Helper springs with recall leaf pack

I finally got the recall springs installed last week with no issues, and am still thinking about adding some helper springs for heavier loads. I am liking the simplicity of the Hellwig ones, likely the 1000# two pieces per side ones, but want to know if they are compatible with the updated leaf springs. Do the clips on the leaf pack clear where the helpers mount? I am not really interested in adding lift, just added load capacity. For just over $100 for a set of springs, it looks to be a good value.

 

The heavier ones are full length and require dropping the axle to install. I have the half's which just bolt on behind the axle. They will ride on top of the clips. I had to play with positioning. They allow me to hook up boat and load bed with camping gear and not ride nose up. Most here will recommend air bags but did not want to mess with adjusting the psi for different loads.

 

I saw there are a couple options from them. I was looking at the ones like I think you have, but there is one new piece behind the axle and one new piece in front of the axle. The single one behind looks like they rate it at 500# and the option of one behind and one in front adds 1000#. I really don't want to mess with dropping the axle, so that's why I was figuring the 2 pieces per spring option would be good.

 

I too have the half helper springs, Mine are the

$105 Hellwig 550 Helper Spring Kit - 550

Hellwig 550's. Just like stump jumper said, I had to position them accordingly so that they would fit around the new leaf clips.

 

Good to hear they will fit. How are you guys liking them?

 

I'm happy with them. I like being able to hook up to my boat or utility trailer and not have the ass end sitting lower than the front. The rear suspension is a little stiffer with them on but I'm okay with it.

 

I called Hellwig earlier to get some specifics on actual load capacity and the tech support guy told me to buy the model 980 spring. It does need the u bolts removed for he install, but that isn't a big deal. He said that the recall leaf pack is the same as the 16 model year springs and the helpers for the 16 will fit correctly on the recall springs.

 

I just installed the Hellwig 980 helper springs yesterday. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!!! I have tried Firestone Ride Right air bags and they rode horrible while empty. I used Airlift airbags on a Honda Pilot and loved them. Not on the Tacoma, plus you really can't go off road with air bags. I also tried two different sets of Sumo Springs. They rode better empty but overall too ruff for my taste. When you hit a bump, loaded or unloaded, they bounce back up and you definitely feel them. They almost don't let your shocks do their job. I have an ARE camper shell and lost 1/2" of height n the rear....got it back with the

$256 Hellwig 980 Leaf Helper Spring

Hellwig 980's. I called practically everyone inquiring about add a leafs....none of them are designed for level or load assistance: only lift. Most told me the AAL would crack or break under full suspension payload without assistance. I also used Timbren on another pilot and was happy but these were a lot more expensive for the Taco than the Pilot. Plus, I wasn't convinced these were really what I was looking for.

So, I bought the Hellwigs. You do not have to drop the axle....just remove the ubolts (one side at a time) and fit it on top of the springs. The truck rides amazing loaded or unloaded. I have finally found what I've been looking for. I highly recommend these!

 

Just get sumosprings, 1/2 hour and your done.

 

I tried two sets of Sumo Springs. They do not ride good empty or loaded; IMO. They didn't work for me. I'm sure some people like them. I am very picky. I wanted a great empty and loaded ride. The Hellwigs worked for me.

 

I know the hellwig550 will only work with recall leafs if you cut the keepers off. Found that out after i purchased them, as soon as you start to tighten, the spring rests on the keeper

 

Do you have any pics of your 980s installed? Thinking of going the same route but can't see how exactly they mount in relation to the leaf clamps and that sort of deal. Also would like to see how your truck sits with them as I have a camper shell on my 2016 as well. Thanks

 

I have a set too, luv em. Being that I have a tonneau cover, rides much better now.

I thought about the hellwig, but you do have to work around the bracket. Just didn't feel or look right to me,

I've gotta set of the 500"s still in box if anywones interested . One was taken out to check fittment.

 

I'll take pics tomorrow. I had a small issue with the installation of the

$256 Hellwig 980 Leaf Helper Spring

Hellwig 980's....the rear ubolts didn't have enough bend. I called Hellwig and they are sending me a new set of ubolts with more bend. For some reason there is a small difference on SOME of the 2017 Tacoma spring keepers. I'm really picky about the ride of my truck. The Hellwigs brought my rear end sag back to original stock with the camper....you lose 1/2" with the camper shell. The Hellwigs brought it back up and they aren't even tightened down all the way; they are adjustable.

SUMO SPRINGS - I have a lot of information on these springs. I did extensive testing and measurements with the sumo springs and spoke to the president and CEO of Sumo Springs several times.

1st - the SSR 610-40'S that they send you are too big especially if you have a camper shell; they have 5 doughnuts. The weight of the camper shell does not allow for the correct amount of gap between the sumo springs and the frame plus they are too wide (see pics). The bottom line is they produce a rougher ride than intended. I experienced bouncing from the sumo springs even the shorter second pair that they sent me. It's as if they don't let the shock absorbers do their job. The rebound is forced upwards from the compression or skwish when you encounter a bump. The shorter pair (have 4 doughnuts) have a slightly better empty ride but they still had the same ride when loaded. I was still going to have cut the shorter pair 1/2" to get the correct air gap with the camper. I even took the camper and took measurements loaded and unloaded.

#2 - the original pair actually raised the truck 1/4" above stock even with the camper on. The springs were too tall and it made the ride even worse; especially if you have a camper. If you hit a good size bump...they will kick back pretty hard.

The HELLWIG 980'S ARE AWESOME. The empty and loaded ride is exactly what is was looking for.

 

Taco351, that is really good info. Looking forward to pics of the 980's as I'm pretty sure that is the route I am going to go as well.

 

My new ubolts haven't arrived yet....but it will be worth the wait. Here is what it looks like so far. I'll send another pic when the new ubolts arrive. BTW I lifted the front Bilstein shocks to #2 which is .65" . My driveway is uphill just a tad.

 

Looks good! Thanks for all the info!

 

Have your new u bolts arrived yet? Think I'm fixing to pull the trigger on the 980's. Do you think if I ordered through Hellwig they would send both sets of u bolts?

 

The second set arrived last Thursday. I emailed them the pics of the new ubolts. They didn't test fit them before they sent them to me. Got a reply today that they shipped a third set of ubolts that they test fitted on a 2017 Tacoma. Hopefully they will arrive by Friday or Saturday. I attached pics. I actually took the second set of ubolts and bent then myself with a bench vise and an Acetylene torch. They worked better. I'll send pics of the newest bolts when they artive. I'm still very happy with the 980's. Hellwig is going to update the hardware packet for the Tacoma....you may have to call their tech line to get the most recent ubolts.

 

@Taco351
Got a pic of how front u bolts positioned ? Want to try the 980s on my prerunner with a tundra racing kit .