X2 !

Throw 1000 lb in the bed and take it for a ride

 

I did the same thing but I took 4 leafs out of an 8 leaf rear pack.
Rides nice now.
I also added ladder bars.
Only thing with adding weight is you lose box space and fuel mileage.

 

I have the Kelderman system circa 1993.

I have bags on all 4 corners as well as the original leaf springs.

The ride is a lot better than stock, although it can be a little bouncy from time to time.

Right now I have about 2 yards of mulch in the back (couldn't get all the mulching done yesterday and needed to drive to work today) and the ride is really quite nice.

That's what I'd recommend: ~1500 lbs in the back and air bags on all 4 corners.

 

You can also install leaf spring tip inserts for about $30 plus a good drill bit and your labor. It will make the ride much less nervous in the rear and it will be slightly less jouncy but still sharp. You can remove the leaf second from the top it will help a little also. However getting into the bumpstops will result in PAIN.
I think a different set of springs with less leaves but still giving a stock ride height would be a better idea. I took out 2 leaves from my already sagging dually, it leveled the truck but it also reduced the braking traction from the front tires. <br><Br><Br><br>

You can also get some sullastic shackles for the rear. I'm pretty certain that the second gen ones will fit it if you grind a small notch in the spring mounts. As for the front suspension all you can do is install new rubber coil spring isolators and new stock springs. Sagged front springs will cause a stiffer ride. Good luck. I wish the first gens had torsen bar suspension like my 05 suburban.

 

any chain stores carry these spring tip liners, or anti friction pads? i really want to give a try.

 

You could jack it up from the rear bumper to unload the rear suspension and then squirt some grease in between the leafs. If you notice an improvement then buy the spring tips; if not, then at least you applied some anti-corrosion treatment to the spring pack.

 

Any local spring shop should have them. We found them online for around $2 each. There are a lot of places that charge $5+ each. Personally I wouldn't do it again on the old springs. I'd probably get a brand new spring packs and have the holes professionally cut. Old springs ride hard.

 

Relatively cheap option:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=224332

 

Nothing like a Jim Lane write-up!

 

I understand the ride issue my girlfriend says riding in the truck is.....tiring, anyways there is yet another way for ride control. A guy on here by the screen name of Hoss installed a concrete bedliner.. just a suggestion

 

I found the best way to make my 4x4 ride good was put about300- 750 pounds in it.

 

Spring liners and Bilsteins.