Hellwig helper springs to maintain rear height, or even add slight lift?

Just had my recall leaves installed last week and I brought my front end up with 5100s at 1.75 and stock coils. Truck currently sits level and I am happy with the look. I am expecting some sagging to occur in the rear as the new 4-leaf pack begins to settle/wear. I have contemplated 1/2" leaf shims or even a 1.5" AAL down the road, but am wondering if helper springs may be the way to go. From the design of the helpers, it looks like I could maintain my rear height or even add a little just by adjusting the u-bolt tension. Do you guys think this would work? I am torn between getting the EZ550 or EZ990 springs, but am leaning towards the bigger one just to allow myself more adjustability. It seems that you could put very little tension on the helper initially, and then as the leaf pack begins to sag, just start tightening up the u-bolts to keep the ride height consistent. Does it work like this?
Thanks,
Josh

 

I had the EZ550 on my truck. Stiffened up the rear just enough. Watch out for clearance issues around the exhaust and (one of) the shocks if you off road at all.

 

I ran some on my truck and got about 1/2" lift dependent on tension. It was with old 3 leaf pack. Didn't try using them on the new leafs off a 2015 with the 6 clips. Got 3/4" lift off those.

 

OK thanks for the replies...I'm still debating, but very good to know the 981s don't fit the new recall leaves.

 

Hey cobra, what is the problem with the fitment of the 981s on the new 4 leaf, 6 clip tacoma springs?

 

any update on the hellwigs? I thought other guys were running the

$105 hellwigs 550 helper spring kit - 550

hellwigs 550 kits with no problems with the leaf tsb

 

Can u please post pics

 

ok so you removed the leaf keeper band,then reinstalled it?

 

ok I see...I called hellwig today...they said that the helper spring was more for loads inside the truck bed. He said for my application,towing with extra tongue weight he said airbags would be a better choice. Not sure if hw was just trying to sell me something more $$$ or if he's rite

 

Maybe try sumosprings

 

. Did you have to cut top tops of the Leaf pack keepers in order for the Helper spring not to hit them when compressed.?

 

Sub'd. Looking to add some support to my new recall 4 leaf pack and would not mind getting additional 1"or so of lift. (2 months old recall springs sit 22" center of the hub to fender)Curious if these would do the job eventually. Supersprings seem to add between 1-1.5"depending on truck and which shackle hole used according to my research, but the downside is they are quite expensive, not a whole lot cheaper than Wheelers HD 5 leaf pack or GeneralSprings pack.

 

Not trying to revive an old thread, but while searching the topic I reached out to Hellwig. The tech support agent got back to me and said that The EZ 990 part #980 is compatible with older Tacos with the recall replaced leaf springs.

 

Did you end up getting them?

Just want to make sure I get the right p/n for recall 3+1 springs. Also 979 is $70 cheaper around here than 980 and 981.

 

I haven’t yet, I’m still running air lift air bags. Still contemplating a new spring pack or helper springs at some point. I did get a quick reply from Hellwig when I emailed.

 

I hate to bump an old post but I went down this path and want to share my experience here. While the 980 on my 3+1 pack helped carry a heavy load, they just strike me as cobbled together to fit the taco and not engineered with our application in mind. For example, I had to shim the rear u-bolts to draw the helper spring down closer to the leaf pack to engage sooner. The u-bolt has to be mounted sideways on the driver's side to clear the gas tank, and I had to request a special bracket to clear one of the leaf pack keepers. The last straw for me was when the Hellwig spring contacted the frame (both sides), so if you use these springs make sure no contact will be made to the frame at full articulation, or grind down the inside corners.

Hellwig customer service was very responsive and helpful, but I'm going a different direction.