I am interested in possibly putting some helper springs on my 2003 Tacoma 4x4. I like the way it rides now, its just that it sags when I load two sportbikes into the bed. I know it is under the max payload but I dont want to damage my rear springs/shocks so I am looking at either Hellwig helper springs or Supersprings (nice cause they dont make the ride harsh so they say) I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either of these and what advice can you offer? do they rattle or anything?
question about helper springs
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Avoid generic "helper springs", they'll increase the rate of deterioration.
I've heard nothing but good in re the Super Springs and have a question to them right know in regards a vehicle.
I've heard nothing but good in re the Super Springs and have a question to them right know in regards a vehicle.
Now my rear suspension is different but I have a solution that worked well for me and I am sure there is a version for your application. Airlift bags, in my car they slide into the rear coils and you can adjust the air pressure to accomodate the load, I also plumbed them with seperate hose to an easy to get to spot behind my licesne plate, since they are plumbed seperate I can offset pressures to level a load side to side or to preload one side for dragracing(maybe that part wont help you
).
I think for leafspring rears like I believe your is they sell a bag that mounts between the leaf and frame directly over the axle. If you want to get real fancy you can get incab controlers and air compressors but the cost adds up fast then. These really take very little air you could easily do it with a bicycle tire pump. For my car they were only $70 for your application they may be more but at least take a look.
I think for leafspring rears like I believe your is they sell a bag that mounts between the leaf and frame directly over the axle. If you want to get real fancy you can get incab controlers and air compressors but the cost adds up fast then. These really take very little air you could easily do it with a bicycle tire pump. For my car they were only $70 for your application they may be more but at least take a look.
i would install a "long" add-a-leaf like rancho sells. it will probably give you the right amount of spring to help with the bike's weight but not make the truck ride rough or harm the spring pack.
I had a new 1980 F-100 that was kinda whimpy in the load capability. I added helper springs, generic helper springs, but they were fine. The ride was a "bit" stiffer but not bad. The only "problem" was it was too easy to overload the axle weight capacity. A full 8' bed of split firewood weighed WAY more than the axle rating
. Needless to say I had to replace the rear axle wheel bearings
.
Whimsey
Whimsey
I just did exactly that the other day with my '92 Chevy C1500 W/T 4.3L V6 5-speed!
No aftermarket helper springs of any kind...rear bumper was getting pretty close to the pavement, but it is rated for a slide-in camper and has a 1,800lbs. payload capacity.
[ July 24, 2004, 03:55 PM: Message edited by: Jelly ]
Careful guys my Dad snapped a framerail on his '85 GMC. A storm took down lots of trees and he cut them to 8-9feet and stacked the logs over bed high(remember green=heavy) then drove down the washboarded dirt road at normal speeds
. We put a plate on it welded it up and filled all the gaps, he drove that POS for another few years, in all fairness it had well over 250K at the time of the break and well over 300K when he finally retired it. The truck was downright abused the whole time he had it and he bought it at 130K.
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