My truck is getting around 100k miles on it. The shocks are starting to get worn pretty bad. I can tell when I load the bed up the truck sags so much more then normally even when my trailor isn't loaded unlike when I first started to haul stuff.

Anyways I was wanting to get air shocks for it so I can stiffen the rear up a bit especially when hauling. Also was thinking of upgrading the springs. Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't want to jack the truck up extremely high but a little bit higher wouldn't hurt. I really don't want to spend a fortune as well I only put 2000 miles on the truck last year alone. I have 4 other vehicles I can drive which get much better milage so pretty much just use the truck when I have to haul stuff or pickup large items that I can get in my other vehicles.

If it matters my 97 is the newer body style they ask me this all the time when I get parts because of the body style change that year and it is a 4x4. It's a supercab with the 8 foot bed on it.

I do love the way it rides though it's so smooth driving it. It's actually the most comfortable vehicle I have for long trips as well so that is something I wouldn't mind keeping.

Any recommendations would be appreciated...
Thanks,
Lorenzo

 

While your shocks are probably worn, what you are describing is actually worn springs. If you haul heavy loads on a regular basis, your rear springs are probably sagging. You see, your shocks don't support any weight, they mearly control the "bounce" or up and down travel of the suspension. I would stay away from those cheap air shocks. Like I said, regular shocks don't support your trucks weight and air shocks would. The problem is your shock mounts were not designed for that much pressure. You have a couple of better options. You could install new leaf springs. You could go with an airbag setup that would allow you adjust the air pressure for heavy loads or no loads. The cheapest thing would be to add an add-a-leaf to your spring pack that would stiffen up the springs a little.

 

Yep like Wandell said go with an add a leaf you won't be dissapointed

 

OK sounds good. I was going to do something to the springs anyways didn't know if I should change them all or do a add a leaf like you mentioned. I am sure the add a leaf is cheaper so probably just do that. Should I just stick with regular shocks then? I checked the Rancho's out the 5000 and the 9000 ones. Is it worth it to go with the 9000 ones?
Lorenzo

 

It depends on personal choice. To me, it's not. I went with Pro Comp ES3000's.

 

OK will have to check those out as well. I am pretty new to trucks I have had the truck for over 4 years but never really got into modifying it or anything like that. I have a 419hp 427tq 4 cylinder car I pretty much do all my modifying to those numbers were at the wheels on a dyno BTW. I bought this truck to trailor the car to the tracks and stuff then the occasional stuff I pickup at lowes etc.... But thanks for the input on the shocks and springs. Is there any place in particular that you buy parts from? I mean other then places like summit racing etc. Once I figure out what I am going to get I will shop around checking prices etc. I just wanted to get this stuff done this spring time as it's really over due.
Lorenzo

 

I bought my shocks from 4Wheel Parts Wholesalers. They always have sales on shocks.