SIC_HDPP

I am looking at the Hellwig 61902 helper springs. http://m.autoanything.com/suspension...helper-springs

I have searched on the forum and googled but haven't seen too many reviews on these. Can any members give any feed back on these right hight increase, unloaded handling, loaded handling etc.

I was originally looking at a RAS system but have been hearing they start rusting pretty good after 2 years and I live in the rust belt. RAS has a 2 year warranty and the Hellwig has a lifetime warranty so that's a plus in my book. Plus the Hellwig is rated up too 2,500lbs

SkiSmuggs

No experience with those. I use the SuperSprings which I like.

regilliez

I have the 2000 lb version. I have not been impressed. My truck is a 2004. It has stiffened the rear but not enough to level anywhere near 2000 lbs. I have also had problems with them interfering with the stock leaf spring clips and have not been able to tighten them all the way. I have not had any rear lift. If I did it again it would be air bags all the way. Hope that helps.

SIC_HDPP

Thanks for the feedback on these. I was hoping the 2500lb one would be better. After doing so research online it looks like the heavy duty one has two bars to installs instead of. 1.

regilliez

It does have two bars. The one I have only has one. I looked at the 2500lb one, just didn't think it was required, but now I think it would be better, although it will really stiffen your ride. Check out the air ride 2000lb airbags, they are close to the same price. No drilling required. Not sure why you need them, mine was for travel trailer towing with. I have a 1.5 inch front lift and hoped it would keep it level when loaded, it helps but not as much as I thought. Just my 2 cents.

Mike Up

If your wanting to level out the truck when towing, don't use helper springs or air bags. They'll just lead you to overloading your rear axle.

Use a WDH (weight distribution hitch) for trailer towing. It allows more weight than the trucks 500 lbs limit for weight 'bearing' hitches, stops porpoising, levels the truck, transfers weight back to the front axle and to the trailer axles, and offers a good ride towing and when not towing.

I've loaded at least 1000 lbs into the bed of each of my F150s (2010 and 2012) and my 2008 Sport Trac V8, and none had any serious rear end sag. Actually the Sport Trac may have had a stiffer suspension than even the F150s but the Sport Trac did offer 1/2 ton capabilites in a Midsize truck.

Loading much more than 1000 lbs into beds of the trucks, would had been at GVWR or above with me, tools/gear, and truck accessories. All 3 trucks handled good with that weight in the bed. No negative handling at all.

Helper springs or air bags on the F150s are really only needed if you overload your truck. The stock suspensions are pretty good compared to the early 2000 trucks that squatted badly carrying rated payload.

SkiSmuggs

Good points! I use the SuperSprings because I tow a fifth wheel and am overloaded by 500 lbs. With a travel trailer, a WDH would take care of it.
I do think HD shocks are a great idea to reduce wallowing and provide rebound control and my Bilstein 4600 series HD shocks do that well.

Zrock

i would go with bags as well.. they take some of the pressure of the springs and saves on broken springs in the future. WDH is a good idea as well as long as you know how to properly set them up. Running a rv park i see far to many people that have no clue how to set them up so they are actually doing nothing. But unfortunately some people you cannot help. you know them the know it all's..hehe

RedOne

All good points but when having a 5er and not a TT, your option for a WDH doesn't exist. I use air bags with seperate airlines and have less than 20 psi ever. The seperate lines are so the air doesn't transfer from one side to the other giving the truck a much more stable ride.I have even run the bags down to 5psi (miminum) and the truck does not sag.

SIC_HDPP

I tow my trailer and I rent uhaul 6x12 enclosed trailer for when my band plays out. Plus I would haul heavy loads in the bed for crap around the house so with WDH wouldn't help me. I've looked at bags but they were expensive for the bags, compressors, lines, etc.

I viewed the super springs and I am digging them. Anyone know what this difference between the SSA5 and the SSA28 from super springs are?