Helper leafs
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 390
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Helper leafs
I found a pair of bolt on helper leafs for $20 from a yard, they are only 2 1/2
inches wide, they bolt to the exsisting leaf set. The leafs on my truck are 3 inches wide, the truck is a 1979 F150. Will these work? The yard says yes. I guess if the 4 ubolts are wide enough to go over the 3 inch leafs they will work ? Any one have a set up like this? JC Whitney sells 2 1/2 inch also, I thought they should match the leaf size on the truck any comments? The reason I'm thinking of getting them is I pull a 1977 Reinell boat 20', the boat and trailer are just under 5000 Ibs. and the suspension is taking a load.
inches wide, they bolt to the exsisting leaf set. The leafs on my truck are 3 inches wide, the truck is a 1979 F150. Will these work? The yard says yes. I guess if the 4 ubolts are wide enough to go over the 3 inch leafs they will work ? Any one have a set up like this? JC Whitney sells 2 1/2 inch also, I thought they should match the leaf size on the truck any comments? The reason I'm thinking of getting them is I pull a 1977 Reinell boat 20', the boat and trailer are just under 5000 Ibs. and the suspension is taking a load.
Last edited by oem78; Jun 5, 2006 at 12:17 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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don't go cheap, you'll probably regret it. get either some add a leafs that are the proper width or a set of helper air bags. i like the airbags because they are a bit smoother as you can air down with no load. add a leafs are rough as a buckboard unless you're loaded. JMO
Postmaster
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Match the width of the helper leaf and the OEM leaf springs. It will be a safer truck. http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...on/61602F.html
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Crestline, California
Hey Eric, I don't understand what you mean
. I use Helwig overload springs (J.C. Whitney)on Burt because of the heavy camper I have on him. They do a great job helping to correct any unwanted sag (now if I can get some for my face!
.) I have also had them on other trucks and always had success with them, as they do what they were intended to do.
In terms of safety, I do have the bigger Dana 70hd rear end and adjustable air shocks too.
If in fact his factory springs are coming unsprung, or are shot, then I agree that adding helper springs would be the wrong thing to do though.
Just my experiences.
Dak
. I use Helwig overload springs (J.C. Whitney)on Burt because of the heavy camper I have on him. They do a great job helping to correct any unwanted sag (now if I can get some for my face!.) I have also had them on other trucks and always had success with them, as they do what they were intended to do. In terms of safety, I do have the bigger Dana 70hd rear end and adjustable air shocks too.
If in fact his factory springs are coming unsprung, or are shot, then I agree that adding helper springs would be the wrong thing to do though.
Just my experiences.
Dak
Last edited by dakonthemountain; Jun 5, 2006 at 07:40 PM. Reason: spelling
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Elk Point; Alberta
another option would be a RoadMaster active suspension system. you can see pics in my gallery. i put it on my truck to make hauling my camper safer. only cost me $320 cnd. better than helper springs as it doesn't ruin your unloaded ride quality. check out www.activesuspension.com
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
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From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Torque1st
Helper leafs are generally worthless.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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I have had several on various vehicles by various brands over the years and they did nothing. Now I just have the springs serviced. In and out in a couple of hours and everything is like new or better.
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I highly reccommend these type of setup http://www.stengelbros.com/HeavyDutyHelperKits.htm refer to type 1 or type 4. These overload keep the original truck height, and have a smoother ride when loaded or unloaded.
You can find these styles of overloads on OEM setup on factory F250's, F350's and on some F150's.
Buck
You can find these styles of overloads on OEM setup on factory F250's, F350's and on some F150's.
Buck
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: SD
Originally Posted by 1975Ford
I highly reccommend these type of setup http://www.stengelbros.com/HeavyDutyHelperKits.htm refer to type 1 or type 4.
Buck
Buck
Marty
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
My 76 F100 has OEM overload springs and they do help. Like what was already stated, they don't affect the unloaded ride quality and are only engaged when the truck is loaded.
In my opinion, OEM overload springs should be rated as very functional and helpful.
In my opinion, OEM overload springs should be rated as very functional and helpful.