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Sagging with load. Hellwig 991 helper springs?

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by TakesAToyota, Feb 22, 2017.

  1. Feb 22, 2017 at 5:39 PM
    #1
    TakesAToyota

    TakesAToyota [OP] New Member

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    New here. I have an 04 Double Cab 2wd. I'm looking to either get air bags our helper springs of some kind to help some with sagging when hauling. I'm not looking to increase my load capacity, just not sag when I have a full load. I don't want a stiff ride all the time so I am not sure if I like the idea of different leaves. Air bags give flexibility but can be a pain unless I drop the $ for a pump, not. Also they are more expensive than a helper leaf. Is there a medium pressure I could run that would give some extra support and not ride like junk with an empty bed.....thoughts, experience? I'm looking to do this inexpensively, but I don't want to sacrifice ride quality when not hauling. Half the reason I went with a Tundra was because it doesn't handle like a truck. I was looking at hellwig 991 helper leaves. Anyone have any experience with these? Can you adjust them by how much you tighten the end u-bolts? Thoughts on them?
     
  2. Feb 22, 2017 at 5:45 PM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Welcome. I answered your other post as well.

    Airbags without the internal joist (bumpstop) for the best ride empty.
     
  3. Feb 22, 2017 at 9:56 PM
    #3
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Airbags. There when you need them, invisible when you don't. Not even close
     
  4. Feb 22, 2017 at 10:59 PM
    #4
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Airbags. I know Toytec sells the firestone ride rite air bags. Have heard they are a very good one. On my list if i ever get something to tow.
     
  5. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:19 AM
    #5
    Toytec Lifts

    Toytec Lifts New Member

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    Airbags are going to be the best option in my opinion to help prevent sagging when towing but still give you a very nice ride quality while empty. They are able to hold up to 5000lb of load leveling capacity without sagging, helps prevent suspension fatigue and will increase vehicle stability.

    The Firestone airbags are a very nice quality product that is very simple to install (1-2 hours).

    Here is a link so you can check them out!!! http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/00-06-Tundra-Rear-Air-Bags_p_1201.html


    Feel free to PM me anytime with any questions!




    -David
     
  6. Feb 23, 2017 at 10:24 AM
    #6
    mverkaik

    mverkaik New Member

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    I have the bags with internal bump-stops. I love the bags but would love to rid of the bump stops.
     
  7. Feb 23, 2017 at 10:46 AM
    #7
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper Not a new member

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    I have the Helwigs on my Tacoma and they do the job. No change in ride and yes they are adjustable through tightening the rear bracket. I did not want to mess with airing up and down the bags.
     
  8. Feb 23, 2017 at 11:41 AM
    #8
    Tundraplatinum

    Tundraplatinum New Member

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    Same here. love my airbags but the bump stops hit too soon
     
  9. Feb 23, 2017 at 11:51 AM
    #9
    Warreng

    Warreng New Member

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    Had air bags on a chevy. Never again. They limit articulation, have zero progression and I popped 3 of them at over $100 per bag. They are great if you never leave the pavement but otherwise a nightmare. Have hellwigs now. Less carrying capacity but zero issues. They are adjustable with the Ubolts and Gave about 3/4" lift.
    FWIW- have a 200lb sled deck with a 500lb sled on a 2006 tundra and works beauty
     
  10. Feb 23, 2017 at 11:57 AM
    #10
    TakesAToyota

    TakesAToyota [OP] New Member

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    I'm leaning this way, because it's the cheapest. Do they hold the weight, or does it still sag. Also, how do you guys air your bags? On board compressor unit? $$ Or do you ride a medium pressure all the time? Or do you fill with a shop air compressor?....or stop at the gas station and fill up?
     
  11. Feb 23, 2017 at 7:00 PM
    #11
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    I have an auto-leveling kit with an on-board compressor. It uses a magnetic sensor that detects load and pumps them up to bring the truck back to level. When you remove the load, a dump valve bleeds off the extra air. No wiring, gages or airlines into the cab, and no mucking with air valves. It just works.
     
    happyjack87 and 040Tundra like this.
  12. Feb 24, 2017 at 4:34 PM
    #12
    TakesAToyota

    TakesAToyota [OP] New Member

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    Where did you get it? Still leaning toward the helper spring from helwig, because money is tight.
     
  13. Feb 24, 2017 at 4:43 PM
    #13
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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  14. Feb 24, 2017 at 4:47 PM
    #14
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    Welcome Tim, looks like you're getting the info you need. Nothing more I can say except, welcome to the forum.
     
  15. Feb 24, 2017 at 6:54 PM
    #15
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    What most do is not attach the bottom and instead add a cup to contain it when load is applied. This allows full droop since it's disconnected.
     
  16. Mar 1, 2017 at 12:52 PM
    #16
    TakesAToyota

    TakesAToyota [OP] New Member

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    Looking at Helwig 1250's. Only because I don't like the idea of unbolting my axle, be it very short duration, from my springs. Anyone see an issue with the two piece design of the 1250's vs the 991's? I do realize the weight difference is different, but I'm not trying to increase my overall load, just do a better job at leveling a full load when I have it.
     
  17. Mar 2, 2017 at 8:34 AM
    #17
    Warreng

    Warreng New Member

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    You prob have to get new ubolts for the 1 piece design as it makes the leaf pack thicker (i did on my gen1). Just witness mark the axle, cut the ubolts (mine were siezed) and install. My axle did not move at all.
     

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