So I managed to get the broken passenger side shock off the truck after cutting through the top washer and rubber mounting isolator. Since it wasn't connected (the top of the body screws into a small nipple on the underside of the shock mount. Those threads, both on the shock body and the nipple were shot, so the body was loose, as seen in earlier pics.)To all the the guys who've commented that it's "a 20 second job to cut off the shock bolt" in various posts here on the forums, A) I have to assume the stock MOPAR shocks must not use hardened metal shafts, and B) I really need to know what blades they're using to get that job done!! I wore out at least 6 metal blades in the process of removing ONE shock. Granted, there was no chance to try to lock onto the shaft since the body separated from the upper mount, but still: what a PITA! At least the driver side, despite that bolt being rusted in place, went a bit easier: I cut the top washer, pried it off and then pried off the top rubber bushing: that allowed the the shock to drop.
Since Bilstein 5100s for my rear application are out of stock until late June at least (so far as I have found), I installed
KYB MonoMax shocks (per the KYB site, it's a stock replacement, meaning not for a lifted truck, and is geared toward towing/hauling use.)
I will say that simply adding a functioning shock to the passenger side has cleaned up a lot of the rattling/bouncing I was getting over rough pavement, so that's a good thing. I did the shocks on two nights, so I had the one Icon shock running today. Now that both MonoMax shocks are on, the rear feels firmer than with just the one, but the jouncing and rattling around the rear end was doing is gone. I will be towing this weekend, so I'll find out how well the truck handles my 7K trailer with the pair of MonoMax shocks (and two actually functioning shocks period!) for the first time this season!
My next issue is of course the front suspension. I'm intending on replacing the springs and shocks in the beginning of July: I need to line up time with a buddy (who's got a lift) to make that happen, and pick his brain on options to replace what was stuffed up front.
I'm considering using the
Bilstein B8-5112 Suspension Leveling Kit: does anybody have any insight on this kit? Frankly, I'm perfectly fine with just going back to stock front springs and stock-height shocks as long as the 35x11.50/R20 tires I currently have will fit (there will likely be some rubbing on the inside edge of the mudflaps that are currently installed, since I've noticed it on full-lock turns on the driver side). Thanks to forum Parts God Benny for hooking me up with the proper PN for stock shocks for my truck!
Honestly, a couple inches lower would be great for my GF getting in and out of the truck as well. I wouldn't mind using the Bilstein kit to gain a bit of front end level, but I'm not in the "must level" camp so the front rake that stock parts would give isn't a bother.
Thanks for the insights so far. Hopefully in a couple weeks, the saga will be over and the truck will be "right". Finally.