Alcans + helper springs possible?

[AlbatrossCafe]

So I picked up the classic Hellwig 550# helper springs in anticipation of a road trip coming up. My Alcans have sagged a decent amount since new & I don't wanna be sagging for 4000 miles of driving over 2 weeks. I realized that they aren't gonna be an easy fit. The big clamps that hold the spring together get in the way - the helper would basically sit on top of them which seems wrong.

Has anyone run Alcans & helper springs? How do you suggest fitting them around the spring clamps?

 

[TerryD]

So I picked up the classic Hellwig 550# helper springs in anticipation of a road trip coming up. My Alcans have sagged a decent amount since new & I don't wanna be sagging for 4000 miles of driving over 2 weeks. I realized that they aren't gonna be an easy fit. The big clamps that hold the spring together get in the way - the helper would basically sit on top of them which seems wrong.

Has anyone run Alcans & helper springs? How do you suggest fitting them around the spring clamps?

Just pull the bolt out of the clamp in the middle. The ears will still be in place to help align the pack plus you'll have the bolts from the Helwig helping too.

 

[IM1RU]

Or loose some weight.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

Or loose some weight.

That's the problem. I haven't gained any weight. The springs have just sagged
I only will have extra weight when carrying 2 weeks of road trip + camping supplies

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

Have an update. I took bolt off the top of the clamping pins and stuck the spring on there. I tried to fit the pin back on at least one of them but that is not gonna happen without some modification. I'm a bit worried without these clamps especially because the ubolts provided aren't snug against the sides of the leaf pack and I'm about to go on a 5000 mile road trip, but I'll drive it around this week and see what happens. I'm also a bit concerned about the ubolts clearance off-road but that is probably an edge case. I'm going to bring the clamp bolts with me in the car just in case something weird happens.

On a positive note, they definitely work! My tire-to-fender measurement before installation was 7 7/8". After install, that increased to 8 3/8". That's half an inch increase in lift height! That should translate into a more level ride when I stick a bunch of camping gear in the back.


Mocking up placement:

Pressing clamps together to make it easier to remove bolt:

Testing bolt OVER the helper. Wouldn't fit without extended clamp length:

\

U-bolt plates located so that they were snug against metal:

Final result:

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

Last report unless something breaks haha... Left for my road trip to Colorado today. I cranked the helpers as much as I could. I am pleased to report that with the helper springs and all of my crap in the back and on the roof, as well as two bikes, I am actually the SAME height compared to when I started!!

The helpers kept me level overall. Totally worth the money. Also, the drive on the highway was a lot nicer. Less bouncy and easier to track straight. Love it so far!!

Some pics of the load:

 

[ffxcores]

Maybe a dumb question, but is it supposed to work by limiting flex by stiffening, or keep it only from flexing downward by acting as a chock for the third leaf while squeezing the top two? As it sits, it looks like with any added weight or suspension compression only your bottom three leaves will move.

And it looks like it would focus all the force into the third leaf laterally.