Looks like I am going to have trouble finding them locally, amy recommendations? Is OEM a good option or is there a better aftermarket? Is there anything worth upgrading while I'm under there?

 

Only aftermarket I can think of off the top of my head is the Old Man Emu springs or the Rancho springs. Rancho's used to sag quickly, but they were working on a new design last year. OEM with a main leaf from a Chevy 1500 leaf pack, iirc, like Bebe did is something you might look into as well depending on your set up. Just make sure you replace all the bolts/nuts and anti-seize it all going back together. Cleaning up the rust under the vehicle is up to your level of commitment to the job.

 

I will say this, the rear shock mounting is idiotic. Messing around with those added a couple hours. Had to pull the fender wells to get in and cut them off and still cutting them was no small feat. What a pain.

 

Were the shocks rusted in place? Took me about 20-30 minutes to replace my rear shocks. I just sat down under the bumper and 3 bolts apiece later it was done.

 

I agree that it should only take about 20-30 minutes to replace rear shocks, but the problem that happens with the upper shock mount is that if the bolts are rusted to the threaded clips, the clip actually snaps. Then you have to cut the bolts to remove the shock.

It happened to me the last time that I changed my shocks. I didn't have to remove the fender liners, I just did all the cutting from below.

I used bolts, washers and nuts to install the new shocks so it will never happen to me again.

 

yeah, the clips and bolts were rusted and shot, i had to chisel them apart. it was a real pain trying to get in there without taking the fender wells out. I was going to replace them with nuts and lock washers but decided to order the OEM parts instead. If i have it long enough to have to get back in there at least i will know how to do it.