When I first got my truck two years ago I noticed it has rear coils next to the shocks on the rear axle.The bottom mount is just held on by a u-bolt from what I can see.Is this factory or something a previous owner did?I don't really recall seeing any other trucks like this,but then again I never looked hard enough.If it makes any difference,rear axle is a 9",truck is a 1980 F100.Thanks in advance.

 

Previous owner probably too cheap or lazy to either replace or rearch the rear springs.I would remove them and see how the truck rides and sits. If it sags then you know waht you need to do.

 

Sounds like hillbilly helpers. They used to sell coils to go around your shocks, they may still. But a spring beside the shock.....hmmm. Could be an after market thing maybe. Who knows.

 

I didn't think it was stock.I think the truck used to be a farm truck,so it doesn't surprise me if they are aftermarket.Here's a pic of them.It's just real hard to tell cause they're just as dirty as the rest of the suspension.

 

Like said, Hillbilly helpers ...

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

Okay,thanks y'all.I think they might be some type of overload assist,because I don't think they touch the frame.But i'm not too sure.Thanks again.

 

Take a look, if they are not loaded while it is sitting (like you said, touching the frame) they are not hurting anything and probably will help with a load in the bed. Another option is to put airbags in IF you even want some extra load help.

 

I had those on my 83 F-100, they are just a different kind of helper springs. You can still find them in some auto parts stores.

 

I found a set of those under a crashed 81 F100. I swapped them in under my 80 F150. They really help keep the rear from squatting when I hook up the trailer and load a car on it. Otherwise, they just sit there not doing much......

 

Alright guys,thanks alot.This truck most likely won't ever see a heavy load aside from lumber,and I don't have any plans on pulling trailers with it.It had a rough last 30 years,i'm gonna give it an early retirement.

 

They do still sell them, they are an add on helper spring, sell for around $25. I added them to my van to make up for sagging monoleaf springs... they ride better than the helper leafs that clamp on the leaf, and probably less hard on the leaf spring than those clamp on helpers...

 

That's a neater set up then mine, but yeah definitely load helpers.

 

I had 5800 pounds in the bed of my '82 f350 the other day. I was wishing for helper springs!