There are many helper springs on the market. Hellwig EZ-990 is one such product. Today we’ll compare Hellwig EZ-990 leaf spring helpers to Timbren SES suspension helper springs so you can see clearly which product is the better choice.
What’s the best way to stabilize your vehicle?
Stabilizing your truck involves upgrading the rear suspension without compromising ride quality. It means keeping the vehicle level under load and eliminating roll and sway. Stabilizing your truck will provide greater safety while hauling and towing a heavy trailer.
Today we’ll compare the Hellwig EZ-990 helper springs to Timbren SES suspension upgrades.
Hellwig leaf springs are metal helper springs designed to sit on top of the existing leaf springs at the rear of your truck. They work in conjunction with the factory spring pack to increase the spring rate of the truck. Hellwig EZ-990 series adapts to various makes and models with different load capacities.
Timbren SES suspension upgrades are made of natural rubber designed to replace the existing bump stops. Designed as a helper spring to assist with heavy loads, Timbren SES upgrades do not replace or override the existing suspension. There are over 400 SES kit designs to fit virtually every truck, SUV, and van that rolls off the assembly line.
Hellwig vs Timbren: Which one is better?
Hellwig EZ-990
Hellwig leaf springs support systems can add an additional load capacity ranging anywhere from 500 lbs up to 3500 lbs. These helper springs increase the suspension’s spring rate but do not increase the GVWR.
The following is taken from a Hellwig EZ-990 instruction sheet:
- Place the spring on top of the mainspring with the long end toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Slide the spring back and forth so the hump doesn’t touch the factory vehicle U-bolts but to maximize the distance between the leaf tips and the underside of the vehicle.
- Place the U-bolts with the short legs on either side of the hump as shown in the diagram. Using the included cross bars, washers, and nuts, tighten to the recommended torque.
- Use the longer legged U-bolts on the outside cups of the spring as shown in the diagram. Attach them once again using the crossbars, washer, and nuts. It may be necessary to either jack the vehicle up by the frame allowing the suspension to droop or use a C-clamp to compress the spring to start the nuts.
- Adjust the crossbars on the end of the springs so that the adjacent leaf tip will not contact the crossbar when the spring is deflected. It may be necessary to move the spring stack fore or aft for best alignment.
- Adjust the U-bolts at the spring end to desired preload. The minimum tension adjustment is having enough tension on the end U-bolts so that they do not loosen or rattle and move when the vehicle is driven over rough or bumpy surfaces. Maximum adjustment is when the leaf cups are 1/4” from the main spring.
- When adjustment is complete, double-nut to lock in adjustment.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and check your installation for clearance on all undercarriage components, wires, fuel, brake, and air conditioning lines.
With the right tools, a first-time installer could take up to 2 hours.
Timbren SES
Timbren SES suspension upgrades are made of natural rubber designed to replace the existing bump stops. Depending on where the bump stops are located, SES rubber springs typically fasten to the frame, the axle, or the truck’s leaf spring suspension.
Designed as a helper spring to assist with heavy loads, Timbren SES upgrades do not replace or override the existing suspension. Most SES kits for pickups are rated for 6000 lbs additional capacity while others add up to an additional 12,000 lbs.
The average SES kit for a half ton pickup lists for about $300.00.
The following outlines five simple steps to install an SES kit for a 2023 Chevy Silverado:
- Raise vehicle
- Remove OEM bump stops
- Assemble Steel disc, rubber spacer and Aeon rubber spring (as shown in diagram).
- Mount to vehicle frame using Timbren supplied fasteners.
- Lower vehicle
This easy installation takes about 30 minutes.
Why does Timbren SES offer the biggest bang for your buck?
The following quick comparison will help you to see which product gives you the biggest bang for your buck!
Hellwig
- Price: $500
- Rated capacity: up to 3500 lbs
- Progressive spring rate: NO
- DIY installation: NO
- Improved ride quality: NO
- Durability: NO
- Lifetime Warranty: NO
- 100-day money back guarantee: NO
Timbren SES
- Price: $297
- Rated capacity: up to 12,000 lbs
- Progressive spring rate: YES
- DIY installation: YES
- Improved ride quality: YES
- Durability: YES
- Lifetime Warranty: YES
- 100-day money back guarantee: YES
Timbren SES truck helper springs provide you with some unique advantages:
- The progressive spring rate means they automatically adjust to the load, preventing sag and squat
As you can see, Timbren SES rubber suspensions easily trumps Hellwig Leaf Springs by giving you the biggest bang for your hard-earned buck!
For more information about Timbren SES visit Timbren.com
