Why Timbren Helper Springs are the best Helper Springs on the market: Breaking it down
What are Hellwig leaf springs?
Hellwig Helper Springs are designed to sit on top of the leaf springs at the rear of your truck working in conjunction with the main spring pack to help level the load. Hellwig Helper Springs are adjustable and come with all the necessary hardware to complete the job.
Hellwig offers several types of shock helper springs, each with different load capacities and applications in mind. Hellwig’s steel products are made in California, USA.
What are Airlift airbags?
Air Lift adjustable air springs are engineered to fit and work with your existing suspension to help eliminate squat.
For vehicles with leaf springs, the airbags mount on top of the existing leaf springs and connect to the frame. This provide extra leveling and support when towing or hauling heavier loads.
For coil-sprung vehicles, the air springs fit inside the coil spring to prevent them from bottoming out, providing a smoother ride and leveling the load.
To make the air springs fully adjustable, airline is run from each spring to a Schrader valve, located on the rear bumper, allowing you to inflate or deflate the springs as needed.
How does the competition compare to Timbren SES?
Hellwig
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 price of a leaf spring kit ranges anywhere from $100.00 - $1000.00.
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 Hellwig first-time installer could take up to 2 hours.
Airlift
An airlift airbag suspension require compressed air in order to work. In other words, by adding compressed air into the airbags, you are able to lift the frame of the truck to your desired ride height. Airlift airbags are adjustable and fit over your existing suspension.
There are several parts to an airbag system. Once you receive the kit, take time to lay out each individual component and check it off against the parts list printed on the installation manual. Also, make sure that you have the necessary tools to complete the job and proceed.
- Raise the truck and remove the tires.
- Remove the bump stops and bump stop brackets.
- Preassemble the top bracket to the airbag using supplied fasteners.
- Install the lower bracket to the axle or leaf spring using supplied fasteners.
- Using supplied fasteners, bolt the upper bracket to the upper frame.
- Using supplied fasteners, bolt the airbag to the lower bracket.
- Repeat these instructions on the other side of the truck. Note: Be sure to use left-hand brackets on the left side and right-hand brackets on the right side of the truck.
- Install the airline fitting near the back where there is easy access.
- Run the hoses from each airbag to the airline fitting.
This is the basic airbag setup. Installation time is approximately 4 -8 hours.
For onboard air supply, an air compressor and air tank must be purchased and installed beneath the truck. After connecting the air tank and the air compressor, run the hoses from the airbags over to the air tank. For proper installation, it is recommended that you hire a professional to complete the job. Total cost for basic kit + onboard air = $2500.00
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 6000-8600 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 less than 30 minutes.
Hellwig vs Airlift vs Timbren SES: Which suspension upgrade is best for you?
At the end of the day, you must decide what’s best for you...
Are you looking for a truck helper spring that’s easy to install?
Are you interested in a suspension upgrade you can afford?
Do you want the biggest bang for your buck?
Then, you should choose Timbren SES truck helper springs.
For more information on Timbren SES, visit Timbren.com
