I have a few questions

I just got an '06 DCLB and it needs shocks....bad, I'm talkin' kidney damage bad and at highway speeds it feels like any sudden move would result in a spin out.
My questions start with can I do it myself with basic tools? I have a basic understanding of what I'm doing and I have basic tools. Are there certain things that can only be done with certain tools? For instance, I saw a video on YouTube that gave a demonstration of changing the front coil overs without using a spring compressor, I'm sure it can be done but not by me, I've heard you can get hurt that way.
What about tips and tricks? Like where's the best place to put the jacks and jack stands?
I use my truck to work and have the opportunity to make some extra money pulling a trailer and would like to go heavy duty but I have no experience or knowledge of the products I'm looking to purchase so I'd like some guidance with that. I knew a guy who wanted to pull a trailer with his Hardbody so he added a leaf and turned them upside down, it squatted half as much. Is that an option to consider?
I'm not a fan of typing or having a conversation spaced out over several days so if you can help me with this and wouldn't mind talking send me a PM and I'll respond with my phone #, thanks.

 

The easiest would to be to buy shock/spring assemblies for the front. No spring compressors are needed. Makes the job much safer as easy. The assemblies only cost $20-$40 more. Its waaay worth it! The shocks and springs in the front have to be removed as assemblies any ways, might as well put the new ones in place right then and there.

The rear shocks are easy. You only need one wrench and you don't even need to take off the tires.

The best "tip" would to spend 30 minutes and douse all nut and bolts with you favorite penetrating oil. When you go to do the job a week later, the bolts and nuts should come loose readily.

If you are keeping things in stock form, there is no reason to go heavy duty on the shocks. I've played around using heavy duty shocks and to me the ride when not towing was too harsh. Besides, if you get the shocks and springs from any of the local auto parts stores, you will get a life time warranty. You only need to bring the old shocks in and they give you new ones on the spot.

 

Thanks, Kirk. Very helpful, do you know anything about the leaf springs (adding a leaf, flipping them over)? Does this help anything? Does this hurt anything?

 

I really can't answer about the springs. I know that our trucks have weak springs. My truck is for transportation 1st and hauling light stuff. I would rather have a decent ride vs. more capacity.

I ever experience unacceptable ass sag on my truck, I'm just going to install air bags between the spring and frame. Air bags are all bolt on stuff and does not effect ride when the air bags are not inflated.

 

Air bags ? , hmmm

 

the firestone air bags will definitely help. although they do stiffen up the ride a little bit with out longer shocks. when I installed the ride rights it was noticeably rougher until I put on some procomp shocks for a 1"lift

 

I agree especially with the front components. No matter what you do I wouldn't consider keeping the stock springs. Do you know if your truck has recall springs installed? If you have the original pack kick them to the curb and buy something that's got a reputation for load carrying and still ride decent. From what you've described I'd suggest going with a full OME system front and rear. Good component known for being durable, decent ride and will not break the bank. My .02

 

Thanks, Jason and Jake, I ended up getting a pair of Pro Comp ES 9000 Nitrogen charged for the rear. Now I want to ask about lifting the truck to do the R&R, I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out but I'm having trouble with this one. Do I lift at the axle or the frame? I can't picture it .... if I lift the axle nothing changes in the suspension but if I lift the frame everything is hanging. I'm befuddled