Ok well I have a 97 F-150 4x2, I am getting ready to level the front with 1.5" spacers. I also would like to install some helper springs in the back. Is anyone running them and if so what brand and how well do they work.

I do not do any serious hauling so I don't want something that is going to make the back of the truck stiff as all hell, but if I want to load up some plywood or something along thoes lines I don't want the rear end to sag.


Also I need to replace all of my shocks, do I need different shocks up front since I am lifting it 1.5" or would stock height shocks work? Any suggestions on thoes would be great as well.

 

I installed the Superspring self adjusting helper springs and love them. They work and they dont affect the ride. comes with two sets of hole one that adds no lift and one that adds about an inch. If your leveling the front I suggest using the one inch of lift looks good and it keeps you from riding around with your nose up in the air. Without the leveling kit the other holes dont allow the spring to load until it lvls out.

 

Well my front and back only sit about 1.5" different now, I was going to get the 1" kit to keep the back about 1/2" higher....so what should I do about the helpers I would hate to put them on and lift the back up and then I would have the same 1.5" difference I have now??

I take it they will keep the rear from sagging on a normal load of lets say 2x4's and plywood?

Also if I might ask where you got them

 

Then sounds like they are what you need gives you two adjustments chose the one you want http:XXrockymountainsusp.com/SuperSprings.htm
Didnt want to post any live links I myself am new here.

 

Helper springs won't increase your ride height...it sounds like you want an add-a-leaf kit. They have them from Summit for like $85.

 

No I don't want to increase the rear ride height. It is only a 4x2 and never goes off road. The only reason I want to raise the front is to level the truck off. I want the helper springs to keep the rear from sagging when I load it down.

The add a leaf will raise the rear end right?

 

I've got a 4x4, but these would work on a 4x2 as well.



They are made by Hellwig. You set the amount of tension you want on the end U bolts and that determines how "stiff" they are.

With the amount of tension I put on mine, it did raise the rear end maybe .5".

Before the overloads, I put in #1000 of bricks in the bed... It was on the bump stop! After the overloads, the same #1000 load only dropped 2".

The ride is 'firmer' then stock, but I didn't like the soft stock ride to begin with... It rides just fine now and it's the vehicle we take for long road trips because the ride is just fine.

I got mine some 5 years ago from a local 4x4 shop for $150. Took all of 45 minutes to install and that was taking my time with a beer or two along the way! Watch out where you buy because a lot of online places will sell you the springs for $150, but then say you need the "mounting kit" for another $50.... Ripoff if you ask me! Mine came with the "mounting kit" so I was very happy with the results.

Mitch

 

Looks good but I am not trying to raise the back at all. I recently took like 30 squares of roofing shingles in the back and it was on the bumpstops. I am not planning on that big of a load ever agin but just incase I wanted something to give it a bit firmer ride and help keep it from sagging with normal loads of 2x4's and things like that. I was thinking about these:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

the 990 seems like it would work for me, increasing load without raising the truck. I am also planning on replacing all of the shocks while I am at it so that may help out a bit too.

Edit: Just re-read your post mitch you said .5" not 5" lol. Thoes might be just what the doctor ordered But what I posted above is all I could find and it is only one leaf not a multi leaf setup like yours

 

Yeah, I should have but it as ½"...

Mine are 'officially' called the LP-25 model. It's supposed to equate to #2500 I guess.... Mine are also the Progressive rate springs.

Check Summit again and use LP 25 for the search. I think they make you buy the 'mounting kit' and it's another $115!! That's BS!! Plus, they are very heavy... I don't know if you'd have to pay shipping on top of that too!

Good luck! I'm so glad I found mine locally!

Mitch

 

I found them. I also e-mailed Hellwig and that is the part they gave me as well. Thanks alot. Oh BTW Hellwig does list the mounting kit as a seperate item, not included with the springs. I am going to check the local 4x4 shops and see what they have.

Thanks Again

 

01TruBluGT

I work for a company named Serious Hardware. We manufacture a number of suspensions components including a product line called MAXLOADER™. Maxloaders have been running as factory equipment on many RV's as well as on tow vehicles and personal vehicles. Depending on the model they will usually add 3/4" or so to the height as they mount underneath the spring. They are essentially a helper spring with a urethane pad at the ends. When you load up the truck the existing springs come into contact with theses pads which in turn add resistance. These will also aid in handling and act as traction bars when needed.

We are developing a new marketing campaign for the general public but do not have online information available yet. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
scott@serioushardware.com

here are some photos
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?num=11011