I had my rear shackle rust right through and break off recently, so while I have the spring out to replace it was wondering if there would be a better spring to put on it? Its the original with 200,000 miles on them. I want better ride quality but not if it will cause axle hop or anything. Don't pull a lot of weight if any and its a 96 3500 ext cab long box. Also would like to upgrade the original shocks while doing it as well there also original and probably dead a long time ago

 

Bilstein Shocks all the way Genos or Auto Zone. Price is about the same.
The Springs? Might try Big Moe Spring and Alignment Birmingham AL 205 780 6206. I have ordered form them before and had good service.

 

I would replace the spring hanger and then add air bags.I get a very nice ride with 10 lbs in my bags on my truck and when I haul my fiver I just add some more air to level it for a great ride. Air bags work nice with a set of good heavy duty shocks.

 

So Bilstein shocks no question are definitely the shocks to go with? I should just put the factory spring packs back in with the new hangers?

 

I learn my lesson the hard way 1st went with monroe reflex then rancho 5000 one lasted 10k the other did not last that. The springs, like Don T said you could go with Air Bags or Timbrens.

 

You could remove the overload leaf and add air bags for a better ride. Good shocks help alot. Velvet Ride shackles help alot in the 1st couple inches of travel.

http://www.thedieselstop.com/content...ckle%20Install

 

I can't find velvet shackles anywhere and it seems the dealer is the only one that can even get stock shackles. Is there a better design I could get made or something from a Chevy or ford that would work better then stock?

 

I just put 2 hammerite rattle cans of paint on my rear frame and shackels as all these rust storys scare me. x2 on the bilstein shocks, I put in some 5100's that are rated for up to a 2" lift for my leveling kit. The truck no longer feels like I have 4 half flat tires!

 

If you go out to Google in put in your truck/shakles, you will have all kinds of sources, including JC Whitney. I would keep the stock springs for resale value, maybe do the airbags. Some Ballast would help too, maybe a transfer fuel tank.
Bilstein shocks are THE BEST THING that ever happenned to these trucks. I replaced mine almost immediately, as the stocks were worthless. 9 years later they still work greaat.
Good Luck!!