truck with heavy duty springs and it made a big difference. Really not sure what you mean as far as your question.... a helper spring is not an "add a leaf" type spring. An ad a leaf spring is just what it says, adding another leaf to the bottom of the stack. This one mounts behind the axle, instead of between the axle and springs. Leaf springs are not that expensive and if your a handy person, you could put them on yourself.
Hey Homesteader. How did they work after more driving around? I have a set of these helpers, but can't decide whether or not to install them. I keep seeing videos of people installing helper springs and then not being too stoked with the results. Thank you.
I see that Advance Auto sells both the UNDER leaf help spring and an OVER leaf help spring. I wonder which one to choose? Or both? Is it based on ease of installation? Seems like the UNDER leaf help spring helper was pretty easy.
My buddy added a set of these to his Ranger and he really likes the difference but his seemed to be a slightly different design. I'm curious to know your opinion after you've had them on awhile. Thanks for the video.
Hi, I'm still kinda forming my opinion, I've had quite a few loads in my truck since I got them, but nothing super heavy. I do think they make some difference, and that's all I was really looking for. My main reason, was so that I would not wear out my springs and to not have so much roll in the suspension when taking corners. I do think they work, but not a huge noticable difference. I think where they make a huge difference, is when your leaf springs are worn out, they are a cheap alternative to replacing the springs. I bought mine from O'Reillys for right around $30, let me know what you end up doing, thanks.
Excell makes a heavier leaf an heavier u bolts, I would definitely not trust that little bolt and nuts holding on my existing leaf springs, an accident waiting to happen, the heavier helper spring will mount on top of existing leaf springs, please use caution with what your doing sir, thank you
ChuckE2009 has an add a leaf video n his channel as well. "Cheapest improvement..." In the ChuckE video he actually added a leaf as opposed to a helper unit.
I tried this with a similar helper leaf spring kit and it ended up permanently warping the leaf springs so I have to have the helpers on no matter what to keep the leafs straight.
Dont lift the vehicle on the frame. Lift with pressure on the trucks springs. You want the helpers engaged on the load, not on all the time. Applying the helpers on the spring as they are in the natural state of the trucks weight means youll only have pressure on the helpers with a load.
Nice job HC, nice to see the way you sped up the vid on the other side of the truck, so we saw the whole operation. That's an interesting trailer you have there, did you build it ? Thanks for sharing
hasdrubal121 I did not make it, but my uncle did. It's actually my Dad's trailer, I just use it a lot. It's made of diamond plate and some car axles, it's really low which is nice. I like it a lot, even if it is a little rigged up.
I just purchased a set of Hellwig Pro for my Dodge . Supposed to increase load capacity by over 2000 lbs. Only comes into play when truck is loaded so does not effect normal ride.
ya get what you pay for... either add a leaf or or upgrade..good video... i used these on a 70 plymouth duster... notorious for ass sag... they did nothing.
when you put these on, does it keep it at the same height or does it raise it, ? with out weight. in other words, i want to keep the same height on my truck when i install these.
It does not raise the truck. It just stiffens the springs when in compression. I posted a link below to the springs, you can read more there. Also there are some other videos on RUclips about helper springs that may help you. Another option is to replace your springs with heavier springs or perhaps an add a leaf, which is added to the existing stack.
The Homestead Craftsman thank you for your reply. that's all I needed to know. my 98 Tahoe has a lean, it leans lower on the driver side, I installed new springs in front. and had replaced the rear leaf springs, and it still leans, I actually lowered it 3" all around but it still sits lower on the driver side. I'm thinking of raising the rear shackle 1". I'm sure that will help. it actually sits 1" lower then the passenger side. I was thinking of adding the leaf helper thinking it would life it an 1".
I have no idea. Maybe you need an alignment....shocks worn out, I have no idea. Just go to the jeep dealership and buy a 2019, it will cost a little more than the $30 helpers but it will turn beautifully!
I got a set of these on Amazon for 38$ and the box says it also controls wheel hop. For around 40$ depending where you shop, it's worth trying. (They make over and under axle varieties)
The problem is that you installed these under the overload spring. That extra thick spring that the ends are not attached to anything are not leaf springs. You need to install between that and the leaf springs.
I just finished installing these on my 2004 Nissan Xterra, and I agree that they should be installed between the bottom leaf in the pack and the overload spring. If you raise the vehicle BEFORE installing the helpers, you'll get more of a gap between the pack and the overload to fit the helpers into. You will have to place the rivet and the U bolt in place before wedging the helpers into that space. Also, I didn't bother with the rear bracket bolts until after I had managed to get the helpers between the pack and the overload. Driver's side required a little banging to get it into position, but passenger side was a breeze. Overall these have helped the sagging rear end of my truck, and I'm preparing to haul a trailer for about 1100 miles so I wanted to have a little extra support for that trip. I can say that, after installation, the ride height is a little taller (certainly not a "lifted" suspension by any means) and the ride quality is a lot stiffer (which I needed). Steering feels like it's tracking a bit better as well. Overall, this was a cheap and simple project and I'm glad I did it.
Thinking about adding these to my 2011 GMC Canyon WT 2.9l 2wd?? Looks like it would be the same installation?? I tow a small 1300 lb bass boat and haul light loads.
My 02 S10 pickup has a pretty bouncy ride. I replaced shocks all around. When I put 150 to 200lbs in the back, the bed has noticeable sag of say, 3/4 of an inch. I'm not sure but I'm thinking my leaf springs are 'bad' but the unloaded ride height looks fine. Do you think the leaf spring helper would help stiff up the ride for a smoother, not so bouncy ride?
+Austin Butler That's what they are meant for. But just to say, 3/4 inches with 200lbs sounds pretty normal........it's a small truck. Trucks just have a stiffer ride since they don't weight that much in the back. You've got three options. Take the truck for what it is............... put on heavier springs..................... or get a bigger truck. You can also use a trailer, but even then you need to be careful, you've only got but so much breaking power with these trucks, so loading them up, bed or trailer, can be dangerous. Drive slow if you do and break early.
Sad - 7 years later and I am sure this guy isn't following this video but if he was I would ask about these Hellwig springs I have - looks like they mount from the TOP and do SQUAT ALL. NADDA waste of 75 bucks - but ---- I'm going to try putting them under like this and see
This video may be 8 years old but it helped me in 2022. Thanks for a clear how to video.
One of the most thorough and understandable 'step by step' I've seen....well done!
Excellent video. Your explanation is simple and clear. I wish all how-to's were this well done.
Don't run across many YT videos where the host displays the level of professionalism shown here. You've got the how-to-do-it procedure nailed.
and with that accent, man, I'm "shocked" lol
BIG FISH Alabama
And a great teacher. Teaching is an art.
I used these to correct sagging springs on a 1968 Mercury Cougar and they worked fine; kept the rear end up with a full tank of gas and two people in the backseat... I've never used them for pulling a trailer. Thanks for making this video...
Clear concise accurate... why can't all repair videos be like this? Well done and thank you for the information.
I'll repeat what others have said. Your video is clear and concise and right to the point. WELL DONE.
these helpers are effective. they are not made as a repair or assist for damaged leaf springs as some commenters are suggesting and insulting but what is mentioned in this well made video is it decreases the hight lost from weight added to a small truck. in other words its just a rack to help hold up the weight
Great video, I don't know what you do for a living but you ought to think about teaching, your a natural...excellent job.
Have used these before. I could not remember if you had to unload the suspension first or after the installation. That was my reason for watching your video. On a different note, your video was made very well. Simply and strictly to the point without a lot of extra watching you tighten bolts and stuff like that. Keep up the good work
I agree with others. Finally a video without the camera being constantly shaken and pointed in different directions every fraction of a second. Good job!
I know this is a really old video but how did the springs end up working out for you?
I put this same kit on an '02 Blazer b/c I have to tow a 5'x8' UHaul trailer which will be full. The truck will also be packed to the roof within and have a rooftop carrier. Last time, it sagged about 4 inches, which wasn't the worst. But for the less-than-$40 for helper springs, I thought this was a chance worth taking to have a better ride, headlight alignment, and control. Thanks much for this vid. I do most of my own car repairs or improvements, and this was one of the easiest. I've read nearly nothing but positive feedback from people who've used this method, esp for the occasional heavy load. It seems some people are looking for lift only, which (according to their reports) occurs more often when their stock springs are atrophied. On mine, like the springs themselves, they appear they'll 'kick in' when the load becomes too much - they work in a concentric/progressive manner. Just my take on their operation.
How did the leaf helper end up working out for you and hold up since?
I had these on my Colorado and I actually installed them in front of the axle on the bottom side of it.... it worked better then placing it on the rear... once I lowered my truck I actually flipped them and put them on TOP of my axle, it lowered the truck .5 inch BUT with the rivet in the highest setting I was still able to load a 1500 pound tool box fully loaded in the bed and haul it without any squat
Just beefed up a rear suspension on an old ford police SUV. For some reason it had only 3 leaves in the back , it was so gutless it literally wouldn't hold it's self up without air shocks. Took the springs off and just swapped the top leaf onto an 8 leaf spring from an old ford van to keep the factory dimensions in tact. I had to get longer u bolts for the axle but that thing sure isn't gutless now that old van was built with what looked like a 1 ton axle on it for some reason.
Your video gave me the info I couldn't really find in the kit instructions. Very well done. Keep up the great work. Down the road I'll look into new leaf springs for my '52 Plymouth. I'm not towing with it but with 2 adults in the backseat, those curb feelers starting making a racket on easy left hand turns. Hopefully, these spring helpers along with recently installed new shocks will help.
+Tony Garcia Perhaps they will, good luck
Amazing! So easy to understand because he used words, in English, to explain what he’s doing while the video illustrates it. He’s a genius!!!
A very good step-by-step guide video. However, I am interested in the end result. Those leaf spring helpers seemed more for a lighter passenger vehicle. They don't look HeavDuty for that pickup. On another note, the load you have shown seems better handled by a 1500 Ram truck. Perhaps that would be the better fix. In the future, it may be safer to add a solid piece of flat wood to place jack and stand for positive stability. A thumbs up for the job.
you are good at explaining things
Great job. Appreciate the clarity and organized presentation.
This type of helper spring also seems to put a lot more wear on the leaf spring bushings and causes them to get crushed sooner. I think upgrading the bump stops is a better solution than helper springs because it has basically the same effect of lifting the rear but it doesn't add strain on the bushings or warp the leafs.
Summo bumper stop or Timberland bumper stop would give the suspension more support. Or as i suggest just add a long leaf to your pack that goes under your bushings on both sides and supports entirely top leaf
Thank you I bought some of these from advance auto and the instructions weren't very clear, so Thank you for uploading this!
I have 2 questions for you..... Now that you have used these helper springs do you think they really make a big difference. I have a 2 wheel drive ranger truck and a family mini van that I have taken all the middle and rear seats out and it is a hauling machine. However, I haul a lot of firewood with the van and thought these would help.Question 2 is have you ever used the Timbertuff $20 sawmill that slides on a 2x4 or a 2x6. Just wanted to know from someone that has actually used it a lot to see if they are worth buying.
Thanks for posting this video. It's clear and easy to understand and helped me choose this solution.
I didn't even know these things existed!!! This is so cool.
I really liked how well you did your video, nice and clear, minimal equipment too! Great job.
Thanks for the video. I'm getting ready to do the same thing with the same model helper springs on my XJ.
*_Epic! Going to be installing some on my 91 Toyota Pickup._*
My gmc 1500 Sierra leaf springs are at normal height but they have a gap between them. I'm guessing from pulling heavy loads. I can feel every little. Bump and they kind of reverberate when up go over things. Like a speed bump there are wave like rebounds as if the shocks are bad. They are brand new and the last shocks do the same thing. I was told the springs are just worn but I'd like to clamp them or find a way to get by until I replace them.
One of the best DIY videos I've watched. Your voice is easy to understand and the camera work is great.
Fantastic, glad you liked it.
Good video. I just installed ride effex add a leafs to my ranger. That is what you need if you want to keep a level ride and be able to haul way more than stock.
Thanks for the video man. Just bought the same kit. Been working in Philly for a few months and I have noticed my rear suspension is getting really beat up. 08 Colorado, I'll let you know if they helped in a few weeks.
This guy is a great video host explaining stuff lol
I have a Chrysler 5th Ave. 1987 with only 78,800 original miles. Naturally, after 36 years, it sagged a little. With the helpers, it rides much more firm!
Been looking at some options for beefing up the rear on my SUV for towing, but am unfamiliar with the suspension components. Your video helped me understand the positioning and installation on a set of helper springs, which look to be about my best bet…very clear and well done, thanks!
You are excellent explaining videos thank you for the input I had a doubt of what kind of lift spring helper I need to buy and with your explanation help me for make my choice
I ordered the exact same kit for my 1994 Ford F150. U bolts don’t fit. Had to spend $52 extra on hardware. Fixing to finally install this weekend.
You're a good teacher.
You explained it very well, I think I can do it my self on my tacoma, Thanks body.
This is great!
If you want counter rotation of cutter and lathe you can reverse rotation of cutter by flipping the angle grinder 180 in the jig and reclamping instead of reversing lathe although the chips would go up...
Also jack whole truck up evenly in middle of bumper, not one sida at a time, your binding your leafs, and release jack slowly to adjust
It looks like its really close to the original spring rivit. So close in fact it may run into it under load. High wear ptoblem?
Will you still be able to install helper springs if your older leaf springs that they are getting attached too are less bow shaped than others? Thanks.
loved the video..and you brief well ..please keep the videos coming
Good video and instructions. I have a 1995 ford ranger 4x4 that pulls a 15' trailer with a skid mount pressure washer and 325 gallons of water. I was gonna universal fit this same system only the 3,500 pound capacity. Do you think it'll give good improvements? The truck with the trailer fully filled squats it pretty good. I already have a 4" lift and it makes my tires almost tuck.
Thank you for helping us with your video.
I'm gonna have to install these on my 58 MERCURY Monterey, my vehicle saggs big time, it's basically a damn low rider, I just hate that crap.😭😭 I'm always scraping the pavements and making sparks at night😭😭😭. I've installed air shocks it went up bout an inch, but that's it, my springs are no more, their super weak, and to make matters worse this car weighs almost 4 tons, I just can't afford new springs, THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME 👍👋.
Great Video man I have to do the same to my Silverado.
What's weird is that we have a 1958 Ford Custom 300 which appears to have the same kind of leaf, though it appears to have more of a bend to it. Not causing any problems but i'm thinking that maybe Ford had a towing package back in the day like they do today like on the Crown Victoria's.
I'm curious how much mileage you got out of the leaf spring helper kits that you installed?
GREAT VIDEO, Love Your Comedic Take On Certain Parts....Keep Up The Good Work
Great video. I have a 98 Chevy S10. I'm thinking of buying one for mine. I'll definitely use your video as a guide.
did it help when you put a heavier load in the back of the truck?
Fabian Fazzari I'm not completely sure. I can still crush the springs pretty good under heavy load, but by the time I'm at that point, my truck is under powered. What I do know, is that even with a lot of weight, I've still got good handling without a lot of "roll". But my tires are pretty light on the ground. Heavy duty springs would be better, but a larger truck is always better for weight and breaking power.
is there a way we could see the rivets installation and how do they look installed?
Thanks for the vid, told me what I needed to know!
I’m going to use some to get rid of axle wrap
Great video. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy that is sagging in the rear. I may get a pair of these to raise it back up.
Larry Morales If it's sagging, I'd replace the springs.
Ok good idea.
I used them for axle wrap worked well for that. For load use how did you like the the ride quality?
Didn't notice anything with the ride, sometimes I hear them pop a little if I'm twisting the suspension.
I bought a kit (open) from auto zone ..it only has one rivit.i thought about using a small bolt so will that work ok ??
Well explained. Appreciate the effort. Excellent presentation overall. Subscribed.
not a bad idea for soft springs in small vehicles. ideally a weight distributing hitch would be better for this type of trailering as the spring helpers do not put any more weight on your front tires. the steering will still be "light". spring helpers do NOT increase the vehicle's GVWR or GAWR and thus does NOT allow you to legally carry any more weight as determined by the manufacturer.
Yeah, it's a simple quick fix but doesn't make your truck any bigger! Thanks for watching.
thank you for your time.. thumbs up. i want to do the same to my 1988 f150. this looks easy. my question is, is there a difference between stock an the added leaf?
+Richard Downer I did this as a quick option, if I had your truck, I'd replace the springs with new ones or just heavier springs. My brother replaced the springs in the same truck with heavy duty springs and it made a big difference. Really not sure what you mean as far as your question.... a helper spring is not an "add a leaf" type spring. An ad a leaf spring is just what it says, adding another leaf to the bottom of the stack. This one mounts behind the axle, instead of between the axle and springs. Leaf springs are not that expensive and if your a handy person, you could put them on yourself.
Hey Homesteader. How did they work after more driving around? I have a set of these helpers, but can't decide whether or not to install them. I keep seeing videos of people installing helper springs and then not being too stoked with the results. Thank you.
Did you ever install? This guy seemed to never update in comments or videos, too bad it was a good presentation on install
@@efuller6770 I never did. I went with Sumo springs instead. Easy to take on and off and they work well.
Is that actually lifting it a little?
I plan to do this on an old van of mine!
Gave you a like because you did it nicely. Too bad they won't help with the sag on my grand wagoneer.
ya i was at carquest they told me to go 2 scrap yard they dident have any add a leafs ill ask em if they have helper springs
I see that Advance Auto sells both the UNDER leaf help spring and an OVER leaf help spring. I wonder which one to choose? Or both? Is it based on ease of installation? Seems like the UNDER leaf help spring helper was pretty easy.
Not sure, only installed these.
My buddy added a set of these to his Ranger and he really likes the difference but his seemed to be a slightly different design. I'm curious to know your opinion after you've had them on awhile. Thanks for the video.
Hi,
I'm still kinda forming my opinion, I've had quite a few loads in my truck since I got them, but nothing super heavy. I do think they make some difference, and that's all I was really looking for. My main reason, was so that I would not wear out my springs and to not have so much roll in the suspension when taking corners. I do think they work, but not a huge noticable difference. I think where they make a huge difference, is when your leaf springs are worn out, they are a cheap alternative to replacing the springs. I bought mine from O'Reillys for right around $30, let me know what you end up doing, thanks.
Excell makes a heavier leaf an heavier u bolts, I would definitely not trust that little bolt and nuts holding on my existing leaf springs, an accident waiting to happen, the heavier helper spring will mount on top of existing leaf springs, please use caution with what your doing sir, thank you
ChuckE2009 has an add a leaf video n his channel as well. "Cheapest improvement..."
In the ChuckE video he actually added a leaf as opposed to a helper unit.
Do they help with bottoming out...my truck is lowered and when I go over bumps I bottom out...
I bought the same kit. Literally says to mount them on top of the leaf spring brother
good video since it will work on my S010 like your Senoma.
Jud Kastner Indeed, good little trucks, I love mine.
Wow, how rigid and sturdy. These things won't fall off the highway and damage oncoming vehicles, wouldn't it???
Thanks. Would this work on your trailer as well?
I tried this with a similar helper leaf spring kit and it ended up permanently warping the leaf springs so I have to have the helpers on no matter what to keep the leafs straight.
Dont lift the vehicle on the frame. Lift with pressure on the trucks springs. You want the helpers engaged on the load, not on all the time. Applying the helpers on the spring as they are in the natural state of the trucks weight means youll only have pressure on the helpers with a load.
Did you end up keeping these on your truck @thehomesteadcraftsman ? Did it help?
They have been on there so long I don't even remember the difference.
Nice job HC, nice to see the way you sped up the vid on the other side of the truck, so we saw the whole operation. That's an interesting trailer you have there, did you build it ? Thanks for sharing
hasdrubal121 I did not make it, but my uncle did. It's actually my Dad's trailer, I just use it a lot. It's made of diamond plate and some car axles, it's really low which is nice. I like it a lot, even if it is a little rigged up.
I kind of guessed there was a family connection in it's construction, nice to see the can do attitude runs in the family
I just purchased a set of Hellwig Pro for my Dodge . Supposed to increase load capacity by over 2000 lbs. Only comes into play when truck is loaded so does not effect normal ride.
Good video, considering adding those to my 91 nissan p/u.
Looks like it dropped an inch without the pin. And around 3/4" with the pin. Did drop less with the pin.
ya get what you pay for... either add a leaf or or upgrade..good video... i used these on a 70 plymouth duster... notorious for ass sag... they did nothing.
when you put these on, does it keep it at the same height or does it raise it, ? with out weight.
in other words, i want to keep the same height on my truck when i install these.
It does not raise the truck. It just stiffens the springs when in compression. I posted a link below to the springs, you can read more there. Also there are some other videos on RUclips about helper springs that may help you. Another option is to replace your springs with heavier springs or perhaps an add a leaf, which is added to the existing stack.
The Homestead Craftsman thank you for your reply. that's all I needed to know. my 98 Tahoe has a lean, it leans lower on the driver side, I installed new springs in front. and had replaced the rear leaf springs, and it still leans, I actually lowered it 3" all around but it still sits lower on the driver side. I'm thinking of raising the rear shackle 1". I'm sure that will help. it actually sits 1" lower then the passenger side. I was thinking of adding the leaf helper thinking it would life it an 1".
Jaime Garcia
I don't know if it's going to change that. That sounds like you have worn out shocks or springs.
It raises it up a little.
Where is the followup video on how this worked out?
I have a Jeep cherokee xj 5 speed and have terrible wheel hop during right/left turns although my springs are over axle, wondering if these will help?
I have no idea. Maybe you need an alignment....shocks worn out, I have no idea. Just go to the jeep dealership and buy a 2019, it will cost a little more than the $30 helpers but it will turn beautifully!
@@thehomesteadcraftsman8975
LOL.
I got a set of these on Amazon for 38$ and the box says it also controls wheel hop. For around 40$ depending where you shop, it's worth trying. (They make over and under axle varieties)
The problem is that you installed these under the overload spring. That extra thick spring that the ends are not attached to anything are not leaf springs. You need to install between that and the leaf springs.
I just finished installing these on my 2004 Nissan Xterra, and I agree that they should be installed between the bottom leaf in the pack and the overload spring. If you raise the vehicle BEFORE installing the helpers, you'll get more of a gap between the pack and the overload to fit the helpers into. You will have to place the rivet and the U bolt in place before wedging the helpers into that space. Also, I didn't bother with the rear bracket bolts until after I had managed to get the helpers between the pack and the overload. Driver's side required a little banging to get it into position, but passenger side was a breeze. Overall these have helped the sagging rear end of my truck, and I'm preparing to haul a trailer for about 1100 miles so I wanted to have a little extra support for that trip. I can say that, after installation, the ride height is a little taller (certainly not a "lifted" suspension by any means) and the ride quality is a lot stiffer (which I needed). Steering feels like it's tracking a bit better as well. Overall, this was a cheap and simple project and I'm glad I did it.
Thinking about adding these to my 2011 GMC Canyon WT 2.9l 2wd?? Looks like it would be the same installation?? I tow a small 1300 lb bass boat and haul light loads.
Probably not a bad idea. You could also get heavier springs and/or tires more suited for weight.
I had a set of Hellwig EZ550 on my 92 S-10. They worked really well. So...I ordered a set for the GMC.
So what do you think about helper springs ?
Want to add to my chevy express van.
I just installed these on my 98 GMC Savana 1500. Game changer, go for it. Greatly reduces sway.
10:11
My 02 S10 pickup has a pretty bouncy ride. I replaced shocks all around. When I put 150 to 200lbs in the back, the bed has noticeable sag of say, 3/4 of an inch. I'm not sure but I'm thinking my leaf springs are 'bad' but the unloaded ride height looks fine. Do you think the leaf spring helper would help stiff up the ride for a smoother, not so bouncy ride?
+Austin Butler That's what they are meant for. But just to say, 3/4 inches with 200lbs sounds pretty normal........it's a small truck. Trucks just have a stiffer ride since they don't weight that much in the back. You've got three options. Take the truck for what it is............... put on heavier springs..................... or get a bigger truck. You can also use a trailer, but even then you need to be careful, you've only got but so much breaking power with these trucks, so loading them up, bed or trailer, can be dangerous. Drive slow if you do and break early.
Will these helper springs help with axle wrap issues?
Very helpful video ! Thank you!
Nice job on your video. Thanks a lot
Can you put those on the top or bottom of leaf spring I've seen it done both ways on RUclips thinking about getting some for my chevy 1500
It should be put on the bottom as he showed in the video. It helps in keeping the springs from compressing to much from the bottom.
Could you use these as a temporary small lift
2. the noise sounds will come from this way if you add orijnal leaf that will be better thank u for your intrest
Sad - 7 years later and I am sure this guy isn't following this video but if he was I would ask about these Hellwig springs I have - looks like they mount from the TOP and do SQUAT ALL. NADDA waste of 75 bucks - but ---- I'm going to try putting them under like this and see
I hear you
With that touching the axle plate wouldn't it make noise?
yes, they make a popping noise when you flex the suspension.
Great vid bro bro !!! Thanks