Hellwig helper springs or similar solution?

Hi all, my 2006 DC is sitting almost level (not sagging) when 90% loaded up. I'd like to find the easiest, simplest, and ideally cheapest way to relieve some of the weight in the back. I don't care how it would ride empty/with a lighter load, because my camping setup will be on the truck 24/7. I loved the way the truck sat before my camper shell, drawers, and gear in the back, and now I'm just wary of throwing in more stuff in my truck...

Will the Hellwig helper springs help out with that? Will it have a noticeable impact on the ride quality? The suspension is all stock and it's not currently a priority to upgrade it. If it should be, let me know — I'm a total noob when it comes to suspension.

Interested in seeing what worked for people in similar situations. TIA!

 

You might consider air bags if you're not overweight, and you are only worried about the cosmetics. Just my thought on it.

 

I have them and if you never plan to have any weight in the bed, they’re not bad.

Im going to end up going with bags ever since I built out my camping set up and put on a shell. The factory springs are just too tired to keep up with all the weight.

 

I have Hellwig 991s on my 01 AC, and they took my truck almost being bottomed out with a 950lb pop up camper in the bed to being level. Ride quality unloaded IMO is actually better than stock. I prefer a stiffer ride.

 

I'm worried about being slightly overweight, so it's not purely a cosmetic concern. Any airbag recommendations?

I'm always planning on having weight in the back... If I'm not being a complete idiot I think you're saying that even with helper springs, the back was getting saggy. So you're switching to bags right? Which kind?

I wouldn't mind a stiffer ride either. Are they these ones?

 

No, those actually look heavier duty than what I put on. These are what I went with, mostly because they were cheap.

$163 Hellwig EZ-990 Helper Spring Kit - 991

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UFRUXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_C6EX7BHNTNEF2TX1E3XF

 

Oh that seems perfect. I'll have to try those out. Thank you

 

Did these cause any lift in the rear or just strengthen the factory springs? I need a stiffer spring myself for towing but don’t want any lift.

 

I had these on my old 2004 and liked them a lot:
https://www.supersprings.com/products/supersprings/

They did give a little lift to the rear end, but didn’t seem to stiffen the ride much when unloaded. They also took away the squat I had when carrying my motorcycle on a hitch rack, so they definitely worked.

 

I am hesitant to recommend any, as I don't have bags myself. On the forum I hear good things about the firestone bags, i think. Day star cradles are popular to maintaining full rear travel, too. Again, just what I've heard. My truck's suspension is stock.


Edit: fixed the stupid autocorrect mistakes.

 

They definitely lifted the rear end about an inch, but not an obnoxious amount IMO.

 

I have 5100s on the third notch on the front. The Hellwigs made it sit with a very small rake if I had them all the way tight.

Once I put my camper shell on and did my bed build out, it now sits level if not a little low in the rear.

Honestly, they are just a bandaid for old springs. I hear that the Firestone bags with Daystar cradles are the way to go.