I was considering air bags, because when I pulled my camp trailer, the rear-end of my truck dropped a couple of inches (even with an equalizer hitch set-up). The guy at the Boise Auto Spring shop said it was more effective and economical to add a leaf spring, and I went with his advice. The added leaf raised the rear end about 2" inches, and it's a hell of a lot stiffer than before, although the ride quality still seems decent. I haven't had a chance to tow with it yet, but I'm certain the bed won't drop like it did before.

Anyway, here's my question: Did I go the right route? Or are airbags more effective? I guess it's a moot point now, but if anybody has any feedback, I'd appreciate it.

 

I went with the Hellwig helper springs. I think it's a similiar result as adding a leaf. There cheaper and easy to install. But the bonus of the air bags is that they deflate when your not towing. Your back to the stock ride. Other than that I don't know much about them. I think you can get as much as a 3 1/2" lift.

The bonus with the Hellwig helper springs is improved cornering. Even my wife hasn't commented on the stiffness which isn't that noticable! There great for towing as the trailer and truck are level now!

I think you did alright with the extra leaf. If you didn't have much of a drop in the first place then I'm sure they will do the trick!

 

Thanks for the reply, DX. I see from your sig that you're pulling a 24 foot prowler with your 4.6. I drag a Nash 22H into the cascades about 6 times a year with mine.

I've been considering an auxilary trans cooler, but I just drained and filled my tranny, with mercon 5, and the old fluid was in pretty good shape (good color and no burnt smell).

So, let me ask you: Is it worth the cost for a trans cooler and temp guage? (I mean for other than peace-of-mind).

Thanks,

Brent

 

I went with the add-a-leaf and had my springs re-arched and it turned out alright, stiff but ok.https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2868

 

Red Alert

Monster Truck!!! Looks good!

 

If I were you I would have gone with the bags for the rear. They are much more flexible as far as ride height with different loads and they would not affect the truck when there is no load. Just my $.02

 

Greetings all, good to see the info is still awesome as usual, well Ive got kinda the same prediciment. I am looking to get better rear end performance, and it seems like Ive seen several guys talk about add-a-leafs, but I was wondering if anyone has taken the springs off a "light duty" 250, and put them on a 150? I posted a thing about this before, I never got a chance to read the response due to being deployed!! Anyway, I would really like to convert my rear end to a 3/4 ton rear end, but not sure how to do it, or what route to go!! I know this post might not be a reply but I just wanted to get some expert opinion!! Any help would be greatly appriciated!! Thanks in advance!!

 

HCAbowman

I'm not an expert on this but I would suggest that you go to a spring shop and ask them their opinion. Get a quote on the F250 springs, the add-a-leaf, Hellwig helper springs and airbags.

You will probably find the helper springs cheaper and you can do them yourself if bottom line is price. I would think the next choice would be air bags in terms of price and again you could probably do them yourself. I have the helper springs on my truck but I think I would like to try the airbags on the next.

I wouldn't suggest going to the dealer to swap the springs out as it would cost a fortune. If you could find 250 springs at a wrecker, bonus!

Just some ideas for you!

 

Thanks for the info DX, I really appriciate it...I am gonna look at the bags, and the helpers here soon!! I will post pix when I get em done!!! Thanks again!!!

 

added superspring helpers on mine seemed to handle problem see my gallery https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2890

 

i recently had a 5th spring added to my truck. i went to a local shop with a real good reputation. they told me that adding a single leaf would give me an additional 500-600 pounds of capacity in the trucks bed.

it stiffened up the ride a bit (its much nicer now) and i have had a few loads of dirt since the install and the truck handled it like a champ.

the shop that did my springs said they could re-arc them for additional height but thats not what i was after so they kept it close to what i had before.

i didnt do this for towing, just for carrying weight in the rear and i should have done it sooner.

if i remember right i paid around 240.00 or so for the job.