SarniaTricia said:
Before buying the WDH I looked for spring support additions and they were all priced higher then the WDH!! This time I had a better idea of what I was looking for and yes, they are much more affordable.
Did a bunch of looking at this (from the video) and found a more robust version of it...
I believe the one on the video has a 500lb rating and the more robust has a 1,500lb rating...
(does not add to GVWR** - payload rating is 1310lbs and I think the more robust would be a good idea)
I think I will be investing in one of these... the more robust one... it is less expensive then the full spring replace and it looks like I won't need "the boys" to install it either.... but, I'll let them help, because they like to feel useful... and it is a lady's job to make her men feel useful.... or at least let them bark their knuckles and swear instead of doing so herself...
I would highly recommend against this. The main control of your rig is dependent on the tow vehicle. If your tow vehicle is lacking performance, then you are risking safety. Essentially, you are transferring weight needed on the back tires to maintain traction to the trailer, which you have little control over. Every bump could alter how your van tracks.
More importantly, you don't want to risk having one break. At that point, there is nothing keeping your axle under your vehicle. I broke a spring on my s10 and the axle was on the frame. At that time, I was driving white knuckle, praying that the axle didn't twist or let go for the whole 30 miles that I was driving home. The only thing holding it on was 1 of the 4 leafs that was now way overstressed and the shock on that side. I didn't exceed 30 MPH and slowed way down for every noticeable bump. I made it home, but it was a nightmare that I don't wish upon anybody. I was also unloaded. I can't imagine what would have happened if it let go while I was towing anything.
Rockauto lists springs as low as $110 each. Call it $250 with replacement bolts and U bolts if you do it yourself. This is the preferred route because you know there is no history and therefore, no wear, stress, or degradation.
If that is not justifiable, you could get some used springs from a salvage yard using car-part.com. If you take the used route, I would recommend buying a set from something newer, such as a 2004 or 2005 since they wouldn't have been degraded as much as another 2000 along with fewer miles and therefore, less flexing and wear.
There is also a 3 leaf version and a 4 leaf version. Make sure you have the 4 leaf version, unless you can find one that already has the add a leaf kit installed, making it a 5 leaf.