Hey yawl Im newb here but not to ctd. I was wondering if anyone has removed the rear helper springs to improve there ride. I have air bags in the back right now so I figure that they can more than make up for them when I pump them up. But for mall runs air them out. I tow about once or twice a month a 10k bumper pull toyhauler. Just wonder if anyone had done these before and had any insite. Thanks

 

You could probably try it out and report back. Not like it's a permanent thing plus it's free.

Also could try some bigger tires ... If that's your style.

 

I'm most like going to do it this weekend as long as no one comes up with a good reason not to. I just need to find some shorter ubolts because that helper about an inch thick.
I do plan on getting some bigger tires but with a 2wd, 285/70r17s are about as big as I can go without rubbing.

I did have a softer ride with running my tires down to 45psi but my mpgs went down about 1mpg. So I kicked them back up 80psi.

 

Yeah 80 is kinda high unloaded. And yeah you'd probably need new U-bolts... I understand if you take the spacers out (maybe 4x4 only thing) that you just put them on top to avoid new U-bolts... But you are doing something different.

 

I traded my overload for some CArli Mini packs and it made a big difference in the ride Quality. i also use Air bags for the loads with out a problem.

The only draw back is a little axle wrap due to the more flex in the springs when i plant it hard. The overload acts as a bit of a slapper traction bar.

 

Maybe now I can justify getting some traction bars then? Anyone have any recommendations?

 

Frankly, I'm surprised that removing the helpers would do anything for ride quality. They really don't contact anything until you get a load on. The best thing you can do for ride quality when empty is to reduce your tire air pressure. There are pressure recommendations in the owners manual. I run 55 front, 45 rear when empty. I do know that moving the spacers from bottom to top doesn't affect ride quality at all. Those are just spacers, not springs. I did that on mine to level the truck and to reduce bed height to easy loading. I also have air bags on the rear. Run them at zero when empty. I'd be reluctant to rely soley on the bags when hauling heavy tonque weight. What would happen if you get a leak in one of 'em?

 

The helpers do slap on smaller bumps than you would think.When that happens you get a good kick sending the back of the truck into the air

Bob

 

Like motorhead said...tire pressure can make a big differance.
At 70-80 rear empty, my truck bounces all over the road to the point of being dangerous.
At 45-50 empty, ride and handling much better.
I run 55-60 in the front.

 

I'm running the Toyo's at 55psi front, 45psi rear and the ride is pretty good, much better than the Michelins.

MikeyB

 

Dont get me wrong I'm not trying to get a luxury ride here, if fact the front suspension is the best riding truck I've had. Its the rear that I would like a bit softer. As it sits now I bet it only has about 3 inches of normal travel. I go over a bump and with the front end it like "ok little bump there" but the rear it like "dang did I just run over cow!". I guess Ideally I would to replace the whole rear suspesion with an adjustable 4 link air bag setup but thats many moons away for now so I'm looking at something simple to start with. thanks for yours guys opinions.

 

you can go about this a few ways depending on what you want to spend and how involved you want to get.

on my 05 i had a shop cut the ends off the overloads but left the center piece in as a spacer so there was no ride height change. we also put on a set of 5100s. the truck also had airbags installed. it rode like crap!!!!

on the 07.5 on the advice of Don Thuren i took out the overloads took out all but one of the spacers and removed the top main leaf spring. then put on the carli mini packs and that left me at stock rear ride height and with a MUCH improved ride!!! i am still running the stock rear shocks.

i do have the airlift airbags on to level with a load. it is probably the most cost effective way to get a much better ride. you can play with the spacers to get the ride height you want. i was going for stock.

in the front i have a set of custom height springs from Don and a set of 2.5 kings from him as well. i only wanted a 1 1/2 level in front with a stock rear end.

next year i will be adding Dons full replacement rear leaf springs and a set of matching kings for the rear for an even better ride and to finish it off a set of Bobs Baja proven carli airbags

 

I added the adjustable Rancho 9000 and leave the rear on 2 when empty just to help soften it a little. It did make a small difference.

 

I took them out but that decreased the travel too much for the bags. So I cut the ends off and put them back in. I also cut the lower bag brackets down and increased the bag travel 3/4". It's much better on the big bumps and a little better at all times. Craig