Greetings everyone,
I have a 96' Eddie Bauer F-150. I bought this truck from the company I work for about 2 years ago. They maintained it beautifully. 271K miles and still running strong. Body is in great condition. Its got the usual towing equipment, trans cooler and all but when I was checking the air in my spare tire underneath, I saw what looked liked a helper spring on top of each set of leaf springs. The ends of these springs were not touching anything until you put weight in the bed then the steel mounts that are riveted on the frame would rest on the ends of the helper springs. Looks factory to me but I really havent paid attention to others f-150s either. Do any of your trucks have this helper spring installed at the factory? The mechanic said it was ordered with a heavy duty towing package and those springs were a part of it. Just not sure.

 

iv not heard of those being factory but im not 100% sure. why do you need to know? or just curious? i know you can get overloads like that from several places.

 

I will be getting a travel trailer and was considering on installing Hellwig helper springs as I will have a load in the bed of the truck also. Will be getting a WDH also. I thought if the springs would have been aftermarket installed, the mounts on the frame would have been bolted in and not riveted.

 

that is true, iv never heard of someone using rivets to install stuff before, so sounds like there factory. (the rivets thing went right over my head lol) you can also get air bags if you want to spend the money and tow enough.

 

I was thinking of air bags also. I want to replace my timing chain before anything. I dont need that going on me while on the highway. Its the original with 271K on it so think I should change it out..LOL

 

would be a good idea to do a full tune up and grease all the zerks also.