Hellwig 1801 EZ-990 Step Bracket Helper Spring Kit 2.5" Ford F-150 Bronco Tundra

Vehicle Fitment

• 1975-2002 Ford F-150 - 2WD/4WD
• 1975-1983 Ford F-100 - 2WD/4WD
• 1966-1996 Ford Bronco - 2WD/4WD
• 1975-1986 Chevrolet C10 Pickup
• 1975-1986 Chevrolet K10 Pickup
• 1975-1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
• 1973-1974 Chevrolet Blazer
• 1987-2000 Chevrolet Blazer (Full-Size)
• 1973-1986 Chevrolet C10 Suburban
• 1987 Chevrolet Suburban
• 1990-1994 Chevrolet Suburban
• 1972-1995 Chevrolet G10 Van / G10
• 1973-1987 GMC Jimmy
• 1979-1995 GMC G1500 Van
• 1992-2000 GMC Yukon
• 1977-1993 Dodge W150
• 1975-1980 Dodge D100
• 1984-1989 Dodge D100
• 1975-1980 Dodge B100
• 1975-1980 Dodge B200
• 1975-1980 Dodge B300
• 1981-1994 Dodge B150
• 1980-2003 Dodge Ram Van
• 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra

Fitment Notes

• This is a Step Bracket Style EZ-990 kit engineered for leaf springs that are exactly 2.5 inches wide. Measure your rear leaf spring width before ordering. For vehicles with 3.0-inch wide leaf springs, use Hellwig part #1803 instead.
• Some Ford F-150 configurations - including certain 1994 model year trucks - were built with 3-inch wide rear leaf springs rather than 2.5-inch. Verify your leaf spring width before ordering, especially on 1987-2002 F-150 trucks.
• For Chevrolet and GMC full-size vans (G10, G1500) and SUVs (K5 Blazer, Blazer, Suburban, Yukon, Jimmy): confirmed fitment applies to vehicles WITHOUT factory rear air conditioning. Vehicles equipped with rear A/C may have reduced clearance that interferes with the step bracket mounting. Verify clearance before installation.
• The 1801 mounts to the factory axle U-bolt plate using a step bracket design - it does not bolt over the top of the leaf spring like the simpler EZ-1000 (1250) design. Installation utilizes the existing U-bolt mounting points.
• Verify leaf spring rear suspension is present on the specific vehicle. Certain specialty trim configurations, lifted trucks, or previously modified suspensions may have non-standard leaf spring dimensions that affect fitment.
• Always confirm your vehicle's rear leaf spring width with a tape measure at the widest point of the spring leaf before purchasing.

Features

• Up to 2,000 lb. level load carrying capacity - works in conjunction with the factory leaf spring pack to supplement rear load support up to the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), eliminating rear-end sag and squat under medium to heavy loads and trailer tongue weight.
• Step bracket mounting design attaches to the factory axle U-bolt plate location - providing a secure, stable mount that ties directly into the vehicle's existing axle U-bolt hardware without requiring modification to the leaf spring pack itself.
• Fully adjustable load rate using the included heavy-duty U-bolts - tunable with common hand tools to dial in the exact level of supplemental support needed, and readjustable at any time as towing or hauling requirements change.
• Single-leaf per side construction hot-formed and heat-treated from ASTM 5160 alloy spring steel - the industry-standard high-carbon alloy for demanding suspension spring applications, delivering maximum fatigue resistance and long-term durability.
• Silver hammertone powder coat finish over all steel components for corrosion resistance and a clean finished appearance in road salt and wet environments.
• Progressively increasing spring rate - the helper springs engage gradually as the rear load builds, so the vehicle maintains its standard ride quality and compliance during unloaded driving and only firms up when weight is applied.
• Reduces rear-end squat and sag that degrades headlight aim, front-axle traction, steering precision, and trailer stability - common symptoms on older trucks and SUVs with fatigued or overloaded factory leaf packs.
• Reduces leaf spring wrap-up during acceleration under load, minimizing axle hop and driveline shudder when pulling away with a heavy cargo bed or towing a trailer.
• Simple bolt-on installation using common hand tools - no drilling, cutting, welding, or specialty equipment required. Each kit comes complete with springs, step brackets, U-bolts, all mounting hardware, and installation instructions.
• No air lines, compressors, sensors, or electronic components - a fully mechanical, zero-maintenance load management solution.
• Manufactured at Hellwig's ISO 9001 certified facility in Visalia, California - proudly made in the USA since 1946, and backed by Hellwig's Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.

Specifications

• Level Load Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs.
• Spring Material: ASTM 5160 heat-treated alloy spring steel
• Spring Finish: Silver hammertone powder coat
• Mounting Style: Step Bracket Style (attaches at factory axle U-bolt plate location)
• Leaf Spring Width Requirement: 2.5 inches (use part #1803 for 3.0" wide springs)
• Adjustability: Yes - via included heavy-duty U-bolts
• Drilling Required: No
• Hardware Included: Yes (step brackets, U-bolts, plates, nuts, and fasteners)
• Installation Location: Rear axle, leaf spring rear suspension
• Country of Manufacture: USA (Visalia, CA - ISO 9001 certified)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Quantity: Sold as a complete kit (2 spring leaves + all hardware)
• UPC: 745662018016

Included Components

• 2x ASTM 5160 alloy spring steel leaves (1 per side), silver hammertone powder coated
• Step brackets for factory axle U-bolt plate mounting
• Heavy-duty U-bolts with plated hardware for mounting and adjustment
• All necessary installation hardware (nuts, plates, and fasteners)
• Printed installation instructions

Product Description

The Hellwig 1801 EZ-990 Step Bracket Helper Spring Kit is a medium-to-heavy-duty load management solution rated up to 2,000 lbs. of supplemental rear load capacity, designed for a wide range of classic and late-model domestic trucks, SUVs, and vans equipped with 2.5-inch wide rear leaf springs. Unlike the simpler over-spring EZ-1000 designs, the 1801 uses a step bracket mounting style that attaches at the factory axle U-bolt plate locations, integrating the helper spring directly into the vehicle's axle mounting hardware for a more secure and stable installation. The step bracket design is particularly well-suited to the thicker leaf spring packs found on full-size trucks and body-on-frame SUVs from the 1970s through the early 2000s, where the added load capacity and mounting rigidity of the step bracket style provides a noticeable improvement in load stability and towing control.

Each spring leaf is hot-formed and heat-treated from ASTM 5160 alloy spring steel and finished in a silver hammertone powder coat. The progressive spring rate means the 1801 remains unobtrusive during unloaded daily driving - only engaging as the rear load increases - so owners who alternate between towing and driving empty won't experience added harshness or bounce when the truck is empty. The included heavy-duty U-bolts allow the load rate to be adjusted with common hand tools at any time, making it straightforward to tune for a light trailer on weekends or a fully loaded truck bed during work use. Installation requires no drilling, cutting, or modifications and can be completed in a home garage with basic tools.

The 1801 is the 2.5-inch wide spring version of this kit - a critical dimension to verify before ordering. For vehicles with 3.0-inch wide rear leaf springs, Hellwig part #1803 is the correct alternative. For Chevrolet and GMC full-size vans and SUVs on the fitment list, this kit is confirmed for vehicles without factory rear air conditioning - vehicles equipped with rear A/C should verify clearance at the step bracket mounting location before proceeding. Compatible vehicles span the Ford F-100 and F-150 (1975-2002), Ford Bronco (1966-1996), Chevrolet/GMC full-size pickups, SUVs, and vans from the mid-1970s through early 2000s, Dodge W-Series and B-Series trucks and vans, and the first-generation Toyota Tundra (2000-2006). Manufactured at Hellwig's ISO 9001 certified factory in Visalia, California and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.