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Hellwig Power Lift System
Everything you'll need to get Hellwig's system under your truck and rolling smooth & level - loaded or not.
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Hellwig Power Lift System
The old coil springs look monstrous compared to the air bags and brackets. Once installed, they work out to approximately the same height.
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Hellwig Power Lift System
A side by side of the factory hollow anti-roll bar on top compared to the Hellwig solid bar with urethane bushings below.
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Hellwig Power Lift System
The compressor and tank reside under the passenger side rear portion of the cab, up and out of harms way.
By Bryan Irons
Hellwig is a name synonymous in the light truck industry with products designed to improve your trucks handling while towing and hauling. It began with helper springs, anti-sway bars, air bag load assist and now, the Power Lift system. Our 2012 Ram 1500 was picked off the lot specifically for its towing capabilities. The problem we had was not with the powerful 5.7L Hemi, deep axle gears or brake controller; it was the rear coil sprung suspension that gives the rig such a nice ride when empty. However, once the truck is loaded with the 3000 kg we normally tow, the rear squats down and starts squirming under the stress. Because of the lowered stance in the rear, the steering geometry up front becomes less than optimal. Not fun or relaxing but Hellwig has a fix.
The Power Lift is a pneumatic load leveling system that replaces the rear coils in the back of trucks equipped with them. Also in the kit are all the powder coated, laser cut brackets, and hardware as well as a complete Viair air compressor system. After the installation, the truck is actually lowered 3cm in the rear to level the truck out. As a load is added to the rear of the truck, a valve automatically opens and pressurizes the air bags to maintain the vehicles height and suspension geometry at the same, pre-set level. No switches or displays, you just get in and drive. It’s all automatic.
Although the installation is a “bolt on”, careful measurements and adjustments need to be made to get it set properly once the bolting is complete. We also took the time to add an external air chuck to the compressor system so that blowing up air mattresses and rubber dinghies at the lake doesn’t become a full time job! Total install time in a garage (on our backs) is about 6 hours. The system uses quality components including DOT compliant air lines, fittings, and Continental brand air bags used in tractor-trailers. The Viair system, and included one-gallon reserve tank, have proven their worthiness for years in the off-road community, and the compact mounting location hides all signs of the enhancements beneath the truck.
While we installed the Power Lift system, a new rear anti-sway bar was also installed to help resist any swaying in the back of the truck while loaded or not. With three different settings available, we cranked ours to the tightest just to see the effect.
As we pulled out of the back of the shop, I was expecting the system to drive the same, but ride much stiffer. I’m happy to report I was half wrong. The truck ‘unloaded’ handles the same as it did before, with a slightly firmer feeling in the rear going around corners. This is the effect of the new anti-sway bar. By adjusting the setting on it, this effect can be lessened. With the radio down low you can hear the compressor cycle on for about 15 seconds for every 1/2 hour of driving time. Loaded down, the headlights are no longer pointing skyward, and the truck is now void of the loose, white knuckle drive we had before. Thanks Hellwig!
Hellwig Products - http://www.hellwigproducts.com/