Shocks/struts replacement for rough road

I know I'm blowing up the post here, but there's more! I also installed the middle graded Sumo Springs to replace the bump stops. I do a lot of hauling and towing so it seemed like a good idea. Right now, they're virtually useless because my four inch lift is all in the leaf springs. So the only way they are used is if I'm putting a lot of weight in. If you need/want extra hauling capacity, extra leafs and aftermarket bump stops/air bags are great. Just be careful because the trucks are supposedly only rated for 1,000-1,500 lbs. But I think they can handle a lot more if you're careful about it.

Before I forget, I installed Old Man Emu's in the front and rear. I still have the sway bars hooked up, too. The ride is pretty firm and stiff. Not sure if it's the OME's or the sway bars, or both... but there's a lot to consider here!

 

Fox 2.5 with DSC, King 2.5 with adjusters, ADS 2.5 with adjusters or if you are on a budget Bilstein 6112 with 5160. There are plenty of great vendors on this forum that can help you out. I know there a lot of shocks are on back order but maybe @joonbug will let you barrow a few of the Kings from his truck until yours come in. He only has like 12 shocks on his truck!!!

 

That’s good to know about the alignment and stripping. Can I use basic clamps to compress leaf’s or will I need something bulkier?

 

Basic clamps will work. It's just not easy. As long as you have two, you should be fine. Tighten each one a little bit with the screwdriver aligned in the center hole. If you can use it and justify the purchase, Maddox makes a ball joint press for $80 at harbor freight. Makes life easier, but it's not necessary.

 

Also, don't use the center bolt to tighten it down. The threads will strip out and the bolt might break. Only tighten the bolt down with the springs compressed. If you can't get it 100% compressed, that's fine. Just install them back on the truck and once you have weight back on the springs and the u bolts installed, you can finish tightening it from there. Not the best way to do it, but this is a DIY, so you need to know all options! Haha. Also make sure you have plenty of medium strength or higher thread locker. Cuz all if these things will loosen up over time.

 

you can rent a ball joint press from O Reily, and when you return it, you get your full money back, I'd recommend getting 2 ball joint presses to clamp the leafs together while you align the center hold with a screwdriver... also whenever taking out the old center bolt, put a screwdriver in the hold so you don't have to work so hard to keep them aligned

 

thanks Joseph this is super helpful!! I'll check oreillys for the ball joint press in my area. Where did you get your spacers for your tires?

 

Amazon actually! there some Chinese ones that (knock on wood) they've held up to some real abuse so far (like 2 years), as long as you properly install them you shouldn't have any issues (torque them down and use red loctite), I've installed several sets of spacers on buddies trucks and (knock on wood) they haven't had issues.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07544PGK8?ie=UTF8

also side note: when tightening your lug nuts, be careful not to over tighten them with the impact for just fear of breaking the spacers

 

Dang those are out of stock. Have you heard of any other good options? Thanks

 

Never mind I found a set

 

what thickness are you looking for? I'll read the reviews and see what I can find for you

 

Thanks for your help everyone. I installed the Eibach 2.0 lift kit, torch add a leaf, spidertrax wheel spacers and Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded tires last week. Got it all done just in time for the big snow to set in!

 

hows it feel! How do you like it?

 

It’s actually a huge upgrade. The ride is much smoother on paved roads. The truck takes our dirt road likes a champ.

The improvements already paid for themselves. yesterday I decelerated from 70-0 on the highway due on an accident in front of me ( we had a snowstorm that took out all traction). I stopped without issue, the two trucks behind me drove their cars into ditches from loss of control during braking. The Nokian tires and suspension held up on my truck like a champ! Thanks again for the help

 

glad it worked out how you wanted! truck looks great!

 

can you get a picture of the front shock? Websites have a generic image. I'm a bit curious about these.