Ok quick update!
Finally got the passenger side rear spring mount rivets replaced. Decided to go with the grade 8 bolts. Used a reamer to final size the holes to 7/16. The shank actually measured .432. I used an adjustable reamer for the final sizing. Made sure the shanks extended slightly more than the holes, installed washers to take up the space. Used self locking nuts with a dab of loctite for insurance. Spring mounting completed. Put all 4 tires on the ground bounced the truck a few times, then went around final tightening the shackles and U bolts. Used liberal amounts of nickel anti seize. Purchased the correct shocks using extended and compressed measurements. Turns out the ones that fit the truck are about 4 inches shorter than the ones that were on it when we bought it.
Wow! went for a ride, what a difference! I would have never thought springs/shocks would have made that much of a change. Baby now holds the road better and the wheel has less play, and far better response. We discovered a brake fluid leak at the rear passenger wheel. After that gets repaired, the rear shocks will be looked at for correct length. It felt like the rear axle would kick hard over any bumps in the road. I have no qualms about replacing the rear springs if that is what it takes to smooth out the ride even more.
It felt good to take her out and to see the smile on my wife's face as she drove her truck again!
Thanks for all the help and advice fellas!
RK
