Major Squeak, reporting for duty

I've got roughly 52k miles on my 3rd gen OR stock suspension. Before riding up Imogene Pass last weekend you could hear a slight squeak if you sat down on the tailgate. Nothing while driving. After doing the pass, the rear suspension is squeaking like crazy on any slight bump, articulation, or significant brake pressure.

It's loud and constant. I realize squeaks and rattles come with the territory, but I'm a little surprised a how much a difference one trail ride made. Does this indicate end of life for the shocks or springs?

 

Rear leaf packs. I believe theres a TSB for some 3rd gens. The 2nd gens had the exact same obnoxious squeak once the leafs got clapped out.

 

Yup, greasing the leaf pack helps.

 

I have to lift the rear end of my truck every 6 months or so and spray my entire leaf pack or it'll squeak like crazy. And any time I go off road especially when it's dusty

 

You just spraying with water to knock out all the dust, or using a cleaner?

 

I use a lubricant, haven't settled on the best one but have gone from lithium spray to fluid film to chain lube. The chain lube seems to hold up the longest

 

I've been hosing them out with water and then spraying some grease between them. It helps for a while but it's not permanent.

 

My 1st and 2nd gen trucks squeaked out.