When we started using
Project Kickin to do some actual work, we soon discovered we had a
problem. We have frequently been using the Chevy Tahoe to tow a
4-position ATV trailer, loaded down with our toys and the back full
of gear. With its nose pointed in the air and rear nearly dragging
the ground, it just did not make for a good ride. We considered an
air system but were not excited about having to adjust it every
time we loaded up. We knew you could get some helper springs but
were not excited about ruining the nice ride we had when we were
not loaded down. Then we remembered seeing a unique product at last
years SEMA show in Las Vegas. .
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Project
Kickin' struggling to carry the load |
SuperSprings makes a patented tapered blade and
shackle system which increases load and tow capacity without
stiffening the ride. It is built for leaf spring systems only, but
that fits the bill for most SUV's and light duty trucks. When your
SUV is not loaded down, only the narrow neck of the tapered blade
is in service. When the load or sway increases, the stress moves to
the wider part of the blade, giving you a progressive suspension.
The dual roller shackle system prevents the harsh ride that is
experienced with other helper spring systems.
Installation
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Raise the vehicle by the
chassis, not the differential. |
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If your springs are
over the axles like ours, install the SuperSprings mounting
kit |
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If your SUV has factory springs located below the
axle, you can skip right to installing the SuperSprings. If not,
you will need to install the mounting kit which will create the
tension between the two spring systems. This went very smoothly,
although we found the u-bolts to be exceptionally long, which made
it impossible to use a socket. If you have a thicker spring pack on
your vehicle it may not be as much of an issue.
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SuperSprings mounting kit
installed and ready for SuperSprings |
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Install 3M heavy
duty double sided tape at contact point of springs. |
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With the mounting kit in place you can slide the
SuperSpring into place and locate the best position for it. Mark
the contact spot between SuperSpring and mounting kit, then install
the double-sided 3M tape. With the tape holding the Superspring in
place, reinstall. You can also clamp it in place with supplied
hold-down clamps.
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SuperSpring clamped in place on
mounting kit. |
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We had to trim off
the end of the spring insert as it lined up right where the roller
goes on the rear shackle. |
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Now you can attach the front shackle. There are
two mounting spots for the roller depending on your application. We
were able to use the upper location in the shackle. With the front
attached we moved to the back. We found that the back roller was
going to be located right where the spring insert stuck out of the
spring pack. We brimmed this off so the roller could move freely.
With that out of the way we used a C clamp to pull the springs down
and attach the rear shackle. Make sure there are no obstacles on
either side of the shackle rollers and then you are done.
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A C clamp makes it easy to
install the rear shackle. |
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With one side done you can lower the vehicle and
then re-tighten the u-bolts on the mounting kit. Move to the other
side and duplicate the procedure.
When
complete you may notice a slight increase in rear ride height. That
should settle down after a couple months of use.
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Project Kickin
still has a slight sag but MUCH better than before
SuperSprings. |
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Hitch height before
SuperSprings was a little under 16" |
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Hitch height after
SuperSprings was nearly 18". Almost 2" higher! |
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Summary
The
SuperSprings were very easy to install and the installation could
be performed by most anybody with minor tools in their driveway.
Installation time was about 1 hour. It would be nice to have
shorter bolts on the mounting kit for a cleaner look and less
installation time. (We may take the sawsall to ours and shorten
them.) We have now been using the SuperSprings for over a month on
Project Kickin' and we are very happy with the results on several
trips, including both distance highway and off-road driving. Our
load carrying capacity has definitely been increased and there is
no harsh ride when we are not loaded. We do not have to mess with
adjustments each time we put the Tahoe in to service. We are very
happy with the end result. SuperSprings make a good addition to the
leaf sprung SUV who must occasionally carry a load or tow a
trailer.
SuperSprings
Call: 1-800-898-0705
www.SuperSprings.com
Email: sales@SuperSprings.com
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