Well, I can't get the nut off the left front shock, can't keep the inner spindle from turning. So looks like I'm getting out the dremel and cutting off the nut and/or spindle. At least I got the bump stop changed out.

 

You know, I didn't even think of looking under the plastic boot for the shock rod!
Guess I'll wait till the temp warms up to the mid 90s, kinda chilly out there now in the mid 80s. Brrr.

 

Thats what my bump stops looked like!

 

Well, macht nichts. Finally got a grip on the shock, nut turned maybe a quarter turn, then the stud busted off. THE DEALER must have used an air wrench to install the old one. Anyway, one down, three to go!

 

Learned all this stuff in the 70s and 80s, forgot how much F.U.N. it was. Right side came loose no probs, left side must have been really smoked down.

Still weighing options on the coils. Might keep the air bags, don't want to just jump on the bandwagon. But I do know the bags aren't inflating evenly. Looks like the leveling bracket on the left side is bent a little. More investigating to do...

 

Finally got smart on the last shock, made getting it out a whole lot easier.


So shocks are done, now on to the coils. Maybe.

 

Keep us posted on the coils. Been thinking about replacing mine as well.

 

I knew the shocks weren't causing the leans, but they looked older than the PO claimed, he didn't have a receipt for when he said he changed them, and since we're moving to the mountains I wanted to start with new parts.

Will continue debating coils vs new air bags. Was able to get all the bolts holding the compressor tray loose without busting any off, so I know I can remove it no probs. Might go to the 2-stage unit if I stay with bags. If they go I might be able to squeeze one of my train horns into the space. Guess I'll decide after we move next month.

Good-lookin truck, I should get one!

 

Figured it out. PO had the right air bag replaced, and it's almost an inch shorter than the left one, which looks original. That one says 'Firestone' on it and is pretty well weather-cracked.

But I've decided to go with coils at this point. Anyone have a solution for the air suspension dash notification? Or do you just live with it?

 

Took a little time but swapped out the air bags for Arnott coils last weeked. Truck is almost level now but may have to futz with the keys a little, PO always took it to the local Chevy dealer for work and I spect they may have jacked one side when the replaced the one air bag and not both.
Got a good bit of cancer on the underside so not sure I can break any bolts loose without snapping them off, but the lower arms are worn where the torsion bars go in so gotta get them replaced somehow. Winter project I guess, but like @Lojac963 I barely have roof clearance with the garage door now with the coils installed.
Still have to disconnect whatever I need to to stop the leveling system from trying to level the truck. I dead-ended the left and right shock lines into the pump so it doesn't run but the system tries to vent air to bring the rear down - click click click click - and the check air suspension message keeps coming on. Wanted to keep the air fill station so that's why I didn't just yank everything out. Pulled the relay by the right front wheel but didn't work. On the road till Sunday so I'll look at it when I get home.