I was a bit concerned about the health of our rear differential since I started using the Titan at the track. In my research, it was definitive that "wheel hop" and "axle wrap" are contributory factors to rear differential failure so, I had been brainstorming an inexpensive insurance against axle wrap and wheel hop. I've read about "JetTech's $22 solution" and went a few notches beyond that without breaking my bank account.
Problem: During aggressive acceleration, the leaf spring in front of the axle will bend upward while the part of the spring behind the axle will bend downward creating an "S" shape leaf spring (just like in a bow ready to shot an arrow) altering the normal geometry of the drive train. After the "hard launch", when the tire starts rolling, the leaf spring "snaps back" (because of Kinetic Energy) to it's original shape returning all geometry to the original angles (see enclosed illustration). These sudden geometry changes during hard acceleration adds undue stress to the drivetrain particularly the Universal-joint and rear differential.
Solution: Enclosed are some photographs of the "performance mod". The goal was to "counter-act the bending" of the spring (to minimize creation of Kinetic Energy) while maintaining almost original ride quality by using "JT's $22 spring" behind the axle and the "red spring" in the front of the axle.
Outcome: I've had much improved acceleration and I feel that the tires grab unto the road much better with minimal "squating" (sign of axle wrap) during aggressive acceleration. Wheel hop that gets annoying over small road 'bumps" like highway joints is almost non-existent and my Titan feels more "sure-footed".
I just though I could share with you guys the joys of this mod.
I got it from eBay for $14.99 but I think I have seen it at a JC Whitney catalog (not sure). The papers that came with the "red bars" indicate that they are "Hellwig Traction Spring" with Factory and General Offices at 16237 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA 93292 (559)-734-7451
Have fun
Which are those? The Performance Traction Control Springs or the Heavy-duty Performance Traction Control Springs?? also, where do u get this jet tech solution and is this only for people who "race" or would it be good for everyone with the titan...
Which are those? The Performance Traction Control Springs or the Heavy-duty Performance Traction Control Springs?? also, where do u get this jet tech solution and is this only for people who "race" or would it be good for everyone with the titan...
JetTech is a respectable member of TT and CT forums. He had done lots of mods and research which he has shared unselfishly with the Titan community. The "JT solution" is actually a $22 "helper spring" that you can buy from any automotive store. When used alone, it is normally bolted underneath the spring in front of the axle.
With my "Double Spring Mod", the application of this $22 spring is different from JT as I used this above the spring behind the axle to prevent that part of the leaf spring from "bending downward" during hard acceleration. The "red springs" I used were the Heavy Duty ones and are mounted above the spring, in front of the axle to prevent that part of the spring from "bending upward".
Minimizing both of the above movements of the spring simultaneously will dramatically reduce axle wrap and wheel hop. This mod is good for the street use only too!
JetTech is a respectable member of TT and CT forums. He had done lots of mods and research which he has shared unselfishly with the Titan community. The "JT solution" is actually a $22 "helper spring" that you can buy from any automotive store. When used alone, it is normally bolted underneath the spring in front of the axle.
With my "Double Spring Mod", the application of this $22 spring is different from JT as I used this above the spring behind the axle to prevent that part of the leaf spring from "bending downward" during hard acceleration. The "red springs" I used were the Heavy Duty ones and are mounted above the spring, in front of the axle to prevent that part of the spring from "bending upward".
Minimizing both of the above movements of the spring simultaneously will dramatically reduce axle wrap and wheel hop. This mod is good for the street use only too!
How do I get this helper spring? Whats the real name so I could get one? Is it specific for the titan or universal?
How do I get this helper spring? Whats the real name so I could get one? Is it specific for the titan or universal?
I bought this "helper spring" item #70-1560 from PEP Boys.
It's boxed in pairs, labelled "Leaf Helper Spring" and described as: For use with 1-3/4", 2", 2 1/2" rear leaf spring to prevent sagging.
Website on the box is www.americanautoacc.com. However, it is not used to prevent sagging in this "mod" and it is installed at a different location on the leafspring.
It is installed above the spring, behind the axle like the photo below when used in conjuction with the "red traction spring" to minimize the "downward movement of the leaf" behind the axle during hard acceleration to control axle wrap.
Additional photos on the placement of the "helper spring" for use vs axle wrap. Note the location in reference to the "rubber stop" of the overload spring.
Additional photos on the placement of the "helper spring" for use vs axle wrap. Note the location in reference to the "rubber stop" of the overload spring.
Gr8Titan,
I did the helper spring in the way you did quite a while ago. It's been great. Did you happen to drive the truck part way through the job (just front or rear add-ons)? I am contemplating doing your 'in front of the axle' mod.
How did you get the helper springs in behind the axle. I had a b**ch of a time on my 05 4x4 OR. Squeezing that thing under the rubber roller... OMG!
__________________ Chris
05 Blizzard LE CC, 4x4, BT, OR, Nav, AB, Sunroof, XM, Ceramic Pads on new rotors & hardware (10.2k+miles,no brake issues to date and very clean wheels), AutoExtreme TBS, TB coolant bypass, Inverted helper springs, Hi-capacity diff cover, Active Tuning ground kit, poly swaybar bushings (front), Axle Vent Mod
Im kinda lost...how many springs are involved then...2 or 3?
A total of 2 sets or 4 springs; 1 set of generic helper springs 1 on the left, 1 on the right. And 1 set of axle wrap helper springs specifically designed to help control axle wrap, again 1 on the left, 1 on the right. The 'axle wrap springs' go in front of the axle and the 'generic helpers' go behind the axle.
I did the helper spring in the way you did quite a while ago. It's been great. Did you happen to drive the truck part way through the job (just front or rear add-ons)? I am contemplating doing your 'in front of the axle' mod.
How did you get the helper springs in behind the axle. I had a b**ch of a time on my 05 4x4 OR. Squeezing that thing under the rubber roller... OMG!
Using an 8mm "hex" wrench, I removed the "rubber roller" first. Then installed/secured the helper spring as pictured above. Thereafter, I used a "C-clamp" to compress the helper spring for effortless re-installation of the "rubber roller". Remove the "C-clamp" after the roller is in place.....and...Presto!!!
Yes I drove the truck with the installation in different ways. One (first) was the "JT" method alone which works fine. But when I saw this "red spring" that is specifically designed for axle wrap, I replaced the "JT" spring. The "red spring" in itself works better than the "JT" method. Studying how the "axle wrap" evolves, I thought of reinforcing the rear half of the leaf spring utilizing the "JT" spring but installed in a non-conventional way. Thus the helper spring will prevent that rear half from bending downwards during hard acceleration. Lo and behold......much...much...much improved traction!!!! with almost negligible axle wrap.
Using an 8mm "hex" wrench, I removed the "rubber roller" first. Then installed/secured the helper spring as pictured above. Thereafter, I used a "C-clamp" to compress the helper spring for effortless re-installation of the "rubber roller". Remove the "C-clamp" after the roller is in place.....and...Presto!!!
Yes I drove the truck with the installation in different ways. One (first) was the "JT" method alone which works fine. But when I saw this "red spring" that is specifically designed for axle wrap, I replaced the "JT" spring. The "red spring" in itself works better than the "JT" method. Studying how the "axle wrap" evolves, I thought of reinforcing the rear half of the leaf spring utilizing the "JT" spring but installed in a non-conventional way. Thus the helper spring will prevent that rear half from bending downwards during hard acceleration. Lo and behold......much...much...much improved traction!!!! with almost negligible axle wrap.
Doh! I squeezed, wrestled and used a strap to winch the frame towards the axle. I agree about the rear spring helping considerably, the roller contacts the helper spring and really resists allowing the axle to twist. I didn't find the front ones on ebay. What did you type in the search? Thanks
A total of 2 sets or 4 springs; 1 set of generic helper springs 1 on the left, 1 on the right. And 1 set of axle wrap helper springs specifically designed to help control axle wrap, again 1 on the left, 1 on the right. The 'axle wrap springs' go in front of the axle and the 'generic helpers' go behind the axle.
Does that help?
yes sir...Im getting confused with the 3 names being used here still...the JT solution (JT spring)...helper spring, and the red spring...
12-17-2005, 09:57 AM
of our rear differential since I started using the Titan at the track. In my research, it was definitive that "wheel hop" and "axle wrap" are contributory factors to rear differential failure so, I had been brainstorming an inexpensive insurance against axle wrap and wheel hop. I've read about "JetTech's $22 solution" and went a few notches beyond that without breaking my bank account. 
I squeezed, wrestled and used a strap to winch the frame towards the axle. I agree about the rear spring helping considerably, the roller contacts the helper spring and really resists allowing the axle to twist. I didn't find the front ones on ebay. What did you type in the search? Thanks
Similar Threads