Hellwig 550 EZ Level Helper Spring Kit
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Yes, the helper springs raised the rear of my 2002 Dakota 2wd by about three inches. When the container is empty, it measures 4 inches. I also have Monroe Overload shocks, and the truck sits almost perfectly level when I load my 1000 pound camper. On a cross-country trip, I drove nearly 12,000 miles and had no problems.
If you only install one on one side, it should work; if you install both, you can adjust the tension on the side with the tank to be tighter. Tighten or loosen the attachment nuts to adjust the tension. I just drove 11,000 miles with my 1000 lb. The springs for the camper and the helper were fantastic.
It comes as a set of two half leaves (one for each side) with all of the necessary hardware. In 30 minutes or less, you can have both sides up and running. In my 2007 GMC Canyon, I was able to stop the wheel hop, 2. 9 liters, 5 speeds.
This attaches to the top of the spring and creates a reverse cantilever effect, with the truck leaves flexing up and the helper flexing down. Once you're on the truck, you'll see what I mean. It is not included in the leaf pack in the same way that an add-on leaf is.
Selected User Reviews For Hellwig 550 EZ Level Helper Spring Kit
For my 1998 Toyota T100, I ordered these. The instructions state unequivocally that they should not be used on vehicles equipped with load sensing rear brake proportioning valves, which many Toyotas of this era do; it's something I hadn't considered and was relieved to see on the instructions, though I wish they would make that incompatibility clear in advertising. As it stands, I'll have to cover the cost of return shipping. If you're not familiar with the load sensing proportioning valve, it sends more hydraulic braking pressure to the rear brakes when the vehicle is loaded. The amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the rear is determined by the vehicle's suspension sag. As a result, using a secondary device to reduce suspension sag will result in insufficient braking power when needed. It's possible that the rear and front biased brakes will be overworked. This may result in a potentially hazardous driving situation. br>br>I'm not sure how to rate these, but they appear to be a high-quality product that is simple to install and inexpensive when compared to alternatives. I applaud Hellwig for advising me not to use these on my truck in the instructions, but since all T100s are likely to have the same proportioning valve, they shouldn't be listed as a fit for these vehicles. br>br>Be diligent in your studies.
It gets three stars from me. It's a well-made product, but it's not compatible with the generation 3 Toyota Tacoma without relocation of the brake lines and spring modification, as helwig claims. For a better understanding of the problem, look at the pictures. If the u bolt was installed according to the instructions, it would chafe the brake lines. While this can be solved by moving the helper spring back a little, the new Tacoma 4 leaf spring design has two retaining cleats to keep the leaves aligned. To install this helper spring, the first cleat would have to be cut away to make room for the helper spring to lay on top of the top leaf, voiding the warranty and potentially endangering the spring. There's no way to install this helper spring set on the new 4 leaf Tacoma spring unless I'm missing something. As a result, I'm returning it. Amazon is, as usual, amazing. Begin the process of returning. A label should be printed. It should be delivered to UPS. Too bad. This would have been a straightforward solution to the problem of tacoma light springs.
br>Excellent results, the axle wrap was greatly reduced thanks to the spring kit. I would strongly suggest it. Here's what I think:br>br>Prosbr>Easy installation with only one 11/16 wrench br>The ride is better, and the "thud" at stops and starts is no longer present. br>There is also an added benefit for towing and hauling. br>Very ridged and of excellent quality. br>br>Consbr>br>It's a well-known fact that installing springs on certain models can be a pain. The rear U-shape on my model can be seen in my photos. I read on some Toyota message boards that Hellwig makes angled U-bolts that land right over the tailpipe. Bolts are used in a variety of applications. You'd think for $65 that they'd include a couple of mounting options. I was able to make it work by cutting a 1/2" off one side of your bolt above the tailpipe, and it has worked flawlessly so far. br> The spring kit is well worth the money, but the lack of an angled U-shape detracts from its value. bolts. It took an hour to complete the installation. Check out the photos to see that the leaf springs aren't sagging. I also tightened the U-bolts on the back. The sweet spot appears to be bolting down to the calm on the back leaf.
It took about an hour from start to finish to complete the installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when lifting the back of the truck to relieve the load on both leaf springs. Personally, I used a hydraulic floor jack and a block of wood to jack up my truck at the hitch. CONSULT A QUALIFIED MECHANIC OR AN AIR HEAD IF YOU ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED OR AN AIR HEAD. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU ARE JACKING YOUR TRUCK UP WRONG OR UNSAFELY. To get the helper springs to seat properly, I had to cut off the small plastic pegs that protruded from the top of the leaf spring. When I tow my pop-up camper or 16-foot aluminum Jon boat, the springs DO make a difference. In curves, I have more control, less bounce, and I no longer sag. This purchase has pleased me. You'll be fine if you stick to the instructions in the kit.
These were installed by me. I jack-up the back of the vehicle after blocking the front wheels. To keep it safe, I used jack stands under the spring mounts. br>I used the U-bolt to install both springs. Nuts and bolts are included in the package. Before tightening the nuts with an air impact wrench, make sure the helper springs aren't too close to any brake lines or anything else. The bottoms of the U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped I used a sawzall with a coarse metal blade to remove the bolts on the side where the exhaust tailpipe was mounted so they wouldn't rip a hole in the tailpipe. br>br>I had a lot of help from the helper springs. I used to sit on the tailgate, which caused the back of the truck to drop about 5 inches. It's now about two inches lower. People no longer flash their headlights at me, assuming I'm driving with my high beams on because of the sag in the bed when I'm carrying a light load. The helper springs raised the back of the pickup by about an inch, according to measurements taken before and after. br>The ride is slightly rougher, but not significantly so. I am confident that I made the best decision possible.
Over the years, I've used Hellwig helper springs on a number of my trucks and SUVs; they're a great product that's simple to install. I put these on my 2001 Jeep Cherokee because the leaf springs were flat and saggy, and it also leaned a little more on the driver side. I was able to correct the lean by torqueing the u bolts on the driver side helper spring more than the passenger side, and it's still sitting level and riding form again after 1500 miles.
No more sag with the Hellwig 550. It took 1 for me because I'm 65 years old. It takes 5 hours to set up. But it was simple(ish) on my 2012 Tacoma, which had a loaded bed and a fiberglass Leer cap installed. I measured about an inch of lift at the springs and it brought the load back up to level without changing the ride. This product has exceeded my expectations, and Prime shipping makes it an even better deal. I made use of the u-turn on the Tacoma. The forward end of the spring is attached with a bolt behind the axle, and a u-bolt is also included. bolt on the back end I was able to avoid using the OEM alignment bracket with the OEM springs as a result of this. I also cranked up the tension on both ends.
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