I'm starting to get ready for more rebuilding of the front end- did the tie rods again, need to adjust the steering box and repair to replace it by the fall, got the poly control arm bushings... noticing I really need shocks too. I know the "standard" is the Bilstein 5100s, but I'm wondering if anyone has used an air shock in the front to help with loads- like snowplows. For that matter, any feedback on how well the 5100s work with plow trucks?

Searching found a lot of shock threads and lots or air bag threads, but no mention on these things.

 

The problem with doing what you're asking is that shocks aren't supposed to support weight like that. Matter of fact, take a look at your front shocks top mount. Those three little bolts would be holding all that weight. What you need to look into is Timbrens for the front of your truck. Fairly cheap and easy to install. Here's the link to their website. http://www.timbren.com/

 

one couldnt give this old man a monroe shock. mite as well run the truck without shocks. tried them 3 times in the last 35 years NEVER again

 

I'd switch to stock 049 springs for the front end.

There has always been this misconception that shocks support weight. They don't. Shocks dampen the return rate of the springs so you don't bounce out of control after they start oscillating.

 

Thanks Katoom- I have Timbrens installed - forgot to update my sig to reflect it when I did it 3 years ago. Very good point tho- I forgot about what the shock connects to in these trucks. Used them in cars in the past where it's not as big a deal.

Jughead- I have had the same experiences with Rancho - never again.
Sixlug- the 8800 gross diesel's came with 049 springs stock which IIRC means 94-96 HD and all 97+.
Also- shocks in general do not support weight, however the shocks I am asking about DO - the air shocks in question are designed to carry load, adjust the vehicle level, etc.

I'm on a professional snowplowing forum and the common question is Timbrens or airbags - I always recommend Timbrens since bags don't work well in our front ends, just wondering if the added load capability might be a suitable replacement for them for some guys (now, I'm thinking no) or added capability to the timbrens. There are never enough make specific guys there with the knowledge a dedicated forum like here can provide. Guess it's Bilsteins going in.

 

I'd take a look at the shock towers and decide how much more you think they can take.

IIRC Tuff Country makes an HD spring for our trucks that also levels the front end so you don't need spacers. This would add two inches of travel by spring height, not solid blocks like on a stock spring.