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Helper Springs On Work Truck?

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    Pronto Hauling started this thread.
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    Helper Springs On Work Truck?

    Im looking into picking up some sort of helper springs for my '90 f150 work truck. The truck is a half ton pick up as is. Im mainly leaning towards some hellwig helper springs that bolt right on to the existing leafs and axle. The springs im looking at are rated at 2500 lbs. http://www.race-mart.com/Hellwig-HEW-61603.html
    Just wondering if any of you all have used these or similar products. Also kinda looking into airbag helpers as another option. My main objective is to be able to load my truck heavier than I do now, with out the rear end squatting and still handle descent. I don't mind if the ride is a little stiff unloaded, but preferably not alot. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



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    It's been a while but I have used the helper springs on some work vans in the past. Seemed to help some, easy to put on and most certainly better then air shocks. As for air bags, never have used them. I think they are a step up from the helper springs and can be pricey tho.
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    Go down to the junk yard and pull off some 2500 springs off a truck.

    most trucks you can upgrade the springs to one side up an they should fit as bolt on.

    1500 > 2500
    2500 > 3500 and so on

    I did that with my chevy 1500...its running full 2500 front and back. Was going to upgrade the back to 3500 but would need to do some cutting and welding to make them fit (not a huge issue) I was just to lazy to do it. But the 2500 went on with no issues.

    p.s...i got the set for the rear end for like $80
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    just to take what easy said a step farther, keep an eye out at the scrap yard you deal with i bought a set of 3/4 ton springs for my old chevy from the local scrap yard at scrap value(at the time it was like $8 per side or something like that) super cheap and if you dont need to keep your 1/2 ton springs throw them back in the scrap pile and you'll prolly get most of your money back.

    i took them off right there in the yard too it was funny cause the guy was like its going in the shredder before i leave today (it was like 5mins after 4 when i asked the guy about them) so i just went out there with my portable band saw and cut the heads off the spring shackle bolts and ubolts and threw the springs back in my trailer (its really convenient if the yards flips the cars over like mine does to remove tires and gas tanks)

    just a thought maybe you get lucky and someone will haul in an old work truck you can pull the springs off of.

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    I think I would go with something like this.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/59542-Air-Li...item43aa66008f

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    Pronto Hauling started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by easyrecycle View Post
    Go down to the junk yard and pull off some 2500 springs off a truck.

    most trucks you can upgrade the springs to one side up an they should fit as bolt on.

    1500 > 2500
    2500 > 3500 and so on

    I did that with my chevy 1500...its running full 2500 front and back. Was going to upgrade the back to 3500 but would need to do some cutting and welding to make them fit (not a huge issue) I was just to lazy to do it. But the 2500 went on with no issues.

    p.s...i got the set for the rear end for like $80
    Thanks for the info. Thats something I never considered but sounds like a great idea. My truck is a ford f150 so do you think springs from and f250 or f350 would line up? Definitely gonna look into it.

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    Pronto Hauling started this thread.
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    What do you guys think about these? http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...0A3004508.aspx

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    I am going through the same thing.I am getting air bags put on they are rated for 5000 lbs.If i was you i would have air bags put on.

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    I agre with focker get the bags. Even if its not the full bags and just the helper bags. Much ebtter then another hunk of metal added to the springs. Very easy to install too. I helped friend do his on his truck and getting some for my truck this winter.

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    I salvaged an airbag setup off a wreck and installed it on my F350 dually. They stay empty most of the time, but are nice if I have a serious haul to make.

    Also, both my F150's came with helpers. Don't know brands or ratings, but one looks different from the other. Both ride pretty smooth.
    Last edited by c4f5; 10-20-2011 at 11:10 AM. Reason: added comment


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