TruckSpring Times

Hellwig Sway Bars are design to reduce body roll on your vehicle which will result in better control and improved cornering traction for safer driving and cornering capabilities.  Each sway bar is made from high quality 4140 chrome molly steel and powder coated to give you a durable addition to your suspension.  But have you ever wondered what gives your sway bar it’s toughness?

Every Hellwig Sway Bar is heat treated, a process used to change the crystalline structure of the steel to improve its strength, toughness, and hardness.  The heat treating process can double the tensile strength of alloy steel while still maintaining its toughness and ductility. Not all aftermarket sway bars are heat treated. They may be made from alloy steel, but unless it has been heat treated, the alloy steel is not being processed to its full potential.  This is what sets Hellwig Sway Bars apart from the competition. 

Once the ends are coined, the sway bars are heated to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and formed to the desired shape.

Every Hellwig sway bar is developed for a specific vehicle application.

The Renegade by BubbaRope is a new generation of kinetic energy recovery rope in a compact size.  This 3/4 inch x 20 foot rope has a 19,000 pound break strength and 100% more stretching ability and more pulling power than a flat web strap.

The Renegade is perfect for pulling Jeeps and light trucks from mud, snow or sand.  The Military Camo green color is designed to match the military specs this rope was derived from.  The Renegade tow rope includes a mesh duffel bag and camo Velcro wrap. 

The Renegade tow rope is “Gator-ize” giving the rope a durable outer skin similar to the tough hide of a Florida ‘gator.  This process uses two types of high performance elastic polymer coatings. 
The entire rope is dipped and cured in this coating, penetrating deep into the soft nylon rope fibers.  This process helps protect the Renegade Bubba Rope from harmful UV rays, water, mud, sand and abrasion.

If you are looking for a quality tow rope for your vehicle, the Renegade by BubbaRope is your answer.  Order online at TruckSpring.com or call one of our suspension experts at 1-800-358-4751 today.

If you are looking to add extra support to your truck when towing a trailer or hauling heavy loads, Air Lift has just introduced a new line of air spring kits that are different than any other.  The new Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air springs feature an internal jounce bummer which is designed to absorb road shock and prevent the vehicle and air spring from bottoming out. 

The internal bumper replaces the factory jounce bumper that is typically removed when adding air springs to your suspension.  The internal jounce bumper inside of the air spring allows drivers to safely run their air springs with zero air pressure, offering truly maintenance free air springs. Before now, if you run you air springs without the minimum air pressure, it will damage and often ruin the air spring and it’s not something that is covered under warranty. The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate has solved this problem.

The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate series is available for all of the same makes and models as the current Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 line and provides the safest, most durable  and maintenance-free suspension option available for towing or loaded vehicles.   The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is the only air spring available that provides a combination of suspension adjustability and safety features similar to run flat technology.

All Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air spring kits come complete with everything you need to install and are rated up to 5,000 pounds. Not sure about how they will ride? Air Lift air spring kits come with a lifetime warranty and a 60 day ride satisfaction guarantee. Air Lift is confident that you will like the ride, if not, simply send them back for a full refund!

 
You can order Air Lift Air Spring kits by calling 1-800-358-4751 or online at TruckSpring.com

Looking for an air bag kit for your heavy duty truck? Hellwig’s Big Wig Air Springs are designed for the heavy hauler and offer better handling and control under loaded conditions.  

 Each kit is designed to maximize safe load carrying capacity and offers simple installation for years of heavy duty control.  The larger air springs also provide better off-highway performance as the air
springs in the Big Wig kits will extend up to 15 inches for articulation that can’t be matched with smaller air bags.  With up to 3 inches more free height, these air springs have more air volume to provide ride quality and performance that can't be beat with a heavy load in the bed.  

Hellwig's Big Wig Air Kits only require 60 psi of air pressure to level the vehicle while most kits require 90 psi or more.  Lower air pressure provides a better spring rate for ride quality you can feel.  The Big Wig kits feature a 2800 lbs. air bag for each side and heavy duty brackets for a total 5,600 lbs. load capacity.

Each kit comes complete with double convoluted heavy duty air springs, brackets, airline and mounting hardware.  

So the next time you need to update your air springs, look to Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs and TruckSpring.com.  If you have any qeustions about Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs, call 1-800-358-4751.

For over 50 years, Loctite has been a world leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments.  Loctite products are tested under extreme conditions and for some of the world’s most important aerospace, electronics and industrial manufacturing, maintenance and repair projects. 

TruckSpring.com carries a full line of Loctite gasket sealants, threadlockers, thread sealants, anti-seize  compounds and lubricants for many applications.

Seal Gaskets vs. Gasketing Sealants

Seal gaskets, or sealing gaskets, are used to bind objects together and prevent leakage once the bond is secure. While pre-cut sealing gaskets may provide an effective sealing solution, they are manufactured in multiple sizes and must be kept in stock for when a repair becomes necessary.  Keeping this inventory is both expensive and requires additional warehouse space.

Gasketing sealants, such as Loctite Gasket Ready liquid gasket, can be used in place of existing gaskets for any type of flange, rigid, permanent assemblies and non-rigid vibrating assemblies. 
Providing a more reliable and affordable alternative.

Thread Sealants

Pipe dopes and thread tapes are one way to attempt to seal fittings and pipe threads, but it's not thebest way.  Pipe joints are dynamic, they experience vibration, changing pressures and changing temperatures, all of which put stress on threads and lead to leakage and expensive repairs.

Easy to apply Loctite Thread Sealants instantly provide a durable seal between close fitting threads to prevent the costly leakage of gas and liquids, while stopping corrosion and eliminating the problems caused when pipe dopes and tapes shrink and break down over time.

Threadlockers

Threadlockers are a single component anaerobic adhesive comprised of unique liquid resins that harden (or cure) to a durable solid when exposed to metal ions in the absence of air. The anaerobic
cure mechanism allows the adhesive to flow and evenly settle to lock and seal threaded fasteners without curing permanently. 

Loctite threadlockers provide a reliable, removable and cost-effective approach to mechanical fasteners like lock washers and lock nuts.  Threadlockers lock against vibration and thermal expansion, seals against corrosion and leakage and reduces cost as expensive mechanical fasteners do not have to stocked.

Look to TruckSpring.com and Loctite to provide a solution for your gasket, sealant and threadlock needs. Call 1-800-358-4751 to order.

The new Tekonsha Push-to-Test trailer Breakaway Kit allows for quick and easy testing of your batteries condition.  The push to test LED’s indicate whether your system is charged, charging or needs to be recharged at a glance.  The multi-stage integrated charger provides a fast recharge up to 12.8 volts.  Once the battery is fully charged, the automatic float mode is designed to provide a continuous charge without overcharging the battery. 

For proper performance of a trailer breakaway system, the battery must be maintained at a  minimum of 80 percent capacity or greater.  This charge level is required to deliver enough current to the trailer brakes to be effective.  Tekonsha’s recharge threshold setting of 80 percent allows the operator ample opportunity to recharge the unit.

The Tekonsha Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit includes a 5 amp hour battery, breakaway switch with 7.5 inch lead wires, battery box and charger.  The heavy duty polymer battery box can be mounted on any flat surface and is weather and corrosion resistant.  The system is designed for up to 3 axle trailers with electric brakes.

Check out Tekonsha breakaway kits and accessories at TruckSpring.com.

Weighing only 4.75 pounds the box is 5 inches by 4.125 inches by 4 inches in size and comes with a one year limited warranty.

Tekonsha is the most recognized name when it comes to brake controllers and brake products and TruckSpring.com is your source so all your trailer needs. Call 1-800-358-4751 to order trailer breakaway kits.

VIAIR has introduced the new Automatic Deployment Air (ADA) Systems for the 2007-2011 and 2012 Jeep Wrangler.  VIAIR Automatic Deployment Air Systems incorporate a 12-port extruded aluminum air tank to provide a compact air locker and tire inflation station using either a 400C (Heavy Duty) or 450C (Constant Duty) compressor at its core.

The heavy duty system utilizes the 400C compressor that has a 12 volt permanent magnetic motor capable of running a duty cycle of 33% @ 100 PSI at 26 amps.  The constant duty system utilizes the 450C compressor that has a 12 volt permanent magnetic motor capable of running a duty cycle of 100% @ 100 PSI at 19 amps. 

Each ADA System comes complete with an onboard pressure switch, automatic coupler and a Digital Tire Inflation Kit. Additionally, a wiring harness is included to make the installation a plug and play process, with very little install time required.  Each kit is also equipped with a brake booster mounting bracket. 

Viair onboard air systems make tire inflation or air locker actuation possible in a very compact space, so you always have air when you need it the most.

You can view more information on the Viair ADA kits using the links below or call 1-800-358-4751.

Heavy Duty 40041 (2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler)
Heavy Duty 40044 (2012 Jeep Wrangler)
Constant Duty 45041 (2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler)
Constant Duty 45044 (2012 Jeep Wrangler)

 Viair Automatic Deployment air systems are available from Michigan Truck Spring, contact them at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561 with any questions or to pricing and availability.

Performance Friction has built a culture based on a defiant philosophy of “No Compromises”.  Performance Friction does not strive to meet industry standards, but to surpass them and strives to continually drive the industry through improvements and innovation.  Whether its brake pads or rotors, they are designed to outperform and outlast the competitors and exceed  expectations. 

Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brake pads are their most popular brake pad and are well suited for most driving needs, including spirited street driving.  Carbon metallic pads will outlast the competition 2 to 3 times and are the pad best suited for most daily driving needs.  Carbon metallic pads offer improved initial bite, smooth and linear brake pedal feel, no fading after repeated stops and extended durability.

The metallic elements in Performance Friction brake pads dramatically improve braking, while the carbon provides stability at elevated temperatures.  This makes the pad less likely to deform and deteriorate.  All Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brake pads are made to withstand the hottest temperatures, ranging between 572F to 1472F.  The Performance Friction multi-layer bonding technology reduces noise by absorbing specific ranges of sound frequencies and pick up less road dirt, so you get longer pad and rotor life.  This means you will spend more time on the road, and less time in the shop changing your brakes.

Every Performance Friction Carbon Metallic brake pad is made in the U.S.A., and with over a dozen varieties of pads custom manufactured for a specific vehicle application, there is sure to be a model to fit your vehicle.  So look to Performance Friction and TruckSpring.com for all your vehicle brake needs or call Michigan Truck Spring at 1-800-358-4751.

Every year, thousands of children are hurt or killed because a driver backing up didn't see them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 228 people die and around 17,000 people are injured annually in backover accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs.

About 2,000 of the injuries and about 100 of those deaths involved children under 5 years old. If all vehicles had the new cameras, it would save 95 to 112 lives and eliminate 7,072 to 8,374 injuries a year.

For the most part, back-over incidents take place in residential driveways or parking lots and about three-quarters of the time it is a parent or close relative who's behind the wheel. The main reason that back-over accidents are so frequent is that every vehicle has a rear blind zone, the area you can't see from the driver's seat. And that zone to the rear is bigger than you might think, ranging from about 25 feet for a minivan to 50 feet for some pickup trucks which is plenty of space for an unwary child to be in harm's way. Many new cars have proximity sensors that beep with increasing frequency when you back toward solid objects. They work well as parking aids, but are not informative enough to let you know the presence of a pedestrian or child.

It is likely that vehicle backup safety cameras will be standard equipment in all passenger vehicles by 2014 as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expected to finalize the guidelines for the Department of Transportation.  The mandate is likely to raise a car's base price, as much of the cost will probably be passed on to consumers. Though it will hit economy cars the hardest, the auto industry in general has been heading down this road for some time. Backup cameras have become more affordable and available in recent years.

So your vehicle does not have a backup camera, what can you do? Add-on camera systems like the Tow Ready Hindsight Single Backup Camera System can reduce the chances of backing over pedestrians, animals and other objects. A camera mounted at the rear end of the vehicle displays an image on a small LCD screen inside allowing the driver to view what is behind them when backing out. This helps to eliminate the rear blind zone.

Whether you’re a teenager just learning to drive or someone that has been driving for many years, everyone can benefit from a Backup Camera System.

You can order backup camera systems by calling Michigan Truck Spring 1-800-358-4751.

If you adding air bags to your car, truck, suv or motorhome you’re probably wondering how much air should you put in the air bags.  There is no golden rule for the amount air pressure you should start with. You have to take into account a few things before you start inflating you air bags.

All air bag kits will have a warning on how much air pressure you can put in them. It will vary from manufacturer and product line, but here are a few of the more popular kits and their maximum psi. The maximum psi will vary with your specific air bag kit number, so you should check the instructions for your specific air bag kit. Most air bag kits will fall into this range.

Air Lift 1000 kits – 35 to 100 lbs. maximum PSI  (Varies with application)
Firestone Coil-Rite Kits – 35 to 90 lbs. maximum PSI  (Varies with application)
Air Lift Ride Control kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Firestone Sport-Rite kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Firestone Ride-Rite Kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Hellwig Air Bag Kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI

So, now that we have the maximum amount of air that you can put into your air bags out of the way, let’s look at how much you should put into them to get the ride you want.  First thing you want to do after installing your air bag kit is to get your vehicle on a level surface, next to an air pump at a gas station will work. Make sure you have the minimum air pressure in your air bags, 5 lbs., before heading out.

Inflate your air springs so your truck or SUV is level and your headlights are at a correct angle. Also check your truck from the rear and make sure you are level from side-to-side. Inflate or deflate your air bags until you have the height you want. If you are planning on filling the back of your pickup truck with logs, obviously you’ll want to over compensate for the upcoming load.

Now that your truck is level, take if for a ride and check the ride comfort and stability. If it feels stiff you may have too much air pressure.  We have found it is easier to start out with more air than you think you need and work your way down, fine tuning until you get the desired ride from your air bags.  This can take a little work if you are manually inflating and deflating your air springs. We recommend an air compressor kit if you plan on using your air bags frequently and tow more than a few times a year. Air compressor kits allow you to inflate and deflate your air springs from the inside of your truck and monitor the air pressure at all times. We have found they are worth the extra money and people that have air compressor kits seldom run into air bag problems associated with low air pressure.

Due to the fact that air bag kits are installed on a wide variety of vehicles with suspensions in various conditions there is not a set psi number you should go with. Unfortunatley, you cannot say for example, use 50 psi in your air bags if you have a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and you are towing a 30 ft. Jayco travel trailer. If you haul heavy loads and your leaf springs are worn out, you will need more air than the other guy with the same truck but whose leaf springs are in good condition. The psi will vary with how much weight your are towing or hauling and the condition of your trucks suspension.

While we are discussing air pressure, we have to mention minimum air pressure. The most common cause for failure in air bags is running them without the minimum air pressure. This causes them to bottom out, tear, etc. You should always keep 5 lbs. of air pressure in your air bags to prevent any damage. 5 lbs. will not affect your ride but will ensure your air bags last. This is where an air compressor kit comes in handy, monitoring and maintain the minimum air bag pressure.

Remember it will take a few tries to get the air pressure exactly where you want it. Don’t expect to get it perfect or settle on your first go around. Add and deflate until your vehicle is level and you have the ride comfort and stability you want. It will take some tinkering, but it can be achieved. You can call Michigan Truck Spring at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561 if you have any questions regarding air springs or airbag kits. They have been installing and selling them for years and have hands on experience with just about every make and model truck.