hey my suspension is really shot... i load about 30 pieces of ply wood in my bed and the hitch will hit the floor. i need to fix it asap. where can i get the parts, would autozone be ok????

 

will this help me and where can i get new leaf springs

 

That is about 1600 lbs of plywood (based on 1/2" cdx). You are at the limit of a 15+ year old suspension. I would suggest adding a new leaf off a similar model or a "helper spring", but new springs should be around $300 plus labor. The helper spring is about $100 a set and are easily mounted.

 

siggie is right. our trucks with the tow package are only rated for 1540 lb in the bed. and that's with the heavy springs. now put 15 years use on em and you lose alott of capacity.
even at that it's still alot better than my old ranger (1300 lb max towing cap. 500lb in the bed )

 

ok thanks one more thing... i am buying new shocks for the front... should i go with rancho, they are 49.99 a peice or advance sells some cheap monroe ones for 23.99 a peice. they both have limited lifetime warranty these are the advance ones http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...___#fragment-3
what would you guys reccomend.

 

Unless you need the ranchos for high performance type of suspension needs, go with the Monroe.

For the rear you can get air shocks or coil over shocks, both around 1,200lb extra capacity. Also air bags and Add A Leafs go to www.jcw.com

 

ok thanks alot for the info...

 

Shocks are valved according to their intended use. If you want stock valving, then be economical and buy OEM type parts, plus they ride smoother. If your looking to change the performance of your suspension, then you need to look at aftermarket parts.

 

For 49.99 you were quoted on 5000 series Rancho which are not really that high performance of a shock, the performance shock is the 9000 series and its quite evident when you compare the two. In your case its apples to oranges if you go offroading I would say Rancho but if your just driving around town then the Monroe's will suffice. For what its worth both Rancho and Monroe are owned by the Tenneco group, wouldnt be suprised if both shocks are manufactured in the same plant.

 

yeah i will go with the monroe. i just drive highway mostly and dont tow much so i hope they will do. thanks