I've got a 98 F150 w/ the STX Package, with the 4.6 V8. I race karts, and tow a enclosed trailer. When I tow, I get a lot of rear end sag, and I need to do something to the rear leaf springs. Has anyone used the progressive rate helper springs? I've also looked at the helper springs that would be engaged full time. Any suggestions? Dop these helper leaf springs work well, or would I be better off replacing these with new and more leaf srpings in the rear. Thanks for any help.

Nate

 

These are the Hellwig LP-25's. They have large U bolts on the ends that set the tension against the stock leaf springs. In a word, they are GREAT! I can put #1000+ in the back now and it only drops about 2". Prior to these, it was on the stops!

Cost me $150+ tax and about 45 minutes to install and set. It's no longer a #5000 CAR, but a #5000 TRUCK now!

 

nate11;

I also needed help to prevent sag when towing. I looked at all of the "bolt-on" options such as hellwigs and air bags. I then went to the local automotive spring shop. For $80.00 (Canadian!!) The shop added a leaf leaf to each spring assembly. The springs were re-arched it so that it did not greatly add to the unloaded ride height, but increased the spring rate. It is slightly stiffer unloaded but has greatly reduced the sag when I tow my camper. That was the best deal I could find for the money. GlennMc.

 

I priced that here in the states, the only place near me that would do that quoted me $350 to rearch the existing leafs, and then to add leafs to each side. For $150 I can install these Hellwigs myself and save a little $$ for the racing.

 

I personally would go with air bags so that the truck is only stiffer when it needs to be.

 

Another option is "Timbrens". These are basicly rubber springs that decrease sag. I use them in our '99 SC to pull a 6k lb horse trailer.

Also, using a load distributing hitch helps a lot with transfering trailer weight to the front of the truck.

 

Here's another option.
I had a suspension shop take the spring pack apart and add a leaf between the 1st & 2nd leafs.

Didn't have the springs de-arched (shop didn't recommend it), so the unloded rear end was 2-3 inches too high. I took the 2 inch lift blocks out and now it's perfect. With my 1300lb slide-in camper in, the truck is perfectly level.

The rides is now very firm loaded, or unloaded.

 

Glenn Mc...which spring shop did you bring your truck to?

Nate11...what kind of kart are you racing?

 

pb23r;

I took my truck to Bolton Spring Service. It is located at 570 Piercey Road, Bolton Ontario Canada. (905) 857-8222. Piercey road is located off of Healey Road on the South side of Bolton.

GlennMc.

 

I just put in the helper springs this weekend. They were real easy to install. I threw everything I could in the bed of the truck, and hooked up the trailer and it didn't sag nearly at all. Very happy so far. Thanks for all the help above.

I race a Nemesis kart, at dirt tracks around the area here in southern PA northern VA area.

 

Mine has been the #1 best mod I've done to my truck. Ok, so it's just about the ONLY mod I've made, but it is so nice to be driving a TRUCK that has some payload capacity now!!

 

I found a helper spring made by Rancho at Advanced Auto. Does this raise the unloaded height much? I have a off road package lariat 98 4x4.

 

If it's a simple "add a leaf", then yes, it will raise the rear end, as it usually is a smaller leaf and goes at the very bottom of the leaf pack right on top of the axle.

Just as a side note, any helper spring does not actually "increase" your load ratings either.... They are just intended to keep the truck in a level position with a certian amount of weight in the bed that still does not exceed the trucks original GVWR and GAWR....

 

pb23r

I had the Helwig helper springs on my previous truck. I still have them if your interested. Used them for about 2 months before I traded it in for the 7700. As Mitch says the springs work very well and I was happy with them. It was a touch stiffer with the ride but the cornering was really improved. They won't fit on the 7700 as the stock springs are bigger.

 

DXprowler,

If you still have the Hellwig helper springs I would be interested in getting them from you.

I have a 1999 F-150 S-Cab, 4.6L, factory towing pkg.

I live in St. Petersburg, FL and am planning a road trip in a couple of weeks to pick up a 18' boat from New York. I have not towed with truck yet so I came to this board looking for any problems I may have. This site is very useful...and I don't want to be dragging the back end of the truck for 1200 miles!!

You can email me at jjbirt@tampabay.rr.com