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Anyone put on 'Leaf Spring Helpers'?

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by RockTock, Dec 24, 2013.

  1. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:18 PM
    #1
    RockTock

    RockTock [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'd like to stiffen up the rear a bit for when I haul stuff around. I've read that the payload capacity is around 700lbs for a 2.7? Anyway, Ive seen leaf spring helpers pretty cheap, seems like a good work-around.

    I can't even say if there is handling issues, it seems pretty tight back there, just looking at the 2 or so leafs when Im under there makes me feel like its undersprung. Only issue is that this might lower the clearance.

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029K01S...TF8&colid=1GBHK4ZYKUJ7P&coliid=I3JR4J0KMD6T5U
     
  2. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:37 PM
    #2
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    No I added some leafs to my pack though, you may be able to add some leafs to your pack off another vehicle and get minimal lift, also I saw where somebody uses some stock chevy bumpstops so when it does bottom out on them it isn't so rough.
     
  3. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:40 PM
    #3
    RockTock

    RockTock [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't think I want to mess with that myself. How much does a mechanic charge to install one more? (how many hours)?
     
  4. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:42 PM
    #4
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    Maybe look at ride rite air bags or just do the helper springs. I used to have an aftermarket add a leaf to get a little lift and be able to carry more weight. It lost its strength pretty quick so I added some leafs out of an s10. I dont know how the helpers would be, never seen to many people use them on here.
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2013
  5. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:46 PM
    #5
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    Also with air bags you could only pump them up when you were hauling stuff and the rest of the time have a smooth ride.
     
  6. Dec 24, 2013 at 9:47 PM
    #6
    RockTock

    RockTock [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Not sure if those helpers would even fit, thats why I'd like to know if someone has even used them on a 2wd taco.
     
    Yzkiley likes this.
  7. Dec 25, 2013 at 8:25 AM
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    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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  8. Dec 25, 2013 at 8:29 AM
    #8
    DJB1

    DJB1 Well-Known Member

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    The Firestone Ride-Rite air bags would give you everything you need without making your truck ride more harsh. Plus it is a bolt-on kit so you could install them in your driveway instead of paying a shop.
     
  9. Dec 25, 2013 at 8:54 AM
    #9
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    How long did it take for the stock springs to lose their arch.
     
  10. Mar 30, 2014 at 12:23 PM
    #10
    cwprice79

    cwprice79 New Member

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    i put on some leaf spring helpers on my 2ws 08 tacoma, because i noticed a "thump" when I would be at a stop and take my foot of the brake. I picked up some from Oreillys for about $20. It's basically one "helper" for each side and some U-bolts. You install them upside down to stiffen the suspension. It helped stiffen my suspension and took care of the "thump" It only takes about 45 minutes and a 13 mm socket. I tighten mine one a month, to avoid them squeaking.

    hope this helps
     
  11. Mar 30, 2014 at 1:06 PM
    #11
    ecoterragaia

    ecoterragaia Everyone lives downstream.

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    I put these on my '06 reg cab 4X4 about 3 years ago with 18,000 miles:

    http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/load-control/ez-990/

    They've performed flawlessly, no sag from the stock 8 year old springs. The most weight I had in the back was about 1,500 lbs. (mistakenly loaded too many pavers and didn't realize it until I got home and weighed one). Also hauled many other loads close to 1,000 lbs with no issues.
     
  12. May 12, 2014 at 1:03 PM
    #12
    JJ48Nascar

    JJ48Nascar Member

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    You put them in the front of the axle or the rear of the axle to get rid of the thump noise?
    Thanks for the info!
     
  13. Jul 26, 2014 at 6:25 PM
    #13
    glhsracer

    glhsracer Life is good.

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    I too have the Hellwig Helper springs, haul around an 1100 lb truck camper (Travel Lite 690 FD) with no issues. There is no way the stock springs can carry the rated payload capacity, they will hit the bump stops long before then.
     
    SnackSalad likes this.
  14. Jul 28, 2014 at 5:03 PM
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    Beaniam

    Beaniam Well-Known Member

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    Those 990 hellwigs do they come with new ubolts or are the factory Tacoma ubolts long enough to fit the helper spring in? I used to have the 550 single per side and I really couldn't tell they did anything to help so I sold them. Thinking about getting the 981's.
     
  15. Jul 28, 2014 at 6:07 PM
    #15
    ecoterragaia

    ecoterragaia Everyone lives downstream.

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    I reused the original ubolts per the instructions, though theres not much thread left. Many people will tell you to buy longer ones and double-nut them, which is unquestionably safer, but mine have been on since Feb. 2011 and 50,000 miles later have not loosened at all.
     
  16. Jul 29, 2014 at 3:25 AM
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    Beaniam

    Beaniam Well-Known Member

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    Good to know. Ordered them off Amazon for $79 with free shipping.
     
  17. Feb 6, 2018 at 6:55 AM
    #17
    ShuggieTaco

    ShuggieTaco Well-Known Member

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    I know this is an old thread and probably got this fixed by now. I used leaf spring clamps to stop the thump. Now I want to put helper springs to stiffen up the back. Did you or anyone end up putting the Helwigs? Wondering if the 550’s go in front or behind the axle. Top or bottom of leaf pack. I have the weeeeeaaak 3 leaf pack.
     
  18. Feb 7, 2018 at 10:39 AM
    #18
    OldandSlow

    OldandSlow Well-Known Member

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    Not much on mods - Leer 180, TRD wheels, Mobtown sliders, rear hitch, helper springs on the rear
    In your case, I'd probably replace the entire spring pack. That noise sounds like it could be caused by axle wrap.

    For my use, on a low mileage 2015, I installed a pair of Hellwig 981 helpers. Huge difference when hauling a load. Rides pretty good unloaded as well.

    The video below say a 991 series - but the install is pretty similar for Hellwig 981 helpers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nBIWQrfGko
     
    ecoterragaia likes this.
  19. Feb 10, 2018 at 7:54 AM
    #19
    Fordconvert

    Fordconvert Well-Known Member

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    I’ve had a good experience with fat bob garages add a leafs, they didn’t flatten over time with a load.
     
  20. Feb 10, 2018 at 8:53 AM
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    Frito

    Frito Well-Known Member

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    Why would you rather have had air bags vs the Helwigs as stated in the video ?
     

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