2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rusted rear suspension

[pausma]

I have an 01 2500 4x4 with 120,000 miles on. 15 Wisconsin winters have definitely taken their tole on the undercarriage. My main concern are the rear spring shackles and spring mounts as they are very rusty but even the leaf springs are rusting badly. I plan on replacing the shackles, spring mounts, shocks and possibly the springs themselves as well as the U-bolts since I'll have everything apart. Any recommendations of aftermarket parts over OEM parts? (leaf springs, bushings, shocks?)

The truck is my hay-hauler and pulls a 20,000lb gooseneck and I'd hate to see a leaf spring jab a hole in my bed one day.

 

[BarryG]

Well the bushings all I ever could find were the energy suspension systems http://www.genosgarage.com/ENERGY-S...94-02-4WD/productinfo/ES_52119G/#.VV304V7bJD8 I am literally in the process of putting them in what a pita getting the old ones out but certainly doable. I just need to finish putting the springs back on. I had to replace a shackle and got it from the dealer and was quite surprised at the price I think it was $35 they also had the bolts which the price seemed excessive on them but I used them anyway. If you get new oem springs the bushings will come with/in them. As far as oem the bushings are not serviceable only come with the springs. Aftermarket springs are out there just make sure you don't give up any/too much load capacity which it seems you need. Carli suspension for example makes a real nice progressive rate spring that rides great but you lose 20-25% capacity which you might be able to still use with air bags but my gooseneck hitch is a b&w under bed mount and it mounts in the same place as the airbags so I cant use the bags.

http://www.wholesalemopar.com/parts_catalog.html has springs and shackles listed