Adjustable leaf helper spring experiences? - Hellwig, Autocraft, and similar

[rruff]

Long term with rough use... do they tend to sag or break quicker than the other leafs? That's the main thing I'd like to know.

Why do I want them? I already have a pack upgrade from Boise Spring (4 leaf per side - overload) that was supposed to provide stock height with +1500 lbs on the rear axle. I figured 1500 lbs was more than I'd ever put on it, so I'd get a little lift. Boise Spring has done a lot of these for Tundras so I didn't even bother to cover my butt... didn't weigh or precisely measure the before and after. But it's a lot less than 1500 lbs added, and a little under stock height already, and I'm going to add more load. Plus it's 1 inch lower on the right side, and it shouldn't be heavier there. I like the ride much better than when I used airbags, so that's nice.

I do plan to bother Boise Spring when I get the final load and weigh it, but in the meantime I'd like to try other options that are fairly cheap.

 

[hemifoot]

I don't know what an adjustable helper spring is but my last truck I added the helwig progressive helpers and had zero issue with sag or breakage and it carried a camper most of the year.I also added Firestone bags for levelling.

 

[rruff]

Thanks! These are some I'm considering. I've looked at reviews and videos, but long term experiences are rare. Plus my suspension gets fully cycled more often than most. I know that typical universal add-a-leafs tend to sag and break because they are curved more than the original pack. I've tried airbags with the original springs, and didn't like how they performed... but the the thick bottom overload which is now removed, probably contributed to that.

Hellwig EZ-990. ~$170, and mounts on top of the leaf pack (under the U bolts). The supplied U bolts allow adjustment of the tension on the helper spring.

Hellwig EZ 550. ~$110, and mounts above the leaf pack but behind the axle. My truck isn't on the list, but it should fit. I'd ask them before purchasing. To get the same level of support I'd need two (one on the front also), which would make it more expensive, but easier to mount, and also would allow some adjustability along the leaf.

Autocraft adjustable leaf helper spring. ~$40, and mounts under the spring and behind the axle. Would also fit in front. Very easy to mount and ridiculously cheap.

 

[tacollie]

It's been several years but I have used things like that before. They really made the ride harsh in my opinion. I also feel like they wore out the other leaf springs faster.

On two separate trucks now I opted to buy the Old Man Emu add a leaf and use them on non OME spring packs. I've had good results doing that.

 

[rruff]

^What was the OME spring made for and what did you use it on?

Tundras like mine have a rear spring pack that is essentially flat at stock ride height. Most aftermarket spring packs like OME are made to lift the rear 2-3" on a stock truck that isn't carrying a load, and the springs have more initial arc. They all use the same 5160 steel. Consequently, if there is a constant load that makes them flat, they'll be over stressed. If you are wanting more load carrying capacity, the solution would be to add more leafs with the same arc and thickness as stock. At least that is how it seems to me.

I have 7 leafs now, all matching the stock curve. The top 5 are 10mm and the bottom 2 are 9mm.

 

[tacollie]

On our Tundra I ran I the factory leafs with a Icon 3 leaf AAL and the OME AAL. I did remove the factory overload. https://store.arbusa.com/leaf-spring-extra-leaf-d28xl/

On a Tacoma we had aftermarket HD leaf springs that weren't HD enough to hold our 375lbs Flippac. I threw an OME AAL in the pack. It made a huge difference

I'm not saying it has to be OME but I would get a longer AAL. Especially since the tundra has longer leaf Springs.

 

[rruff]

Thanks! Do you remember how long the OME leaf was for the Tundra... did it go above the leaf with the clip? Did you measure thickness by any chance? Did you install it yourself?

I'm sure a leaf with more arc will provide more lift, but I doubt they will last very long. How long did you use it, and did you notice any deterioration?

I did find some that look like they match the stock arc which is only 5.5" over the whole length. Made by Dayton, and sold by several places, but Napa looks the best with free shipping. They have a 10mm and an 11mm, so I could put the thicker one on the side that is sagging, and hope for the best.

This is the first place I saw them: https://www.truckspring.com/Search....o-Truck-RV/Make:Toyota/Year:2016/Model:Tundra

 

[rruff]

Here are some photos from when I was doing articulation testing, to see what I've got now.

 

[tacollie]

I put them below the clip. I did it by myself with the leaf still on the truck. It's a pain but with some clamps it worked out. Keep in mind you'll probably need to get a longer bolt for a center pin.

We only had that set up for around 25-30k miles. We originally just had the icons and when we had our FWC installed I knew we'd need more. Hence the OME add a leaf. It was the shell so it was sort of light. It worked pretty good, but we did end up adding airbags for trips. By time we added food, water, gear, bike rack, and mtbs I'd have to run about 15 psi in the bags two levels out. It was definitely a classic story of trying to be cheap and then ended up sending just as much money in the end

 

[Datsun Man2]

So Old Man EMU by ARB is what the others are referring to. In general they are ok with the Nitrocharger shocks and struts. If you can get BP-51 Shocks and Struts then you will be happy. Another option to consider is Dobinsons. They have the GS Twin Tubes, IMS Monotube and MRR 3 way adjustable Monotube Remote Reservoir. They also have different springs for different loads. I would recommend getting ahold of them after the holiday.

I will also mention that both Old Man EMU and Dobinsons are designed around OffRoad Touring/Overlanding with Load Carrying in mind.

 

[rruff]

I added another long leaf to each side... which took a lot longer than I expected. Maybe next time I'll remove the wheels...

I'm happy with the shocks. The reason I didn't buy a leaf pack from the usual places to start with, is because they are arched more than stock. That works for awhile, but if you are carrying heavy loads offroad vs wanting lift, then they'll be over stressed and sag more quickly. Many leafs that are stock thickness and arch is the way to go.