rear leaf springer helpers or add a leaf

[91stranger]

So I hate how my truck sits without anything real heavy in the bed. It literally looks like it is hauling a load of wood all day long. I've seen all sorts of different options for add-a-leaf or super springs. Has anyone used either of these two methods and if so are you happy with the results or would a different way be better? I do load wood and use a fair sized trailer (for a small truck that is) so I would like whatever option I go to actually help with the suspension and not just be a lifting block or something. Anyone have before and after pics of this as well? Thanks.

 

[gw33gp]

I have used both add-a-leaf and air springs. I didn't care for the add-a-leaf because they made the rear very stiff when not loaded. Air springs are adjustable to the load (or no load) you are carrying.
There are a couple draw backs to air springs also. One is you normally have to check the air pressure and refill once a month or so. Two you usually need to replace the air bags periodically. I use Air Lift and they typically last at least 5 years but are not expensive to replace if you shop around. Firestone are more expensive but I think they last longer.
There are other options but I have no experience with them.

 

[Dirtman]

The real solution is getting new springs. They loose arch over time. You can re-bend them with a 20 ton press, time, and alot of patience/skill.

Add-a-leafs will always stiffen the ride even on worn springs. If you're ok with that, its a cheap simple option. Ive done them on a bunch of trucks. Never get those cheap bolt on half helper springs though.

Never did air bags but it doesn't seem like a logical option if you're trying to restore unloaded ride height. You'd need them pressurized constantly which defeats their intended purpose.

 

[Danno1985]

Both are band-aids. If your leafs are shot and you have to pull them to install an AAL, might as well just do it right and replace the leaf packs; check General Springs; they're USA made and in my experience OEM grade or better.

My truck had Airlift bags installed by the previous owner. They're definitely capable of raising the back of the truck about 3" or more, but the ride will be really bouncy if you run them like that unloaded. They'd be a great addition for you if you do plan on towing, though.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sounds like your springs are just worn out... I would take a hard look at the spring hangers also. I've replaced a few of those in my past.

I would think you should just go with new spring packs to get it back to factory ride height.

I did put a pair of Hellwig over load springs on my 94 that I hauled a slide in camper with good results. They were there when the camper went in... and when not loaded it didn't affect the ride... I was overall happy with the results.

 

[gw33gp]

Never did air bags but it doesn't seem like a logical option if you're trying to restore unloaded ride height. You'd need them pressurized constantly which defeats their intended purpose.

I am not sure I understand what you are saying here. The air bags are supposed have pressure in them all the time. Low pressure for no load and higher pressures for greater loads. I just add enough pressure to bring the rear up to level when carrying a load or towing. When off-road, which is a lot, I usually lift the rear a little to get more clearance.
I run about 20psi in mine all the time because my shell is about 350 lbs which causes the rear to droop a little with no air bags. I would not say that defeats the intended purpose, it is the intended purpose.

 

[adsm08]

I tried the air shock jobies once, I wasn't impressed. I did them because I got a close enough set for free (87-96 F-150 rear shocks fit a Ranger BTW) and needed rear shocks. Even at the rated max pressure they couldn't help raise my rear end. I went to coil-over helpers once I had the money.

 

[gw33gp]

I have never liked the idea of air shocks. I don't think the vehicle mounts were intended to help carry load although they do get a good amount of force imposed on them when hitting something like a pot hole. I don't think you get a good quality shock with that kind of system either.

 

[scrapper]

I think you can get 4 leaf explorer springs but will give you maybe an 1" over stock lift. There used to be coil springs you could put on the shocks as helpers but I haven't seen those in awhile.