Hellwig 979 EZ Level Helper Spring Kit

You've completed your homework, if you're anything like me. Please keep in mind that these are not the same videos that you may have seen or may be able to find on the internet. Take a look at the images of these and the ones they use in web videos. The Helwig helper springs shown in the videos on the internet do not require disassembly of the rear axle – but these DO! The helper spring is simply laid on top of existing hardware and bolts in the video on YouTube and elsewhere. NOTICE: These don't have enough deformation to go over the bump stop, so you'll have to remove the factory U-bolts. Put this UNDER the bump stop with the bolts and the bump stop. It's a much bigger job than the videos on Helwig Helper springs make it appear. leaf to get a better sense of how this installation works. br>br>However, there are only eight more bolts than you'd expect, and they're brutal, weather-beaten bolts. (You'll need WD40, Liquid Wrench, or something similar, as well as some time to soak. ) It was a breeze to get them off after that. ))br>br>The instructions are poor – when I called for clarification and told them the instructions were poor, they said their instructions were "very good, with pictures" – they do have two pictures showing the U bolts in place – To be fair, they were very nice about "call us if you get stuck. " But when did the manufacturer become the final arbiter of whether or not the instructions are adequate? br>br>I rated the hardware five out of five. They're well-made, beefy, and there's nothing about the hardware that I don't like. These are without a doubt my top picks. I'd buy them again if the opportunity presented itself. I would advise my friends to purchase them. br>br>Like the others on this thread, I purchased these to bring the back end up to stock after I installed a shell. The truck does not squat, sag, or sag when the shell is on and the truck is fully loaded for a five-day camping trip in a remote mountain location. It does lower the height, but only by about 12 to 1 inch at most. 4x4 roads with high clearance aren't a problem. I have it in stock just as the shell is. br>br>Now for the instructions that will help you get 5 stars for the "product" - br>How the instructions should be worded: br>U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U- Bolts from the kit will need to be replaced. br>Break the U-bolts that were installed at the factory. bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolts bolt While the vehicle's weight is on the ground, bolts should be tightened. A 19mm (I believe) socket or wrench, as well as a breaker bar or impact wrench, are required. Immediately following the U-turn, Using the frame, jack the truck up until the wheels are just touching the ground and the bolts are broken from the seal created by exposure to the elements. Jack stands or something similar can be used to provide support. Chock the front wheels if you're jacking up the rear wheels equally on both sides. Working on one side at a time; (DO NOT remove the U-shaped piece. ) bolts on both the driver's and passenger's sides at the same time. ) Remove the two U-bolts on each side. The bump stop and the bolts Install the Helwig spring as a helper. On the driver's side, be especially cautious of the brake line, which has no front or back designation. Install a U-bolt with a larger diameter than the one supplied by the manufacturer. bolts that come with the kit NOTE: The factory installed units are metric, whereas the new ones are English, necessitating the use of different tools. br>br>The instructions pick up and explain themselves fairly well from here. There will be no need for additional assistance. br>br>Things to rememberbr>1. ) The instructions state that one U bolt (driver's side front bolt) should be fashioned sideways – I, like others, believe that doing so would jeopardize the brake line. With the help of the U- It has plenty of clearance, so bolt it down like the factory did.
2. ) If you're using a two-leaf pack (two long, one short), you'll want/need a way to cut the U-shape. bolts after they've been installed They'll protrude far enough that you won't be able to fit a socket (even a deep one) over them to use a torque wrench. You could use an adapter that doesn't go over the bolt end, but this is just to let you know. If you're four-wheeling with that TRD high clearance, you won't like how far the U-turn extends. Bolts will protrude from the truck's underside. You'll be fine if you're running a 3 1 leaf pack. br>br>And, last but not least, I'm a female, 5'2", 108 lbs, and I installed these by myself. I'd buy them again if the opportunity presented itself. They were a far superior option for adding a leaf or switching out a leaf pack. They are also excellent at what they do. br>br>It would have taken me less than an hour from start to finish if I had "these" instructions.

Castiel Watkins

| Sep 04, 2021

A for the reviewer who suggested getting the Hellwig manual/catalog and double-checking the model number of the spring kit that applies to my specific truck. This led me to the 979 kit for my 2007 Tacoma Prerunner Double Cab with TRD and short bed, which I purchased. The kit came with new extended length spring pack u-bolts from Amazon, which arrived the next day without having to pay for next day service. If your 4x4 has three leaves of OL springs, you'll need bolts. The helper springs would have to be added under the bump stop, which would necessitate the use of the extended bolts. I only had two OL springs on my 4x2 prerunner, so I was able to reuse the original u-bolt. Bolts are factory-supplied. The front tension u-bolt must be installed sideways, according to the instructions. To avoid interfering with the gas tank, bolt on the driver's side. If I need to adjust the front tension, I'll have to cut a pipe sleeve and slip it over the u-bolt. tighten the spring and reduce the spacing with a bolt. That is something I have yet to accomplish. I also had to move the emergency brake cable mounting bracket in front of the spring bracket on the driver's side to a pre-existing location. On the underside of the body, there was an existing threaded hole of the correct size (how fortunate was that?). In the new bracket location, I cut a piece of bicycle tube to cushion the cable. The cable is not abraded by the front sideways mounted u-bolt because of this relocation. Use the shortest u-bolt you can find. With the thinnest bracket bar, a bolt is provided. Other suggestions include raising the truck level but not completely off the ground, and supporting the frame with jack stands about 2 feet in front of the rear wheels. You are not required to remove your wheels, and you should not do so. The spring pack u-bolt was easily removed with my air impact wrench. bolts, and they appeared to be relatively easy to remove from the factory, possibly undertorqued. Mine was tightened to 80 lb-ft-ft-ft-ft-ft-ft after the helper springs have been installed I'm sure it was even tighter than factory specifications. The next time I tow my camper, I'll finish fine-tuning the tension on each spring. Hopefully, there won't be any more bottoming out on interstate bridges. The truck is slightly higher in the back when it is not loaded. So far, I'm pleased with the results, and I like that the 979 kit provides assistance to both the front and back sides of the spring, rather than just the back, as the EZ 550 kit does. To me, it just appears to be better physics.

Pearl Terry

| Feb 26, 2021

Last week, I gave it a three-star rating due to some issues with the driver's side ubolts not matching the other units due to the gas tank. I sent an email to the tech department, and they are now sending me another ubolt, similar to the others, because I believe the bolt will not punch through the tank. Otherwise, the spring on the driver's side would not be as effective as the spring on the passenger side; I'll report back next week after I install this bolt, and perhaps change to a 5 star rating.

Kayleigh Gamble

| Oct 21, 2021

Regrettably, it did not fit my truck! It was also stated in the description that it would fit my vehicle. Before you buy, call Hellwig to make sure it'll fit your car. I'm currently returning mine, and they appear to be doing an excellent job with customer service and making things right for me. If anything changes on that front, I'll let you know. Good luck in your endeavors!.

Sasha Mullen

| Jan 22, 2021

For my tacoma with a sprung suspension, it worked perfectly.

Johanna Gamble

| Jan 17, 2021

On my Tacoma, these were perfect. The stock springs were far too soft, and they quickly bottomed out on the bump stops. I read a lot of reviews and thought these would be a great option for my truck because, unlike airbags (another good option), they would keep the off-road capabilities. It took approximately one hour to complete the installation. I put a cap on my truck and adjusted the springs to get it back to stock height. I just finished a six-hour move with some heavy items, and the springs performed admirably. There isn't any bottoming out, and the ride continues to be enjoyable. I also like that they're adjustable; I've got them set to maintain the stock ride, but they've come in handy when hauling heavy loads. Great item. br>br>.

Leo Hogan

| Aug 17, 2021

I've got about 400 pounds in the bed of a 2012 Toyota Tacoma, plus a fiberglass campershell with a roof basket that adds another 75 pounds, and it's all leveled out nicely. Depending on how the trk is seated, it sometimes appears as if it actually gave a slight lift.

Albert Zuniga

| Jun 05, 2021

There is no discernible increase in hauling capacity.

Nico Stein

| May 31, 2021