How to install Leaf Helper Springs

[@seanluis2735]

This video may be 8 years old but it helped me in 2022. Thanks for a clear how to video.

[@n7honeybadger103]

I know this is a really old video but how did the springs end up working out for you?

[@marksummers7228]

Excellent video. Your explanation is simple and clear. I wish all how-to's were this well done.

[@TomandMonica1]

Don't run across many YT videos where the host displays the level of professionalism shown here. You've got the how-to-do-it procedure nailed.

[@djmussy18]

and with that accent, man, I'm "shocked" lol

[@Laffy1345]

BIG FISH Alabama

[@lory6605]

And a great teacher. Teaching is an art.

[@jmjaxson]

One of the most thorough and understandable 'step by step' I've seen....well done!

[@billyhudson6603]

you are good at explaining things

[@MrJoseph1157]

Great video, I don't know what you do for a living but you ought to think about teaching, your a natural...excellent job.

[@ZIPGANG]

I used these to correct sagging springs on a 1968 Mercury Cougar and they worked fine; kept the rear end up with a full tank of gas and two people in the backseat... I've never used them for pulling a trailer. Thanks for making this video...

[@gregbrooks9546]

I have 2 questions for you..... Now that you have used these helper springs do you think they really make a big difference. I have a 2 wheel drive ranger truck and a family mini van that I have taken all the middle and rear seats out and it is a hauling machine. However, I haul a lot of firewood with the van and thought these would help.Question 2 is have you ever used the Timbertuff $20 sawmill that slides on a 2x4 or a 2x6. Just wanted to know from someone that has actually used it a lot to see if they are worth buying.

[@fabianfazzari2733]

did it help when you put a heavier load in the back of the truck?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Fabian Fazzari I'm not completely sure. I can still crush the springs pretty good under heavy load, but by the time I'm at that point, my truck is under powered. What I do know, is that even with a lot of weight, I've still got good handling without a lot of "roll". But my tires are pretty light on the ground. Heavy duty springs would be better, but a larger truck is always better for weight and breaking power.

[@travis7369]

these helpers are effective. they are not made as a repair or assist for damaged leaf springs as some commenters are suggesting and insulting but what is mentioned in this well made video is it decreases the hight lost from weight added to a small truck. in other words its just a rack to help hold up the weight

[@rjaybruhh]

*_Epic! Going to be installing some on my 91 Toyota Pickup._*

[@iamburl2667]

Excell makes a heavier leaf an heavier u bolts, I would definitely not trust that little bolt and nuts holding on my existing leaf springs, an accident waiting to happen, the heavier helper spring will mount on top of existing leaf springs, please use caution with what your doing sir, thank you

[@harveysaturday862]

I just subscribed. I don't to many videos, but you can speak properly, and knowledgebly, not like spome of the drivel on youtube. Thumbs up.

[@05blkrado]

I had these on my Colorado and I actually installed them in front of the axle on the bottom side of it.... it worked better then placing it on the rear... once I lowered my truck I actually flipped them and put them on TOP of my axle, it lowered the truck .5 inch BUT with the rivet in the highest setting I was still able to load a 1500 pound tool box fully loaded in the bed and haul it without any squat

[@kevingonzalez9193]

This guy is a great video host explaining stuff lol

[@crdirtrider856]

Thanks for the video man. Just bought the same kit. Been working in Philly for a few months and I have noticed my rear suspension is getting really beat up. 08 Colorado, I'll let you know if they helped in a few weeks.

[@cholojoe2154]

Just beefed up a rear suspension on an old ford police SUV. For some reason it had only 3 leaves in the back , it was so gutless it literally wouldn't hold it's self up without air shocks. Took the springs off and just swapped the top leaf onto an 8 leaf spring from an old ford van to keep the factory dimensions in tact. I had to get longer u bolts for the axle but that thing sure isn't gutless now that old van was built with what looked like a 1 ton axle on it for some reason.

[@efuller6770]

Well 7 years old. How did they work out? Was there another video? Comment that wasn't pinned?

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

A very good step-by-step guide video. However, I am interested in the end result. Those leaf spring helpers seemed more for a lighter passenger vehicle. They don't look HeavDuty for that pickup. On another note, the load you have shown seems better handled by a 1500 Ram truck. Perhaps that would be the better fix. In the future, it may be safer to add a solid piece of flat wood to place jack and stand for positive stability. A thumbs up for the job.

[@noahriding5780]

Will you still be able to install helper springs if your older leaf springs that they are getting attached too are less bow shaped than others? Thanks.

[@denniselkins8996]

I bought a kit (open) from auto zone ..it only has one rivit.i thought about using a small bolt so will that work ok ??

[@noahriding5780]

I'm curious how much mileage you got out of the leaf spring helper kits that you installed?

[@650gringo]

Host looks like a good ol'country boy, but sounds like a well educated nuclear physicist. Two thumbs!

[@workingclasshero7239]

Great Video man I have to do the same to my Silverado.

[@robertodavila9451]

You explained it very well, I think I can do it my self on my tacoma, Thanks body.

[@strawbandit173]

Thank you I bought some of these from advance auto and the instructions weren't very clear, so Thank you for uploading this!

[@HealthSupercharger]

No disrespect but this is not a good product for long term use. Best is to have 1 more leaf made ideally a long one that would support the top spring as much as possible. You can have it made in any spring shop and yes it will require more work taking the leaf spring pack off and getting a longer center bolt and new U bolts but trust me if you want it to last several years and to carry full pickup load of compost or dirt this is the only way that will last. I added 2 leaf springs on each leaf pack to my 2011 Nissan frontier pickup and it made my suspension lot more stronger and stiffer great for supporting a whole bed of soil or firewood foot and a half higher than level bed. I have on my pickup 5 leaf springs plus overload on each side and i carry a canopy with ladders and 350 lb of gear in the back. This will make your ride harder stiffer if you do not have a load but all pickups should have this capacity to support a full bed of compost or dry soil.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

I don't know how much difference they have made but they are still there doing whatever they do.

[@HealthSupercharger]

@@thehomesteadcraftsman8975 they might work for few years maybe even 5 or 6 but having so many threads that hold the weight and can rust out or vibrate loose over the years is not dependable idea especially if you are loaded all the time. Adding extra 1 or 2 leaf springs to your pack is 5x more dependable, durable and professional. I know this is the easy simple way to add stiffer suspension but it would be better to continue the original way the suspension is leaf springs stacked on top of each other and just add 1 more. Commercial trucks would never pass inspection which bolt on things like this, suspension gets extreme stress and if those bolt on things fail then major consequences can happen. At least replace the hardware ever few years and double bolt the connections.

[@goranyordanoff2472]

Great job. Appreciate the clarity and organized presentation.

[@temper9993]

I'll repeat what others have said. Your video is clear and concise and right to the point. WELL DONE.

[@RobB-g2r]

I bought the same kit. Literally says to mount them on top of the leaf spring brother

[@noahriding5780]

Thank you for helping us with your video.

[@milldabeast519]

holy fuck your fingers are fast!

[@edsel6818]

I'm gonna have to install these on my 58 MERCURY Monterey, my vehicle saggs big time, it's basically a damn low rider, I just hate that crap.😭😭 I'm always scraping the pavements and making sparks at night😭😭😭. I've installed air shocks it went up bout an inch, but that's it, my springs are no more, their super weak, and to make matters worse this car weighs almost 4 tons, I just can't afford new springs, THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME 👍👋.

[@PoppaTones]

Your video gave me the info I couldn't really find in the kit instructions. Very well done. Keep up the great work. Down the road I'll look into new leaf springs for my '52 Plymouth. I'm not towing with it but with 2 adults in the backseat, those curb feelers starting making a racket on easy left hand turns. Hopefully, these spring helpers along with recently installed new shocks will help.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

+Tony Garcia Perhaps they will, good luck

[@towerofresonance4877]

I have a Chrysler 5th Ave. 1987 with only 78,800 original miles. Naturally, after 36 years, it sagged a little. With the helpers, it rides much more firm!

[@josephmitchell8283]

So, you cant put the jack under the axle, but its okay to put the jack stand under the axle?

[@rickymiller5121]

yea bc the jack is where all of the weight is being rasied the jacks are just supporting you need to jack up the frame to get pressure off the rear end

[@Papa7Bravo]

What's weird is that we have a 1958 Ford Custom 300 which appears to have the same kind of leaf, though it appears to have more of a bend to it. Not causing any problems but i'm thinking that maybe Ford had a towing package back in the day like they do today like on the Crown Victoria's.

[@leslieswanderlustskoolie5688]

I ordered the exact same kit for my 1994 Ford F150. U bolts don’t fit. Had to spend $52 extra on hardware. Fixing to finally install this weekend.

[@riceski]

Sad - 7 years later and I am sure this guy isn't following this video but if he was I would ask about these Hellwig springs I have - looks like they mount from the TOP and do SQUAT ALL. NADDA waste of 75 bucks - but ---- I'm going to try putting them under like this and see

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

I hear you

[@maxx1451]

how are you not crispin glover?

[@bart2u]

U hav a 2.5 inch helper and a3inch spring.

[@MattJonesYT]

This type of helper spring also seems to put a lot more wear on the leaf spring bushings and causes them to get crushed sooner. I think upgrading the bump stops is a better solution than helper springs because it has basically the same effect of lifting the rear but it doesn't add strain on the bushings or warp the leafs.

[@HealthSupercharger]

Summo bumper stop or Timberland bumper stop would give the suspension more support. Or as i suggest just add a long leaf to your pack that goes under your bushings on both sides and supports entirely top leaf

[@jaybourbon8608]

My gmc 1500 Sierra leaf springs are at normal height but they have a gap between them. I'm guessing from pulling heavy loads. I can feel every little. Bump and they kind of reverberate when up go over things. Like a speed bump there are wave like rebounds as if the shocks are bad. They are brand new and the last shocks do the same thing. I was told the springs are just worn but I'd like to clamp them or find a way to get by until I replace them.

[@hunterdude3262]

Dont waste your time these are junk.

[@timpeters8568]

Dont lift the vehicle on the frame. Lift with pressure on the trucks springs. You want the helpers engaged on the load, not on all the time. Applying the helpers on the spring as they are in the natural state of the trucks weight means youll only have pressure on the helpers with a load.

[@davidpatrick1813]

With that touching the axle plate wouldn't it make noise?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

yes, they make a popping noise when you flex the suspension.

[@AdamNwesternmass]

Thanks for posting this video. It's clear and easy to understand and helped me choose this solution.

[@RandomDude989]

I'm looking at the face, I hear the voice.... Then I realize where I recognize you from.... You're other channel where you renovate homes.

[@thegoodguy7777]

I didn't even know these things existed!!! This is so cool.

[@johngranato2673]

Better to use prevailing torque nuts

[@iamburl2667]

Also jack whole truck up evenly in middle of bumper, not one sida at a time, your binding your leafs, and release jack slowly to adjust

[@MrCounselorman]

Hey Homesteader. How did they work after more driving around? I have a set of these helpers, but can't decide whether or not to install them. I keep seeing videos of people installing helper springs and then not being too stoked with the results. Thank you.

[@efuller6770]

Did you ever install? This guy seemed to never update in comments or videos, too bad it was a good presentation on install

[@MrCounselorman]

@@efuller6770 I never did. I went with Sumo springs instead. Easy to take on and off and they work well.

[@peterlinton]

Do they help with bottoming out...my truck is lowered and when I go over bumps I bottom out...

[@ae7454]

THE SPRINGS ARE JUNK IN THESE TRUCKS

[@mazdarx7887]

Aftermarket helpers like those put too much pressur on already worn out springs. Everybody I know including myself us air bags. Completely adjustable on the fly and no loss of ride comfort. yes, more expensive but worth every penny. once you've used them , you wont want to ever use anything else

[@facesmasher4216]

is there a way we could see the rivets installation and how do they look installed?

[@Pablo-kn5od]

You are excellent explaining videos thank you for the input I had a doubt of what kind of lift spring helper I need to buy and with your explanation help me for make my choice

[@NOFx420x]

I used them for axle wrap worked well for that. For load use how did you like the the ride quality?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Didn't notice anything with the ride, sometimes I hear them pop a little if I'm twisting the suspension.

[@UnitedPebbles]

Wow, how rigid and sturdy. These things won't fall off the highway and damage oncoming vehicles, wouldn't it???

[@wesg3084]

Thanks for the video. I'm getting ready to do the same thing with the same model helper springs on my XJ.

[@LeeBreece]

Did you end up keeping these on your truck @thehomesteadcraftsman ? Did it help?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

They have been on there so long I don't even remember the difference.

[@coppersworld2054]

It looks like its really close to the original spring rivit. So close in fact it may run into it under load. High wear ptoblem?

[@poppaluv]

Gave you a like because you did it nicely. Too bad they won't help with the sag on my grand wagoneer.

[@darrinklevgard2809]

I would have put the helpers all the way back. You never know when you will need the extra lift.

[@victorvictor8311]

this way costing money and the new parts will brek from the u bolts point i dont do this i am suspantion inquepper and i know better than all that things my dear

[@joea4279]

So what do you think about helper springs ? Want to add to my chevy express van.

[@michaelaumiller6500]

I just installed these on my 98 GMC Savana 1500. Game changer, go for it. Greatly reduces sway. 10:11

[@thesheff79]

Scroaty was here

[@simbagaming7653]

Good video and instructions. I have a 1995 ford ranger 4x4 that pulls a 15' trailer with a skid mount pressure washer and 325 gallons of water. I was gonna universal fit this same system only the 3,500 pound capacity. Do you think it'll give good improvements? The truck with the trailer fully filled squats it pretty good. I already have a 4" lift and it makes my tires almost tuck.

[@RealRocdad]

OMG you have broken and worn out leaf springs to start! missing a whole section of spring! you need new OEM springs before adding anything to already broken springs....

[@terranovnicek1567]

Where is he missing a section of spring?

[@danielmunoz128]

I have a Jeep cherokee xj 5 speed and have terrible wheel hop during right/left turns although my springs are over axle, wondering if these will help?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

I have no idea. Maybe you need an alignment....shocks worn out, I have no idea. Just go to the jeep dealership and buy a 2019, it will cost a little more than the $30 helpers but it will turn beautifully!

[@bighands69]

@@thehomesteadcraftsman8975 LOL.

[@TheTombsmoker]

I got a set of these on Amazon for 38$ and the box says it also controls wheel hop. For around 40$ depending where you shop, it's worth trying. (They make over and under axle varieties)

[@enricosv-logtagebuchaustra7615]

Is that actually lifting it a little?

[@JudKast01]

good video since it will work on my S010 like your Senoma.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Jud Kastner Indeed, good little trucks, I love mine.

[@jorgealvarez9165]

Well explained thank you

[@victorvictor8311]

2. the noise sounds will come from this way if you add orijnal leaf that will be better thank u for your intrest

[@RCCrashMaster]

Ive got a 1998 Jeep Cherokee and plan on hauling demo cars with. I just don't want my back end bottoming out. whould these help a lot?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

+RCCrashMaster Maybe, but I think the obvious solution is heavy duty springs. They don't cost that much.....or air bags, they are adjustable.

[@davidbentley1391]

I really liked how well you did your video, nice and clear, minimal equipment too! Great job.

[@MattJonesYT]

I tried this with a similar helper leaf spring kit and it ended up permanently warping the leaf springs so I have to have the helpers on no matter what to keep the leafs straight.

[@morgancampbell1224]

ya i was at carquest they told me to go 2 scrap yard they dident have any add a leafs ill ask em if they have helper springs

[@legion1630]

loved the video..and you brief well ..please keep the videos coming

[@wezsal]

I mean. You could just use a jack if you don’t have a lift lol.

[@Tenright77]

ChuckE2009 has an add a leaf video n his channel as well. "Cheapest improvement..." In the ChuckE video he actually added a leaf as opposed to a helper unit.

[@austinbutler1985]

My 02 S10 pickup has a pretty bouncy ride. I replaced shocks all around. When I put 150 to 200lbs in the back, the bed has noticeable sag of say, 3/4 of an inch. I'm not sure but I'm thinking my leaf springs are 'bad' but the unloaded ride height looks fine. Do you think the leaf spring helper would help stiff up the ride for a smoother, not so bouncy ride?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

+Austin Butler That's what they are meant for. But just to say, 3/4 inches with 200lbs sounds pretty normal........it's a small truck. Trucks just have a stiffer ride since they don't weight that much in the back. You've got three options. Take the truck for what it is............... put on heavier springs..................... or get a bigger truck. You can also use a trailer, but even then you need to be careful, you've only got but so much breaking power with these trucks, so loading them up, bed or trailer, can be dangerous. Drive slow if you do and break early.

[@petes9878]

I agree with others. Finally a video without the camera being constantly shaken and pointed in different directions every fraction of a second. Good job!

[@johnwolf1475]

ya get what you pay for... either add a leaf or or upgrade..good video... i used these on a 70 plymouth duster... notorious for ass sag... they did nothing.

[@JaimeGarciaisnumberone]

when you put these on, does it keep it at the same height or does it raise it, ? with out weight. in other words, i want to keep the same height on my truck when i install these.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

It does not raise the truck. It just stiffens the springs when in compression. I posted a link below to the springs, you can read more there. Also there are some other videos on KZbin about helper springs that may help you. Another option is to replace your springs with heavier springs or perhaps an add a leaf, which is added to the existing stack.

[@JaimeGarciaisnumberone]

The Homestead Craftsman thank you for your reply. that's all I needed to know. my 98 Tahoe has a lean, it leans lower on the driver side, I installed new springs in front. and had replaced the rear leaf springs, and it still leans, I actually lowered it 3" all around but it still sits lower on the driver side. I'm thinking of raising the rear shackle 1". I'm sure that will help. it actually sits 1" lower then the passenger side. I was thinking of adding the leaf helper thinking it would life it an 1".

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Jaime Garcia I don't know if it's going to change that. That sounds like you have worn out shocks or springs.

[@DirtyMagurt]

It raises it up a little.

[@STBRetired1]

I see that Advance Auto sells both the UNDER leaf help spring and an OVER leaf help spring. I wonder which one to choose? Or both? Is it based on ease of installation? Seems like the UNDER leaf help spring helper was pretty easy.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Not sure, only installed these.

[@swss12]

not a bad idea for soft springs in small vehicles. ideally a weight distributing hitch would be better for this type of trailering as the spring helpers do not put any more weight on your front tires. the steering will still be "light". spring helpers do NOT increase the vehicle's GVWR or GAWR and thus does NOT allow you to legally carry any more weight as determined by the manufacturer.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Yeah, it's a simple quick fix but doesn't make your truck any bigger! Thanks for watching.

[@andystrailers]

Clear concise accurate... why can't all repair videos be like this? Well done and thank you for the information.

[@richarddowner4292]

thank you for your time.. thumbs up. i want to do the same to my 1988 f150. this looks easy. my question is, is there a difference between stock an the added leaf?

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

+Richard Downer I did this as a quick option, if I had your truck, I'd replace the springs with new ones or just heavier springs. My brother replaced the springs in the same truck with heavy duty springs and it made a big difference. Really not sure what you mean as far as your question.... a helper spring is not an "add a leaf" type spring. An ad a leaf spring is just what it says, adding another leaf to the bottom of the stack. This one mounts behind the axle, instead of between the axle and springs. Leaf springs are not that expensive and if your a handy person, you could put them on yourself.

[@markkristinestanley7038]

You're a good teacher.

[@cybeer67]

Very informative ! Thanks for sharing.

[@jimdavidson5208]

Looks like it dropped an inch without the pin. And around 3/4" with the pin. Did drop less with the pin.

[@thereviewer4173]

Good murican accent.

[@TheCadillaccowboy]

I put this same kit on an '02 Blazer b/c I have to tow a 5'x8' UHaul trailer which will be full. The truck will also be packed to the roof within and have a rooftop carrier. Last time, it sagged about 4 inches, which wasn't the worst. But for the less-than-$40 for helper springs, I thought this was a chance worth taking to have a better ride, headlight alignment, and control. Thanks much for this vid. I do most of my own car repairs or improvements, and this was one of the easiest. I've read nearly nothing but positive feedback from people who've used this method, esp for the occasional heavy load. It seems some people are looking for lift only, which (according to their reports) occurs more often when their stock springs are atrophied. On mine, like the springs themselves, they appear they'll 'kick in' when the load becomes too much - they work in a concentric/progressive manner. Just my take on their operation.

[@izaacciro]

How did the leaf helper end up working out for you and hold up since?

[@wauhawk]

The problem is that you installed these under the overload spring. That extra thick spring that the ends are not attached to anything are not leaf springs. You need to install between that and the leaf springs.

[@telebbm5197]

I just finished installing these on my 2004 Nissan Xterra, and I agree that they should be installed between the bottom leaf in the pack and the overload spring. If you raise the vehicle BEFORE installing the helpers, you'll get more of a gap between the pack and the overload to fit the helpers into. You will have to place the rivet and the U bolt in place before wedging the helpers into that space. Also, I didn't bother with the rear bracket bolts until after I had managed to get the helpers between the pack and the overload. Driver's side required a little banging to get it into position, but passenger side was a breeze. Overall these have helped the sagging rear end of my truck, and I'm preparing to haul a trailer for about 1100 miles so I wanted to have a little extra support for that trip. I can say that, after installation, the ride height is a little taller (certainly not a "lifted" suspension by any means) and the ride quality is a lot stiffer (which I needed). Steering feels like it's tracking a bit better as well. Overall, this was a cheap and simple project and I'm glad I did it.

[@jasonmaroska6490]

Can you put those on the top or bottom of leaf spring I've seen it done both ways on KZbin thinking about getting some for my chevy 1500

[@fredtreaster5029]

It should be put on the bottom as he showed in the video. It helps in keeping the springs from compressing to much from the bottom.

[@barecycles]

My buddy added a set of these to his Ranger and he really likes the difference but his seemed to be a slightly different design. I'm curious to know your opinion after you've had them on awhile. Thanks for the video.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

Hi, I'm still kinda forming my opinion, I've had quite a few loads in my truck since I got them, but nothing super heavy. I do think they make some difference, and that's all I was really looking for. My main reason, was so that I would not wear out my springs and to not have so much roll in the suspension when taking corners. I do think they work, but not a huge noticable difference. I think where they make a huge difference, is when your leaf springs are worn out, they are a cheap alternative to replacing the springs. I bought mine from O'Reillys for right around $30, let me know what you end up doing, thanks.

[@wellnessotr]

Thank you! 🙌🏽

[@MisterRichHarris]

Thanks for the vid, told me what I needed to know!