Long story short... i have a regular '04 Silverado 1500 but i regularly haul over 2000lbs and i can't stand the rear sagging anymore. I looked into getting 1500hd leaf springs from the dealer and junk yards, but they are really pricey and rather rare.

So i've been looking into helper springs and they look promising.

Here are some sets i have found.

Hellwig's LP-25 constant rate helper spring $203.39
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Hellwig's LP-25 progressive rate helper spring $202.69
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Does anyone know if they are any good?
What's the main difference between the constant rate and progressive rate springs?

Opinions and comments appreciated...

 

If I were you, I'd look into an airbag kit. Easily installed, rated to 5000 lb. and very easy to air up when needed and when not needed an almost normal ride and suspension height. I personally use a set of Firestone bags on my 07 NBS. Can be found on Summit Racings web site or at firestone.com. About $260 shipped and normally bolt right in.

Much better than permanently stiffer springs.

 

hellwig does a good job on 87 and older truck's but they are a pain to get them to fit on the new body truck's because the springs are longer and don't clear the clip straps well and you have to trim them .i would suggest timbren load boosters (more bang for the buck) and no maintenance bolt them in and forget them .unless the truck has settled and lost ride height they don't come into play until the load is on it or you bottom out the truck . or air bag's from the ride aspect but they are more maintenance and cost .

 

IMO, there's no substitute for adding OEM leafs from a set at the junkyard. Last time I checked, about 1/2 what you'd pay for the helper springs.

I've done both, and using additional leafs from an OEM set are more adjustable(you could add the whole set) and ride much better.

Jwruss's airbag idea sounds pretty good, too.

 

yes air bags!!! Easier to install and about the same price, plus you can raise the rear end only when it needs it

 

And if you want to go with low priced air bags, you can get the kind that you manually air up. You can go a little higher priced and get a compressor with them, or you can even get one with a sensor that turns on the compressor automatically. Just depends on what you are into. And, of course, how much you want to spend.

 

Honestly I would just go ahead and get a conversion kit. This will save you so much money in the long run. strutmasters.com has affordable conversion kits that convert you from air to powder coated, American made steel coil springs that are guaranteed to last the life of the car. I posted the link below so you can take a look.

http://www.strutmasters.com/chevrole...parts-s/81.htm

I hope this is of some help to you