Last week we looked at the most popular helper springs.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll suggest 10 things to look for in a helper spring, and compare the above mentioned products in order to illustrate each point.
Simple
If you plan to do-it-yourself, choose a product that’s simple and easy to assemble. Who needs the hassle of trying to install something complicated?
- Add a leaf systems usually have a bolt-on design. Some kits include as little as 2 leaf springs, and 2 center pins. Others have 4 leaf springs and a series of U-bolts and related hardware. Fairly simple and straight-forward.
- Air ride suspensions are more complicated. Included are air bags, brackets for mounting to frame and axle, pipes, hoses, compressors, special fittings, shims, hardware, etc.
- Timbren SES appeal to the DIY person. The average kit has about 6 parts.
Easy to Install
If the product has fewer components, the installation is going to be much easier. Ease of installation can be measured by the length of time required to assemble the product.
- Add a leaf systems typically take approximately 2 hours to install.
- Air ride suspensions take a professional about 3 – 4 hours to install.
- Timbren SES kits can take between 30 – 60 minutes.
Low cost
You usually get what you pay for. Sometimes it includes more bells and whistles… Let’s compare cost:
- Add a leaf systems run between $100.00 – $300.00 US over the counter.
- Air ride suspensions cost (on the average) run between $350.00 – $400.00 US retail.
- Timbren SES kits retail at about $215.00 US for a half-ton pickup truck.
Before you purchase a helper spring for your truck suspension, ask yourself; Is it fairly simple, easy to install and comparatively low cost?
Next week: What to look for in a helper spring – Part 3
