Hellwig Load Pro, Other Helpers???
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
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From: Rockport, WA
Hellwig Load Pro, Other Helpers???
My 1977 F250 Custom appears to have only a 6,800 GVWR. I'd like to add a ton to that. My friend's 1976 F250 says it has the 8,200 GVWR. We have the same number of spring leaves, so I guess hers must be a bit thicker. Her '76 sure LOOKS like my '77 (except she has lap belts and I have to mess with shoulder belts).
I'm really thinking of going with the Hellwig Load Pro. They sell 'em at Les Schwab, and they look like a simple installation. I'm just wondering if anyone here has used them. I know there are other types of helper and overload springs, as well as add-on airbags. But the Load Pro looks pretty straight forward for a leaf spring equipped truck. And it looks easy to return to stock if I want to -- or want to take the Load Pro and use on another truck.
Thoughts, comments?
I'm really thinking of going with the Hellwig Load Pro. They sell 'em at Les Schwab, and they look like a simple installation. I'm just wondering if anyone here has used them. I know there are other types of helper and overload springs, as well as add-on airbags. But the Load Pro looks pretty straight forward for a leaf spring equipped truck. And it looks easy to return to stock if I want to -- or want to take the Load Pro and use on another truck.
Thoughts, comments?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 127
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From: Layton UT
Her truck might have 3" wide springs, and your has 2 1/2" wide. But there may be more of a difference in your two trucks than you can see. GVWR is a combination of a lot of things about the truck i.e. brakes, engine size, gear ratios, and axles (among a few others). For instance, if your truck has a taller (numerically lower) gear ratio, then you will probably have a lower GVWR.
What I'm saying here is don't just think you can add over load springs to your truck and expect it to safely carry a heavier load than it's rated for. A lot of people do, but then there are also a lot of unsafe drivers out there.
All that being said, the Hellwig springs do look pretty nice, and I'm thinking of puting them on my truck as well.
What I'm saying here is don't just think you can add over load springs to your truck and expect it to safely carry a heavier load than it's rated for. A lot of people do, but then there are also a lot of unsafe drivers out there.
All that being said, the Hellwig springs do look pretty nice, and I'm thinking of puting them on my truck as well.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
I hear you. I'm not going to push it too far. I just looked at my friend's truck again this morning. We both have 3" springs. I didn't use a caliper, but I'm guessing her spring leaves may be a tad thicker than mine. We both have Dana 60 axles. I believe mine is 4.10:1 which puts me (now that I've installed 235/85R-16 tires yesterday) about where my '96 Suburban is for gearing when it's in third. I think when I stop at the gas station, I'm going to regret not having a modern automatic overdrive transmission.
I think if I don't get really crazy, my F250 should be OK for an occasion run with a cord of wood. Also, it has a trailer receiver that will accept my Reese Hitch, and a brake controller. With that low axle, it should be able to pull my car hauler trailer.
I was at Les Schwab's yesterday. The Hellwig Load Pro setup is about $200 parts cost. Firestone air bags are going to be $400-500, so I think I'll pass on them.
I think if I don't get really crazy, my F250 should be OK for an occasion run with a cord of wood. Also, it has a trailer receiver that will accept my Reese Hitch, and a brake controller. With that low axle, it should be able to pull my car hauler trailer.
I was at Les Schwab's yesterday. The Hellwig Load Pro setup is about $200 parts cost. Firestone air bags are going to be $400-500, so I think I'll pass on them.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Thanks. I haven't really researched air springs yet. I was just listening to the guy at Les Schwab -- who may have been selling installation and an air source.
I have had PolyAir bags in a coil spring car in the past, and even air bags in an old coil spring half ton many years ago. They weren't bad.
I'm just thinking spring steel is more foolproof than air bags that require inflation to various pressures.
I have had PolyAir bags in a coil spring car in the past, and even air bags in an old coil spring half ton many years ago. They weren't bad.
I'm just thinking spring steel is more foolproof than air bags that require inflation to various pressures.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Interestingly enough, my AW Direct catalog was laying in the kitchen, open to a page that says "All Firestone Rear Air Spring Kits $308.99" I just checked them online, and they show one for $299.99. I now AW Direct has GREAT service, but they usually are not the cheapest around.
I'll assume air helper springs can be had for $300 parts cost. That's still a bit more than the parts cost for the Load Pro, but I think the Schwab guy was giving me an installed price, and it looks like a bit more work to mount the air springs, then plumb them in.
Of course, the cheap answer is just to add an overload leaf to the springs. The truth is, since I swapped to 16" wheels and my set of used 235/85R-16's and let Les Schwab sell me new shocks yesterday, I'm pretty happy with how the truck rides. I'd like to get the load carrying improvement when I need it, but don't really want to seriously degrade my ride.
My truck used to have A/C. I've been talking with my friend about a kit that lets one convert the A/C compressor to an onboard air compressor. That would be fun. I'd just HAVE to get truck air horns...
I'll assume air helper springs can be had for $300 parts cost. That's still a bit more than the parts cost for the Load Pro, but I think the Schwab guy was giving me an installed price, and it looks like a bit more work to mount the air springs, then plumb them in.
Of course, the cheap answer is just to add an overload leaf to the springs. The truth is, since I swapped to 16" wheels and my set of used 235/85R-16's and let Les Schwab sell me new shocks yesterday, I'm pretty happy with how the truck rides. I'd like to get the load carrying improvement when I need it, but don't really want to seriously degrade my ride.
My truck used to have A/C. I've been talking with my friend about a kit that lets one convert the A/C compressor to an onboard air compressor. That would be fun. I'd just HAVE to get truck air horns...
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