Remember the days when a truck was a truck? It worked like a truck. It rode like a truck.
You could throw a load of firewood on the back of a pickup knowing that the vehicle would stay level and remain stable.
Not so today.
Even though they’re advertised as “tough” and “durable,” today’s late model pickups are not capable of handling yesterday’s loads.
Why is that? Well, it’s mostly because of the suspension…
Pickup trucks are gaining more popularity every day. They’re more stylish and sexy – more desirable.
As interest increases in the marketplace, the demand for better ride quality also increases. Owners want them to ride like a Cadillac.
And there’s the rub.
Increased ride quality diminishes spring capacity. Longer leaf and coil springs are used to maintain a smooth car-like ride.
Even the coil-over-strut suspension – exactly what’s used on a car – is now being installed on the front end of several pickup trucks.
And the result is a weaker suspension.
2 common spring helpers and 1 not-so-common
The most popular spring helpers on the market for the rear suspension of any light duty vehicle are the metal Add-a-leaf system and Firestone air ride. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The alternative to these 2 popular systems is Timbren SES.
Add-a-leaf is exactly that – an additional leaf spring installed on the existing suspension. It’s no secret that metal add-a-leaf is effective as far as strengthening the existing suspension, adding an additional 500 – 800 lbs. of weight capacity.
Air ride systems makes use of a rubber bag (bladder). You fill it with air in order to level the load, and dump the air when there’s no load. The ability to adjust to different load requirements is a great feature. An air ride system can increase the vehicle’s spring rate by up to 5,000 lbs.
Timbren SES uses Aeon® hollow rubber springs. They can add up to 12,000 lbs. of additional weight capacity. They keep the truck level and reduce roll and sway.
What to Look For in a Helper Spring
1. Simple
If you plan to do-it-yourself, you’re going to want a product with a simple design. Who needs the hassle of trying to install something that’s complicated?
Add a leaf systems usually bolt-on. 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.
Air ride suspensions are more complicated. You get air bags, brackets for mounting, pipes, hoses, compressors, special fittings, shims, hardware, etc.
Timbren SES has the DIY person in mind. The average kit has about 6 parts.
2. Easy to install
If the product has relatively fewer components, the installation will prove to be much easier. Length of time for helps determine ease of installation.
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 take roughly 30 – 60 minutes.
3. Low cost
You always get what you pay for… although, sometimes you’re just paying for 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) 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, be sure to look for simple design, easy-to-install and low cost.
4. Quiet
If you own a brand new pickup that rides smooth and quiet, the last thing you want is noise coming from the suspension. But sometimes an aftermarket product doesn’t fit properly, and creates vibration and rattling.
Add a leaf (under certain conditions) causes a metal-on-metal ‘creaking’ sound.
Air ride suspensions use compressors. A compressor can be noisy when it starts up trying to make ride height adjustments.
Timbren SES kits have rubber springs that insulate vibration while under load. Rubber springs are very quiet.
5. Ride quality
Helper springs are designed to increase load capacity. But sometimes this affects ride quality. Which system gives you both added capacity and ride quality?
Add a leaf can increase capacity (up to 800 lb) but will affect the unloaded ride quality.
Air ride is always inflated, which can affect the unloaded ride quality.
Timbren SES kits do not engage with the axle until there is a load. The unloaded ride is not affected (unless there is insufficient space between rubber spring and axle.
6. Added stability
Ideally, you want your helper springs to reduce roll and sway. Instability causes undue stress on the driver and the vehicle.
Add a leaf will stabilize the load, helping to reduce body roll.
Air ride becomes unstable under a load, unable to adjust quickly enough to the roll and sway caused when you override the suspension.
Timbren SES rubber springs help stabilize the load, leveling the truck front to back and side to side. There are also severe service kits for severe instability.
7. Reliable
We’re going to measure reliability by asking two questions: 1) Is it high maintenance? 2) Is it trouble free?
Add a leaf requires no maintenance or adjustments once installed properly.
Air Ride requires, at minimum, a maintenance check once a month. Water can get into the system and cause problems with the air flow. Air bags also need to be checked for leaks.
Timbren SES require no on-going maintenance. If the rubber springs sit too close to the axle, a slight adjustment will be necessary.
8. Longevity
How long has the product been on the market? These last 3 points have more to do with the company than the product.
Add a leaf has been around for about 25 years.
Air ride Firestone air springs have been around for over 70 years.
Timbren SES Aeon hollow rubber springs have been around for over 50 years.
9. Lifetime Warranty
What sort of warranty should you expect when you purchase one of these products?
Add a leaf offers a limited Lifetime Warranty for products installed on all non-commercial vehicles. Commercial installation is limited to 12 months or 12,000 miles (Tuff Country.com)
Air ride comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials (Ride Rite.com)
Timbren SES provides a Lifetime warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.
10. Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
How will you be treated if you wish to return the product?
Add a leaf Tuff Country extends a generous 90-day return policy
Air ride Air Lift has a 60-day no-questions-asked return policy. (Return policy for Ride Rite is inconclusive.)
Timbren SES Even though it is not stated clearly on the web site, there exists a return policy for those who – for any reason – are dissatisfied with the product.
And there you have it.
Not every product – however popular it might be – is designed to meet your needs. I hope this little comparison is useful, and will help you decide which helper spring is right for you.
