Forum Discussion

silverbullet555's avatar
Jul 19, 2020

Removing Contact Overloads

Well, I am working on installing the 3500lb helper springs and was thrilled thinking they would be bolt on and go. Turns out, that might not be the case. In the directions, they say to you have to remove the contact overloads if your truck has them. I didn't think mine did because I was looking for something like the hellwig. I assume, the fat spring at the bottom is the contact overload.

Anyone have experience and tips for removing the contact overload spring from the spring pack?

When I remove it, how much am I giving up compared to the 3500 lbs I am gaining in spring?

Wondering if either bags or something else might have been a better option to maintain ride and minimize extra work. Probably all comes out the same.

Lastly, if I put the swaybar on before I take the overload off, is it going to make that process harder?

  • Hellwig is sending me the right hardware. It appears the install kit may have been opened and returned at some point and thus the hardware issue.

    Kudos to them for making it right, second day air.

  • I would say the spring on top of this pictures is the contact overload.
    as the body drops, that top spring comes in contact with mounts that stick out from the frame. this is a picture of Torklift upper (and lower) stableloads.
  • I have used SuperSprings from the get go, I have never touched them since I installed them and that was 14 years ago. Just sayin
  • They are on my list for a call first thing tomorrow. I am not too impressed with their hardware kits so far. My 12 year old was the first to point out that it wouldn't work. And suggested longer u-bolts which is my preference.

    Sounds also like it may be better to wait for the sway bar until the springs are done.
  • I've always considered the bottom leaf as part of the main pack. Assumed describing a top contact overload like Ford/Dodge uses. Even IF bottom leaf was removed (I wouldn't) doesn't look like enough room to run back up bar and double nut U bolts?
    Phone call to verify what they expect and off chance they mis supplied incorrect U bolts. Just looking at kits appears 3 sizes of u-bolts?
  • I find sway bars to be always in the way, so I’d say do it last.

    Assuming this is a commercial product, you should check etrailer for a video or youtube.
  • You need longer U bolts for the Hellwig overload spring pack is all... I would NOT remove that lower leaf..

    I would call Hellwig customer service:

    1-800-HELLWIG (435-5944), Local 559-734-7451, Fax 559-734-7460

    Hellwig Products Co., Inc.

    16237 Avenue 296 | Visalia, CA 93292

    customerservice@hellwigproducts.com | techsupport@hellwigproducts.com

    I had an issue with my set of Hellwig overload springs (they had 2.5" wide U bolts and I needed 3" wide U bolts... They shipped for FREE the correct 3" wide U bolts to me.

    Good luck! Mitch
  • I don't know what they mean be 'contact overloads', either. But I do know that I did something similar on a similar truck, and certainly did not remove the bottom overload spring. In fact, I increased it's usefulness.
    Top overload springs
    My objective was to have the fully loaded truck ride at stock height -- which it did.
  • Don’t remove anything. Presuming that’s the pic of your truck.
    Bolt those suckers down and go! You’re good

    If you had upper overload springs they would have to go to make room for the add a leafs