I have a 97 F150 4X4. I tow a 2 horse bumper pull trailer now and then and use the truck for hauling hay and other horse related chores. However, I also use the truck as my getting back and forth to work vehicle.

I would like to beef up the suspension so the truck doesn't squat so much when I tow or haul heavy loads. I realize that this upgrade would not actually increase the towing or hauling capacity of my truck. I'm just looking for something to level out the truck when hauling/towing a load. I do not use a weight distributing hitch system when towing my horses. Anyway, the weight distribution hitch system wouldn't help out when I'm hauling grain or hay in the bed of the truck and not towing my trailer.

I've been looking at "helper spring" systems that can be bought from various outlets. Some sets are advertised to keep the factory ride and handling when there is no load but stiffen up and also even out the truck when hauling a load. Because I drive my truck 30 miles every day to work it's important that the ride stay as nice an smooth as it is now.

I'm currently looking at a set through JC Whitney that bolt onto the stock springs and don't look like they are too difficult to install.

What I'm wondering is if anyone else uses this kind of helper spring system and if so how they like it.

As always, any input is welcome.

Thanks,
Mike B

 

I have a older F-250 that I use to haul a 11' camper. I installed the Hellwig Load Pro 35's on my rear spring pack and have been very pleased. My camper is 3000lbs with out any of my gear in it. When it is sitting in the bed. The truck barely moves and still sits slightly lower on the front. When it's unloaded the helper springs are only making enough contact to keep from rattling. The ride is "near" stock, meaning just slightly stiffer. I highly recommend Hellwig LP-35's for improving the ride and handling under a loaded condition. Just my .02 cents.

 

I used a set of Hellwig helper springs on my ol' half ton. For the price they do the job quite well, I was quite impressed. They are somewhat adjustable, so keep some never sieze on the bolt threads. I kept mine cranked up, and hauled around Lycoming T53 aircraft engines for my employer. In an Aluminum cam about 1000+ lbs, in a steel can closer to 1400 lbs (estimated), and they kept'er fairly level. I had no ride issues.
That all being said if you can afford it, and you like the ride you have. Go air bags, especially for towing.

 

I have never used any type of helper springs...but I plan on getting a pair. The only issue I would have with air bags vs. helper spring would be that the air bag has the possibility of leaking, probably highly unlikely though. But I suppose they are more adjustable. I am just thinking out loud now...I'll shut up.

 

I've had the Firestone air bags on a '99 SD F-250 for two years now. Wether it's a camper, boat, dirt or stone I'm hauling, I can adjust the air to make the truck sit level. I have not detected any leakage, other than how a tire kind of loses some pressure after a while. It's not much.