Helper springs

+another. I have the 1/2s. They work perfect for my applications. 300-500 lbs in bed and a 3200 trailer hooked up when I go camping with boat. At other times I am just loading the bed with things like a 100 lb 105 Yeti and do not want to ride nose up. Problem with my truck is came from the factory with no rake.

 

I know this is an old post but, I almost ordered the EZ-550 for $59 but saw the EZ-1250 on Amazon for $104 so I got it. Amazon shows it will work on my 07 Tacoma 4x4 but the SDTruckSprings website shows it for the 1st gens and not the 2nd gens (http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1349). Will this work for my truck or should I not try to install them. I need them by this weekend for my trip hauling my new camper I'm picking up. The camper is 5600# and I want to help the sagging. I already have weight distribution bars but want the helper springs too.

 

for those with the 550s and recalled leaf springs, when i went to install, the only way the 550 would fit is if i cut the keeper. Did you end up cutting the keeper to fit them?

 

I did not

 

I'm looking at the 1000# one but don't know if i got the correct ones. I got the 1250. Amazon said they would fit my 07 trd tacoma 4x4 but i don't think they will. i have the recalled springs too. i also haven't received them yet so i don't know still. should have them tomorrow

 

I can't recall whether the 1000# Helwigs mount under the OEM leaves or on top. Either way requires removing the ubolts at a minimum. The 550s mount on top

 

I recently installed the

$256 Hellwig 980 Leaf Helper Spring

Hellwig 980 AALs on my 2015 DCSB OR (which has the 3+1 leafs from the factory) after experiencing a very bouncy towing experience taking my boat to the ramp.
These are the 2,000lb load capacity versions so they are a bit more beefy then most AAL's. I have not towed the boat with them since it sits in the marina until fall, but I can already tell from just standing on the rear bumper that it won't sag much at all.

They really work well...stiffens up the rear suspension nicely, and I like that they are one piece. They will probably work just fine until it's time to replace the leafs due to age/sagging.

 

I’ve go mine mounted further back than that, I’ll try to take pictures soon but I didn’t cut anything and installed them without jacking.

 

I haul a bunch of camping equipment, and went with Air bags. I love the way it rides.

 

Did Firestone change the mounting brackets or did you make yours custom? The ones you have look much better than what comes in the kit.

 

These are Helawig bags. I got about 10K on them with no problems, they work great for towing also.

 

Interesting, I had Firestone ridrites and returned them, I hated how they mounted and they did not ride well. I have Dakars now but the Hellwig's look like they have corrected the issues with the Firestones.

 

I looked at the Firestone bags, nice product, but I am real happy with these now. I don't crawl on rocks with my Truck. I built it to get my Jeep to and from the trail. I can tow at 80mph with no problems at all. Just gave the Tacoma a new face lift also.

 

How is the ride when no load in bed and how tight you got it adjusted .Thanks

 

The ride is a bit firmer than standard now and is noticeable if you're paying any attention. I would not classify it as "stiff", just "firm". It does feel a little more controlled than before on rough road sections. No wallowing.

The ride height is also noticeably higher. I didn't do any measuring before hand (should have!) to know how high it lifted it. Guessing about 1 1/2" in the rear higher--maybe less.

I did tighten the bolts down so that there is about 1/2" of thread showing on the rear, so they can be loosened up to soften the ride as necessary. I left room on the threads to install a second lock nut. Figured I would tow with it again first then judge what to do next. The boat won't need to be trailered until fall, however I will be towing a small travel trailer next month, and in off-road conditions for some of the trip, so we'll see what happens. If it tows really well, I might loosen it a little bit for a more comfy ride.

Note the 980's are 2 ton, single piece units and are designed to be stiffer than than the two piece 500lb/1,000lb models. My trailer tongue is pretty heavy as it has a 100lb steel extension on the front of it, so I went with a stronger model.

I do wonder if air bags might work better. I used them on a prior vehicle and had problems with them leaking so I decided to use the helpers this time.

As mentioned, this really a stopgap until a need to upgrade the springs due to sag. Right now I only have 6K miles on the truck, so everything is pretty new.

 

Thanks .Good info .

 

Anybody have pics or video of the 980 install? The instructions don't make sense. I feel like it's backwards. But don't want to screw it up? Need help ASAP!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-2013-tacoma-trd-sport.379512/#post-10415678
Should be the same