Hellwig 979 Helper Spring Install - 2013 Tacoma TRD Sport

Today I installed the Hellwig 979 helper springs from the EZ-900 series. The 900 series is advertised to have 2000lb capacity, which is silly considering the capacity of the truck is no where near this. The 979 is specifically for the TRD 4x4 models.

My reason for installing was to take out some of the backend sag which came after I installed my topper. Also, I wanted to better handle the weight of my boat when towing. The helper springs were inexpensive when compared to Air Bags and much simpler in my opinion so I decided to try them out.

Installation:

I installed these without removing a tire or lifting the truck off the ground.

1) Spray penetrating oil on the axle ubolts a few days in advance to make your life simpler.

2) Unpack all the hardware and match up nuts and washers to u-bolts to make sure you have all the parts needed. I did not have a problem but came across a few stories in my research where not all the parts were included in the kit by Hellwig.

4) Block all 4 wheels of the vehicle, front and back to make sure nothing moves.

5) Raise the rear of the vehicle but stop before the rear tires leave the ground. Install an axle stand under the rear hitch to maintain this height. I also put the jack under the body ahead of where I was working for an extra measure of safety.

6) Starting with the drivers side, remove the existing two u-bolts on the axle working from the rear of the truck.

7) Reach over the wheel and remove both the bump stop and the used u-bolts.

8) Slide the helper spring in on top of the leaf pack from the back of the truck. The spring is symmetric so there is no orientation to worry about. The leaf will center itself on the existing pack through bolt.

9) Replace the bump stop on top of the new pack and place the u-bolts over the spring, again working over the wheel.

10) Reinstall the u-bolt plate using the new hardware provided, Helwig specifies the torque at 80 - 90 lbs. This is way higher than what the nuts removed were. I torqued to 70lbs today and will tighten up tomorrow if there are any problems. 80lbs is scary when you are cranking down the u-bolts.

11) Install the two tensioning u-bolts over the Hellwig spring as shown in the directions. I spun the nuts down to expose 1/2" of thread as a measure of tensioning for both u-bolts. Add the second stopper nut to ensure nothing

12) Repeat 6 - 11 for passenger side.

13) Remove axle stand and lower truck.

14) Enjoy

This took about 90 minutes to complete. In the end the truck sat about an inch higher than the saggy position before starting. I forgot to take specific measurements. After a day of driving around I do not notice any real penalty to ride quality. The rear of the truck now sags much less with the boat hitched. I have not adjusted any of the spring tensioning at this time, I am just sticking with the 1/2" exposed threads method at the moment.

This greatly reduced the rear end sag and bounce when pulling my boat.

 

Very nice write-up. I'll be doing the same with my '13 this weekend, and this will be a great assist. Thanks again.

 

It really is simple - just make sure you only do one side at a time.

 

Good writeup. A tip, I recommend preinstall coating of all the threads with white grease. And coat all exposed threads after install with a good slather of white grease. Sure makes suspension parts easier to uninstall. It's not purty but they don't rust.

 

UPDATE: A few months now with the helpers installed and I am very happy. The truck handles my boat so much better and there has been no real noticeable change to the ride quality of the sport suspension.

 

The instructions for these springs ask the installer to install the driver side front tensioner u bolt sideways, I'm guessing to ensure clearance from the gas tank...

Did the original poster, or anyone else do this?

I installed 979s on my 2011 DCLB sport with the sideways u-bolt and I don't like that I can't adjust the spring tension there!

Please help! Thanks in advance!

 

I did. I think it would have been fine vertical with a little ground off the tank side but thought I'd try it sideways as instructed.
As you say I didn't have the compression I wanted sideways so I found some thick wall steel stock at Fastenal with the right I.D. 1/4" on both sides of u bolt compressed the front to give what I wanted.
Has worked great for me. Hope that makes sense. If you need it I can put up a pic.

 

Yes this is helpful, post a picture when you can!

 

Cleaned off the sleeve so maybe you could see it better?

 

Did anyone install these 979 or 981 kits on the new 4 leaf RECALL springs with 6 clips yet? Initially there were some issues as u bolts would line up right where the clips were.

Does anyone know if this was redesigned? Anyone with one of these kits and recall springs out there?

 

A follow up post 2 years later -


The 979's did not really change ride quality in a noticeable way. They helped hold the load to some extend the but the factory suspension is so sad it is difficult to help with a single leaf like this.

I would probably save my money a little longer and spring for the airbags next time.

Next time is around the corner as I transition to the new truck.

JW

 

What’s the hose that runs along there? I installed Hellwig 980s on my 3rd gen and the hose rest below the exposed u bolt and nut. Not much play to relocate the hose.

 

I believe it is brake line. I ended up taking off the Hellwig and did an add a leaf.

 

Better performance? Cleaner install?

 

Best just check this out. This is what I did. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/selecting-a-mild-lift-trd-baja-tx-pro-icon-aal.385619/ Way better.

 

Thank you!

 

Parking brake cable. It’s a bad angle, it’s not touching anything during any flex