Question: How can I keep my pickup (or van, SUV, or motorhome) level under load, eliminate bottoming, and improve handling when loaded without making the empty ride uncomfortably stiff?

Husky Answer: Assuming that the springs on the vehicle are not broken, overly sagged, and that the vehicle ride height is good without load, the most practical enhancement is an overload system. Husky Spring provides several types of overload systems each with it's own strong points:

• The 3 leaf "Hellwig" style overload kit is a bolt on type kit which does not require any removal or modification of the existing leaf spring pack unless there is a type of leaf overload already on the truck. This overload type maintains level load hauling ability by providing up to 2200 lbs of additional load carrying capacity to the existing springs. The progressive engagement of the overload with added load maintains good empty ride quality while providing more support as needed with the addition of load. It is a practical solution to sagging or poor drivability under load on most pickups and vans with rear leaf springs. The 3 leaf progressive kit is designed for use on rear suspension only.
• Timbren Rubber Overloads are another progressive engagement type of overload, which do an excellent job of maintaining level load carrying capacity and enhancing handling when loaded, plowing, or towing. These rubber spring systems are engineered for the specific application with the appropriate bracketing and the correct rubber springs for the load and the fit. Timbren applications are available for most vehicles including pickups, vans, SUV's, buses and large trucks. Timbrens work on both front and rear suspensions and can be used on vehicles having leaf or coil spring or torsion bar suspensions. Timbrens improve level load capacity, loaded ride quality, suspension lifespan, and loaded vehicle stability. They are an easy installation on most vehicles.
• Air spring overloads have the advantage of precise adjustability of height for leveling either a loaded or empty vehicle. Installation time is generally longer for the air spring overloads than the above types and air maintenance is critical to longevity. They are best used on vehicles, which have a need for easy height adjustability. Adequate clearance to frame, tires or other obstruction must be verified prior to installation.
• Frame bracket style leaf overloads are a good choice for many 3/4 ton and 1 ton applications requiring as much as 3500lbs of enhanced load carrying capacity.

Question: How can I identify a full taper spring and what are the pros and cons of this type of leaf springs?

Husky Answer: Full taper leaves are much thicker in the middle of each leaf then taper down in thickness. All leaves in a full taper stack are full length rather than stepping back pyramid style. Full taper springs are smoother riding and weigh less than equivalent capacity pyramid style springs. It is possible to add more capacity to many full taper springs by adding additional leaves but they must be full taper type leaves made for exactly the spring number involved. Typical applications of full taper springs are fronts on GM 4x4's up to 1987, Ford F250 and F350 4X4's, and front applications on many large trucks.

Question: How much will adding air springs increase the Weight Ratings of my vehicle?

Husky Answer: Adding air springs will not change the Weight Ratings (GAWR, GCWR, or GVWR) of a vehicle. Doing so is dangerous and voids your Air Lift air spring warranty. The weight ratings take into account the tires, bearings, the frame and the brakes. So just increasing your suspension's ability to support weight does not increase the weight ratings. Do not exceed your vehicle's Weight Ratings.

Question: Can air supply raise or lower my vehicle?

Husky Answer: If your asking if the air spring can take the place of a lift kit or a lowering kit, the answer is NO. If you're asking if the air spring will cause a normal ride height vehicle to ride higher, the answer is yes if you want it to. By adjusting the air pressure, you can create some lift but usually only an inch or two.

Question: I have a vehicle that rides rough; can I add air springs and make it ride better?

Husky Answer: Yes, but it depends on what is causing the rough ride. Our products are designed to gain ride quality lost by carrying heavy loads or from fatigued springs.

Question: With the Helper Springs, how much more load can I carry?

Husky Answer: Helper Springs do not raise the Gross Vehicle Weight (GPW) rating of your vehicle. They allow the vehicle to carry its designed load capacity without "squatting" or at a more level position.

Question: How do I determine my vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating?

Husky Answer: You will find the GVW rating for you vehicle on the ID Plate attached to the driver's side door jam.