Helper Springs

[hitekhobo]

Has anyone installed helper springs on their Chevy van? I have an 2003 AWD 2500 Savana that is experiencing sag. Hellwig's website doesn't list any products for the 99-07 vans. Oddly, other suspension websites list a couple of hellwig springs for it. Like the EZ991 and Hellwig 2510.

I'm wondering if anyone has do added one successfully and what they used. Thanks.

 

[spencyg]

I would recommend airbag helper springs instead of solid / constant rate springs. As your load changes you can adjust the amount of additional spring lift you need by regulating the air pressure to the bags. I've been running bags in the back of my van for years and they are fantastic. If you don't want the added complexity of a full blown onboard air system (another thing I highly recommend), you can have a small reservoir tank mounted under the frame somewhere, and then just top up your air pressure at a gas station or whatever.

SG

 

[hitekhobo]

Thanks for your reply. While you make it sound like a good option, I am not really interested in an air bag system at this time. I ordered the Hellwig EZ991. Hope it fits

 

[Kilroy]

Did it fit? How do you like it?

 

[hitekhobo]

They fit, and they were OK. They certainly helped. Eventually, we noticed a cracked leaf and just switched out the helpers and spring packs for a set off of a 3500 from a junk yard ($150). I'd say they perform about the same, the 3500 being slightly better.

If you have the ambition, I'd skip the helpers and just get a bigger spring pack. The switch out was easy ecept for one bolt. The bushing had come loose from the sring and was frozen to the bolt. Ended up having to sawzall it off.