survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

So I have had my snug top fiberglass camper shell on for a while now and I also take a good bit of gear when I go camping or kayaking or whatever. Anyways i am starting to notice so rear end sag and from the back it looks as though one side is a siting a little lower than the other. Will putting helper spring on help this? I am just wanting my EVEN stock height back and to be able to carry more with out sagging. I think i want to get some hellwig helpers but don't know which ones I should get. I see that they have 550lb 1000lb and 1500lb increases capacity springs helpers. Doe anyone know how much ride stiffness they can cause at these rates. Also I thought I heard that some of these if tighten enough would lift a little. Is it possible to get about an inch and 1/2 of lift? I imagine it would be a rough ride though. Any other brands I sold consider? Or with 240000 on these factory leaf springs are they on their way out?

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

Here are what I am talking about:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/helper-spri...uestid=1806638

http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchResults2.aspx?cID=883

any other good sources to buy from?

algranger

The websites you linked are cheaper ones but i'm sure they would do the job. It will lift you just a tad and your ride quality will decrease but hey its a truck you cant expect it to ride like a caddy.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

so are you gonna wheel it? use it as a hauler? Do you want to lift it? that would determine your route to take. add a leafs can damage your springs farther than you want. Airbags could handle your canopy better and any other weight you throw in the back. Search " zuk mod " and look into that.

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

Not any mega hard off-roading just old logging trails and stuff like that. A lift my be in the future of about 3 inches. These are NOT AALs these are helper springs; specifically designed to give you more carrying capacity by bolting them to the top of your leaf pack with no added modifications. I dont really think that i want to go as far as airbags but i might. As far as the zuk mod goes i am afraid that if I get it level and ever decide to remove the shell them it will be up too high in the rear and doesnt the zuke require some fabrication?. Has anyone used the zuke just for increasing load carrying ability? I see many use it to fix rear end sag but has someone without any sag put them on just to give them more load capacity?

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

Anyone else have experience with using helper springs?

survivorman97

iTrader: (1)

Oh some has used these! So just for a recap. I am debating between zuk mod and hellwig helpers and if so how heavy should I go and what will the effects be. The zuk is cool and simple and would not hurt the leafs, but requires a little modification and I'm not too sure if the coils will stay in under full articulation. But this could be remedied with more modification. On the other hand with hellwig helper springs bolted up i know how much more I can carry and they can be adjusted to a degree they are also a direct bolt on and will not fall out.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

i saw zuk mod. The install is fairly simple. and as far as them raising the rear... i seriously doubt they will push you higher then "new" factory hieght. I went out wheeling with kiyobrown *zuk mod done* and we had one rear tire at full droop and the spring was still sitting tight. I think if you were just concered with towing/hauling and didnt care about breaking your back from the stiff ride then go with the helper springs.

HazMat

I have the 1500lb hellwig helpers on my 04 taco. I can put a LOT of weight in the bed before it starts to sag. I have them cranked down alot though. They do make the ride a little rougher. I've also had the 550lb ones on my last 4cyl tacoma. They were not as rough but they couldnt hold as much weight either. Installation is a snap with air tools. Simply place them on top of your existing leaf pack and tighten down the u-bolts until your satisfied with the height/stiffness. They will definately give you a little lift if you tighten them enough. I would say take a look at how much stuff you carry on a regular basis and make your decision based on that. The 1500lb ones are probably a little excessive for most tacoma owners. But you can leave them a little looser and still get the same effect as say the 550lb ones. I would probably be fine with the 550lb ones but i got a great deal on the 1500 pounders. All in all i'm very pleased with my helpers. Like yourself I'm not a huge wheeler, but my truck still does just fine on most trails i take it down.

PM me if you have any more specific questions.