You might see if you can score some spring-assist shocks. That would tackle both bird with one stone. BUT:

If you live up north, it's not uncommon for the upper shock bolt to quite literally shear off the frame, sending the shock through the floor of the bed. Might be worth inspecting, especially if you go to a spring-assist shock.

 

one persons great shock is another persons crap shock

Some like a smooth almost soft ride but some of us prefer a stiffer ride that handles better in corners and turns.

I prefer a stiffer ride

so asking what shock is recommended may not give you the shock YOU WANT

I love Bilstein shocks but don't want to spend the $$$$ for them wow they are good BUT STIFF.

 

I'm pretty sure they're supposed to be 14mm, not 9/16". If you used 9/16" bolts, that might explain why they were hard to get in.

 

Hey Tom A: I looked at several websites for prices on new springs and hardware before I opted for the used set and they all specified 9/16 bolts for the spring shackles and bushing. (thought some called out 1/2) I used 9/16 x 4-1/2 bolts which were what thru-way springs in my area called for. So if they really are 14mm, there are a lot of sites with the wrong information. LoL
The bolts almost fit thru the bushings half way by hand, but there was rust inside the sleeves stopping them from sliding thru. These bolts were grade 5 I think with lock nuts, not off the wall hardware store brand.

 

9/16 is 14.28mm. I'd call it safe to say that rust can be 0.28 of a mm thick (or 11 thousandths)

 

Well, I could be wrong (certainly wouldn't be the first time), but I thought my stock ones were 14mm. Unfortunately, I don't have them any more, so I can't verify that. The important thing is, you got it all to work.

 

Well when it came to hardware, I knew it was going to be a pain in the azz. Between E-bay shackles calling out 1/2 bolts, auto part websites saying 9/16 and when I went to the Dodge dealer they could not tell me the u-bolt size without the Vin number. As usual they can't use the same size hardware for the base, SLT, 4x4, quad cab etc. They do anything to keep you from working on your own vehicle. BUT it Doesn't STOP us.