Which Suspension Enhancement Upgrade Is Best For 1986 Square Body K3500 With Camper Shell On Back?

Updated 04/06/2026 | Published 03/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Hellwig Load Pro 25 Progressive Helper Springs with Custom Mounting Kit - Above Axle

(2)

$502.35

Hellwig Load Pro 35 Progressive Helper Springs with Custom Mounting Kit - Above Axle

$596.36

Question:

I need a suspension helper spring system to help with load handling for my Alaskan truck bed camper on my 86 k3500 GMC truck. I am considering the RAS or the helwig overload springs, but would consider other options as well. At times the truck is unloaded, but will spend 50 of the time including long road trips loaded with the camper. Thanks.

asked by: Brandon

1986 GMC Square Body With Camper shell
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Good afternoon Brandon!

That's a cool old square body and camper shell! I have a 64 C10 that I've fixed up over the years so I always appreciate other GM classic trucks. For your 86 GMC K3500 I would go with Hellwig. RAS are great and there's nothing wrong with them by any means, but Hellwig is a top tier product. I have their anti-sway bar on my other truck and it's an excellent product.

You'll want to go with the Hellwig Load Pro 25 Progressive Helper Springs # HE68XR or the Hellwig Load Pro 35 Progressive Helper Springs # HE97TR. Both will work fine for you, neither one is wrong in your situation. But if you tow a lot and weigh the back end down quite often, the heavier duty Load Pro 35 may be better for you Brandon # HE97TR.

These are not only going to assist with the weight and reduce sagging in the back dramatically, but they'll also allow you to have a nice factory ride when unloaded, unlike some jounce and air bag setups.

Let me know what you think! Where do you travel with that setup?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Brandon

4/4/2026

I plan to do a trip along Route 66 this Fall. It spends most of the time exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula, including some fairly rough seasonal roads to get to camping spots. I ordered the Helwig Load Pro 35 as suggested, but I wanted to confirm that this kit has what I need for both rear wheels. Just making sure I don't need two- one for the driver and one for the passenger side. Thanks.

Andrew N.

4/6/2026

@Brandon That's awesome! My coworker James was just telling me how he is from that area of Michigan and how nice it is there. The kit you ordered is for the complete rear axle, not just one side. So you're good to go Brandon! Thanks for your continued business over the years!