So after EXTENSIVE research on:
Add-A-Leaf
AirBags
SuperSprings
Timbren
Hellwig

I have determined that the new FR250SDG Timbren Rubber Helper will be the best choice for my needs. After reading through dozens of forums, chats, Youtube Videos, Complaints, and Reviews I have determined the following:

Add-A-Leaf - Stiffens the ride to a point that is excessive. Also puts excessive wear and tear on OEM shocks due to the added rebound.

AirBags - Requires proper placements of compressor or manuel filling, plus possibly cutting or drilling into the vehicle to place controls, mounts, and valves, and are a better choice of those who are hauling larger loads for longer periods of time.

SuperSprings - Can cause premature wear of factory Leaf Spring components and even failuire. Plus have more possible points of failure.

Hellwig - Have been known to over stress OEM leafs and sometimes cause major damage to the factory leaf pack. They can also really stiffen the ride and have several possible failure points.

Timbren - Can make the vehicle feel like it's bottoming out if not set properly. Can still compress too far and make the rear end sink. Good point is they come with a lifetime warranty and have very little possibility of catastrophic failure.


I recently loaded my 2011 F250SDCC with 30 60lbs bags of concrete and the back end sunk about 3". The Timbren Rubber Helper Springs would kick in after about 1" and the back should only sink around 1.5-2".

I feel the OEM ride when not loaded plus the ability to stay fairly level when loaded were the apealing drivers that tipped the scale for me.

Paid $199 with free S/H. Install looks very simple.

We'll see.

 

I have them on my dump truck with a 1" spacer and like how they perform.

Before dump body installed:



After dump body installed:

 

debating on getting these timbrens for my 2011 f250. do u guys like the way these perform while loaded? i am adding a spring to the rear end also, but i know its still going to squat and want to add these too. i just need some input from someone that has installed them. thanks!

 

I can't speak to the newer trucks with their softer suspensions, but the timbrens are great on my 01 when I'm hauling firewood or my slide-in camper. The difference with a load is night and day IMHO.

I will recommend setting them up with a space between the spring and the bump stop. if the gap is tiny, or the springs are always touching, the unloaded ride suffers. I like a 1" gap personally.

 

I went with Timbrens on my 2008 F250 and have been very pleased. Truck stays level now when I hook my trailer up and the ride is much better.

BCHauler is also spot on with his comment about space between the Timbren and bump stop/peg. The first set of Timbrens I was sent touched the bump stop on one side and only gave me 1/4 inch gap on the other. The ride was terrible. Timbren sent me another set that gave me an inch on each side and the ride was back to normal and the Timbrens work when needed. (I posted about the problem if you want to search).

You may want to think about putting on some Bilstein 5100 shocks. I did this the other day at 12k miles. What a difference. Best money spent so far.

 

already did a shock replacement, stock ranchos sucked!! i got the rs9000xl rancho shocks and are much better!

 

The gap between the bump stop and timbren depends on the 1st spring rate of the leafs. If the first spring rate is relatively soft and has a lot of travel (better ride) then yes a bigger gap is better for unloaded ride quality. However, too big of a gap will not put enough weight on the timbren when loaded and defeat its purpose.

Leafs with a stiffer 1st spring rate require a smaller gap, so the timbren engages quick enough without the leafs carrying all the weight.

Timbren has it written in its literature that SRW trucks should have a 1" gap between the bump stop and timbren rubber spring and DRW trucks should have a 1/2" gap. I find that those two recommended set ups work very well.

 

Got them on my truck. Maintenance free and they get the job done:



Here is the weight ticket for the load above:

 

I love these on my truck. Check out my newest post with video of 3800+ lbs in the back

 

I had these on my previous truck and loved them. Would like to put them on the current 2008 F250 SRW PSD. However, in looking at the install instructions it appears to me I might not be able to due the B&W turnover gooseneck that is installed. Has any here installed them with that setup?

 

I have them on my '05 F250. I pull a 5th wheel with a #2100 pin weight, use to have some rear sag but no more. I originally purchased the standard use version but I knocked one off while pulling on some really rough road and pot holes in NH. Called Timbren and they sent out the Heavy service model for the F250 (stronger mounting plates, resist side movement). No more problem in over 6yrs use. See this link
http://timbren.com/timbren-applicati...s/FRTT350F.pdf

about the heavy service model.