Replacing K20 rear (stock) leaf springs and maybe shocks.

[cwest]

I need some thoughts.. I'm a total stock guy and am looking to replace the rear leaf springs on my K20.  The current driver side pack I believe had been overloaded at one time and caused the leafs to separated a little and you can see a slight lean to that side of the truck.  The other side looks normal but I imagine it has sagged a little over the years just with age and wear and when I replace the driver side now will teeter the other way.  So both springs being replaced with likely be in order?  Also, with further inspection I noticed the passenger side rear shock is hanging loose in the frame, so not placing tension on anything.  This might be blasphemy but does this suspension even truly need rear shocks?  I mean our trucks are from an era where trucks didn't ride like Cadillacs.  The rear suspension is so stiff I can't imagine shocks having much affect on the overall ride.  Or should I be be shopping for shocks along with the springs?   

[Blazin]

Doesn't matter how stiff the springs are, you need shocks. Common issue to have the top shock mount come lose on these trucks. Most good quality replacement shocks will come with a new top mount. You might have to weld up the hole in the frame as most times it will be all wallowed out from being left run lose.
Even if I am keeping a truck stock I always order my new spring pack with one extra leaf. I also run coil over shocks too. They give you approx. 500 lbs. more load capacity. If your current springs are for example 7 over 1, I order 8 over 1 new springs.

[cwest]

You hit the nail on the head.  It looks like the top mount hole as been stretched a bit from the mount moving around in there.  I was eye balling some springs online that list 8/1 leaves and are an HD designation.  More specifically 22-547HD, and here's the link just in case(http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7357).  I would imagine these spring take the truck right up to the kind of hauling capacity that just straight puts the 30 year old frame in danger.  Thanks for the info on shocks too, I'll do some research.  Any specific ones you've used and had good luck with?

[fxrsrider]

ahh....the 'ol "Bachelor Lean"....when the driver side springs sit lower than the passenger side.  Some old timers would just say to switch the two and they'll eventually even out (not my style, but gotta love the good 'ol practicality)

Blazin is right.  Springs handle the vertical movement of the rear end....but the Shocks serve to dampen that movement so that it's not so "jittery" or "bouncy"  They also help to stabilize the horizontal movement of the rear end.  Coil overs are awesome!  and an excellent suggestion.