Is it worth installing helper springs on your Ford F-250? To tell you the truth, the leaf-spring suspension on the F-250 isn’t any stronger than the rear suspension on an F-150. So, the answer is yes!
This short article will compare the most popular suspension products to see which one works best for the F-250. After we compare the suspension products, we’ll include a Timbren helper springs review.
Does your Ford F-250 need helper springs?
When a truck like the Ford F-250 has a towing capacity of 15,000 pounds, you’d think it would not need helper springs. However, most F-250 models are used commercially meaning the bed carries a load and tows a large utility trailer full of tools and cargo. Believe it or not, most Ford F-250s will need suspension assistance. If you use your truck commercially, you’d be wise to install a set of helper springs.
When a workhorse truck is loaded to the max on a daily basis, the suspension components will eventually show signs of wear and tear as the back end starts to sag. To protect your F-250 SD, you’ll need to install a set of helper springs that provide a heavy-duty lift that will lengthen the life of your suspension by preventing damage to the suspension components.
Truck squat happens because most pickup trucks and SUVs are built with suspensions that are meant to provide a nice, comfortable ride. The leaf springs that help support the rear of the F-250 are flexible, helping to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road but unable to adequately support the weight of a heavy trailer.
Believe it or not, a fully-loaded F-250 will squat in the rear. When this happens, the weight of the vehicle shifts backward reducing the amount of traction on the front tires which will impact steering ability. Needless to say, a set of suspension helper springs is absolutely necessary.
What helper springs are available for the Ford F-250?
It’s not uncommon for the rear end of a pickup or SUV to droop after a load of 200 – 300 pounds has been added. And the sag becomes increasingly obvious as you near the maximum load rating. Here are some of the most common solutions for suspension sag and squat:
Add-a-leaf
Add-a-leaf products (like SuperSprings) help to level the load. Unfortunately, they cost about $600.00 US for the pair. And they’re capacity is limited to approximately 1,500 lbs additional.
Airbags
Airbags (like Air Lift) were originally designed as an alternative to leaf springs. Air bag products help to level the load but they’re expensive, costing anywhere from $1,000 - $2,500. They usually require professional installation which adds to the total cost.
Timbren SES
Timbren SES uses Aeon® hollow rubber springs made from natural rubber. They’re designed to replace the bump stop on trucks, vans, and SUVs. SES kits are affordable, easy to install, and can add up to an additional capacity of 8,600 lbs.*
* Helper springs and suspension upgrades do not increase the GVWR set by the manufacturer.
How do Timbren helper springs compare with the competition?
Add-a-leaf
- Price: $500
- Progressive spring rate: NO
- DIY installation: NO
- Improved ride quality: NO
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-day money back guarantee: NO
Airbags
- Price: $2500
- Progressive spring rate: NO
- DIY installation: NO
- Improved ride quality: YES
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-day money back guarantee: NO
Timbren SES
- Price: $297
- Progressive spring rate: YES
- DIY installation: YES
- Improved ride quality: YES
- Durability: YES
- Lifetime Warranty: YES
- 100-day money back guarantee: YES
Why are Timbren helper springs your best choice?
The following is our Timbren helper springs review...
A quick observation suggests that Timbren SES part # FR250SDJ is the easiest to install. It offers the best price, the most capacity – up to 8,600 lbs – and maximum stability by eliminating roll and sway. Timbren SES offers you the biggest bang for your buck.
And if you were to take a closer look, you’d notice that Timbren SES wins big points for:
- best ride quality loaded or unloaded
- best added stability
Think about it: Timbren SES products for towing have been around for over 50 years and are still the best and smartest choice hands down!
Part # FR250SDJ is perfect for hauling and towing with your Ford F-250.
“Whether we’re towing with our GMC Sierra or our Toyota 4Runner, Timbren SES kits have been a game changer by reducing sag in the rear plus helping the tow rig gain maximum control. Over a year with SES and we would never go back.” @ClicOutdoor
All Timbren SES products come with a Lifetime Warranty and a 100-Day money back guarantee. For more information about Timbren SES products, please visit Timbren.com
