The rear shocks look pretty straight forward to change... what about the fronts inside the coil spring? How do you get the shock out of the coil spring?

 

Shocks don't support the vehicle unless springs are broken or very tired. The clearance on mine matches what you describe.

Shocks are easy-peezy. Just roll it up some ramps making sure the bottom of the shock isn't blocked by the ramp. Leave the weight on the suspension. It's much easier.

I put Monroe reflex on all four corners in a bit over an hour. Fronts only should not take more than 45 minutes if you've not done it before, < 30 if you have. Shop carefully. I paid $110 for all four shocks.

 

For me, the fronts were easier. That may be due to having done a dozen or so.

Park it on the ramps. Remove the top nuts and the washer. Remove the bottom bolts and slide the shock down and out. Reverse the procedure for the new shocks.

 

For ****s and giggles, when we mounted my 4 Bilstein 5100's on my axle, we measure the bumper height before and after. The truck sat 1/4" higher with 4 new shocks on it. These shocks are for a 2500 with a 6" lift.

 

Remove the springs and see how fast those shocks bottom out.

 

Well obviously.

 

Look on RockAuto.com

SJ03

 

Well, just to follow up... I don't think I have a suspension problem. I did however change the shocks to a set of 4600 Bilsteins. Very nice shocks, but did not get the drastic improvement I was hoping for. They did make the truck ride a little better and not sorry I changed them out. Fairly easy job to do.

 

Take it for a wheel alignment next. Lifetime if you plan on keeping it for a while. Around $100 at Brake Check.

SJ03

 

Why a wheel alignment? I'm not having any 'funny' tire wear.