Suspension Install & Review: Hellwig LP-35 Helper Spring

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Hellwig lp-35 helper springs thumbnail

Hellwig Lp-35 Heavy Duty Leaf Kit Review

I drive a 2005 Ford F250 FX4 Superduty and pull a 30-foot toy hauler where I live and work.

Hellwig lp-35 helper springs thumbnailMy truck has around 160,000 miles, 25,000 of which I put on myself. It has a 6.0 diesel engine with all kinds of aftermarket parts and an aggressive tune, so pulling my trailer isn’t an issue.

The suspension is a different story. I don’t know if the FX4 suspension is just not meant for it or if the rear leaf springs are old; when I hook up my trailer without the equalizer hitch, the rear squats four to six inches (depending on the cargo).

This may not seem that bad, but if you’ve ever driven with a squat rear end, you know your steering almost vanishes. Not to mention the wear on your truck’s suspension and the wear on the trailer by not pulling level.

I have a weight distribution hitch, but to level the truck and trailer, I must put a severe strain on them. With the strain on the load bars, I have to pull wide every turn so the bars don’t pop out.

I Thought It Was Time For A Suspension Upgrade

After researching, I decided upon the Hellwig Lp-35 Heavy Duty Leaf Kit. This kit costs $203-$245 on eBay, which I thought was reasonable for what I was getting. It consists of a four-leaf spring pack with a progressive rate of up to 3500 lbs.

The only downside to purchasing these helper springs was the additional cost of the hardware kit ($104.84).

I understand why I would need a separate hardware kit; the springs are a universal fit, but each application needs its hardware. That being said, I would much rather have the kit for my truck ready to go for one price rather than tracking down what hardware kit I need.

I understand that from Hellwig’s point of view, this makes everything easy, plus it gives the customer the illusion of only paying $225 for a set of springs when you’re paying $330 to be able to install them.

Still, though, $330 is a Bargain for What you Get.

Hellwig states that the LP-35 helper springs won’t change your truck’s ride height or quality, but this is impossible. Your vehicle will ride differently for the springs to do what they need; it’s just physics.

When reading reviews, I encountered several “bolts not long enough” problems, and I didn’t understand what they were talking about until after I installed the springs, but more on that in a minute.

Related: Check out these pivot works bearings and seals while on suspension!

Hellwig Lp-35 Build Quality and Installation

I was very impressed with the build quality of the springs and hardware. The springs are coated steel, and the hardware is of grade 8 quality.

Hellwig Lp-35 SpringsHellwig P-25 hardware kitThe installation is extremely easy. You build the spring packs and secure them to your truck with big U-bolts. The spring packs consist of one center bolt and U-bolts securing the mounting bracket to the spring pack.

Hellwig Lp-35 Spring pack assembledThe mounting bracket uses crushed nuts to ensure the nuts don’t go anywhere. I HIGHLY recommend an impact wrench for these four bolts. Otherwise, you will spend much time and energy wrenching by hand.

Hellwig Lp-35 Spring pack assembled pack assembled top use impact wrenchJack your truck by the frame so the springs hang as low as possible. This lets you secure the ends of the leaf springs without too much trouble. If you have a huge clamp, use it!

Once the springs are installed, hook up whatever you’re pulling and make minor tension adjustments to the outer U-bolts to dial it in.

Hellwig lp-35 leaf kit installedThat’s it! It was super simple to assemble and install, taking about two hours. Again, I highly recommend air tools to make things easier for yourself.

The result – Will Adding Springs Solve My Problem?

Absolutely, yes, but at a cost. As I said earlier, the ride height changes, and quality suffers. Again, it’s physics. If you install longer-end U-bolts to loosen the ride when unloaded, the springs won’t have enough tension to do their job.

So, how much does the ride height change unhitched? For my truck, about one (1) inch. This doesn’t seem like a lot, but it is noticeable in the picture.

2005 ford F250 With and Witout Helper Springs

What about when my truck is hitched to my trailer? Almost perfectly level front to rear, and that’s what I was hoping for.

2005 ford F250 With and Witout Helper Springs Hitched to trailerTrailer ride hight comparisson with and withour helper springs

Final Thoughts

Now, when I use my equalizer hitch, I won’t have to rely solely on the bars to stay level, but as a supplemental leveling instead. How much does the ride quality suffer? It’s noticeable but not a deal-breaker, but my truck didn’t exactly ride like a Cadillac, to begin with.

Overall, I am happy with purchasing the Hellwig Lp-35 leaf kit. It solved my problem, was easy to install, and was reasonably priced.

You can pick up a set of Hellwig LP-35 helper springs for yourself! → https://amzn.to/40lH7fa

P.S. – Below are several before and after pictures to show you exactly what these springs will do.

2005 ford F250 With and Witout Helper Springs hitch comparrison 2005 ford F250 With and Witout Helper Springs Front Tow Ring comparrison 2005 ford F250 With and Witout Helper Springs rear wheel well comparrison

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments or on our Facebook page!

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