Let's play, how bad are my leaf springs

Will take that into account.

 

go with these instead: http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-173hd.htm
well worth the extra cost for more payload and a better ride, you will be glad you did.

also you don't need new shackles unless your are rusted through so just put new bushings on it and replace your front struts as an assembly with the Monroe quick struts (roughly $100 each) because your strut springs will be as equally worn out as those flat leaf springs are.

I just did this along with rear shocks on my 04 that looked just like yours and now it rides as smooth as a new truck

 

Thanks man I'll look into it.

 

Hey what kind of hardware do I need to order with those? Just replacement bolts in case I end up having to cut the old ones?

 

233k miles and too many loads of firewood

 

Yes You do.

 

if you live up north and have rust you may have to cut or grind off the leaf spring bolts and shackles, just break the nuts loose the see if the bolts turn, if not buy new shackles and bolts too, if they turn then they will come out ok. just presoak the nuts with penetrating fluid if rusty.

if you need to buy new shackles they usually come with new bushings as a kit

leaf springs come with new bushings in them already

also break all nuts and bolts loose first before jacking it up. you need a jack stand that goes to 18" or better to reach the frame and lift it high enough that the tires come off the ground then I used a small floor jack to lift just enough to contact the rear end without lifting it. the rear end hanging is unloading the leaf springs so they is no spring tension at all making it want to move so its safe.

completely replace one side at a time before taking the other side loose.

install the front leaf spring eye first then the shackle then connect the spring to the axle and just snug the ubolts in place then do the other side because you don't want to fully tighten anything until its all installed and the weight of the truck is resting on the axles and ground.

the rear end does tend to shift a little to the rear once its unbolted so its better to have a helper to push it forward and hold it in place as you center the leaf spring pin.

last note is it doesn't seam that heavy until your under the truck but the leaf springs can be tricky to maneuver and balance the weight.

 

Thanks for the in depth walk through. I'm going to try this next weekend probably.