Helper springs or AIR LIFT Ride Control/Firestone Air Bags?

[RangerDanger2]

Just purchased an '04 Ranger long bed with 4.0 engine. Absolutely love the truck, just loaded it with 1200lbs +/- of cargo which the truck handled with no problem. The rear springs dropped considerably so I'm considering either helper springs or augmenting with air bag suspension.

Would like to hear pro's and con's for both solutions, especially from those who have had both. Helper springs come in sizes from 500lbs to 2500lbs of added support.

Thoughts?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You might check into Explorer springs, they are a bolt in upgrade.

I have Supercab springs in my longbed. Rides better unloaded than the Explorer springs but carries more weight than the stock std cab longbed springs.

 

[RangerDanger2]

You might check into Explorer springs, they are a bolt in upgrade.

I have Supercab springs in my longbed. Rides better unloaded than the Explorer springs but carries more weight than the stock std cab longbed springs.

I've been looking at Hellwig springs from S&D Truck springs which are also bolt in upgrades.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I've been looking at Hellwig springs from S&D Truck springs which are also bolt in upgrades.

My Explorer springs were $100 and came with a good disk brake 8.8.

 

[Dirtman]

Bags are gonna ride better unloaded since you just deflate them.... but cost is way more.

Helper springs or heavier springs are cheap but your stuck with the ride of stiffer springs.

 

[gw33gp]

Dirtman got it right. That is why I run air bags.