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Helper springs are used in conjunction with the stock leaf springs to help support the rear suspension with the added weight of a load. When loaded if the rear of the truck is lower than the front YOU NEED HELPER SPRINGS. This is a sign that the rear suspension is maxed out and is actually using the frame as a lever to lift the front tires. Driving while maxed out will make the tires wear uneven, cause fishtailing, and can cause a loss of braking power.
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FIXED LOAD SUPPORT
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Put simply these are oversized bump stops mounted to the frame that make contact with the axel when overloaded. They do prevent bottoming out and will help prevent spring fatigue. These kits are fairly inexpensive and usually easy to install but WE DO NOT RECOMMEND them. In most cases these do not improve the ride quality and could even make kit worse.
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$187
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Adds 0.0lbs of increased Load Capacity
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ADJUSTABLE LOAD SUPPORT
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Air bags are our best seller and are the best choice in almost every scenario. These air bag bolt in-between the frame and suspension to add an adjustable amount of support giving you the best possible ride quality for any size load. They are sold in complete kits with both bags, custom mounting brackets, and air fittings that allow them to be filled just like a tire.
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$220 - $316
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Adds 2,000 - 5,000lbs of increased Load Capacity
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SPRING ASSIST
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This is an actual spring that installs over the top of the stock leaf pack. At normal ride height it has very little pressure applied so the stock ride quality is not affected. As extra pressure is applied from a load the stock springs start to compress and these helper springs kick in providing extra support. There are scenarios where this style is the best choice but these are the most expensive and are limited by the strength of the new spring.
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$314 - $516
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Adds 1,000 - 5,000lbs of increased Load Capacity
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Will air bags work with a in bed hitch?
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Yes in most cases air bag kits are designed to work in conjunction with hitches like the B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch. There are a few exceptions like 80-96 Ford's, 94-01 Dodge's, 99-06 Silverado / Sierra 1500. Air bags can still be installed on these vehicles also even if you have a hitch installed but it may not be a simple no drill bolt on install.
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Will air bag helper springs lift or lower my truck?
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Air bag helper springs are designed work with the stock suspension to pick the vehicle back up to stock ride height when loaded. THEY DO NOT LIFT OR LOWER THE TRUCK!
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Do I need a control kit?
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The short answer is no but you will HAVE TO fill the bags with air before driving off with a load or the extra weight from the load will have compressed the bags so that they are rubbing against them self which will eventually rub a hole in the air bag making it useless. So no, you do not have to have a built in on board air compressor but it is easy to see how much more convenient it would be if you did.
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