I'm buying a set of 1" blocks to replace my factory 2" blocks to level my truck and was wondering if I need a new set of shocks since the factory shocks will be compressed?
Also if I keep the factory shocks will the ride be rougher or smoother with compressed shocks?

 

One inch won't make enough of a difference to warrant new shocks or to even be able to tell a difference in the ride.

 

Agree. Also, the ride will be completely unchanged. The fact that the shock is "compressed" is irrelevant. A shock has the same effect throughout its entire range of motion.

One thing you can check is this...after the new block is in, measure the distance from the bump stop on the frame to the pad on the axle. Then measure how much shock rod you have showing. You should have more shock than you do axle travel. If not, the shock will bottom out before the axle, and that's not a good thing.

 

Ok thanks for the help guys

 

Not likely.

I removed my FX4's 2" block in back to drop it, and took measurements, I have 4" to the contact with bumpstop and the shock has 4-1/2" travel left. Now, if I think I'll haul a heavy load that might compress the bumpstop on a bump, then I'll need to use the trailer or change shocks ..... but for now I'm OK. Normal driving I don't come near bottoming it out.

I'll get some 2WD rear shocks maybe in Spring.

You might remove a lower shock bolt and with measuring tape in hand, compress your rear shock upward and , measure compressed length and then reattach it and measure it and see how much travel you have left.

 

Incorrect. According to your numbers (and the way you described it), you currently have more shock travel than suspension travel. That is a good thing. That means the axle will bottom out on the stop before the shock bottoms out in its travel. This is a good situation; this is what you want. No need to change shocks because of this.