Ok I just wanted to get some feedback about springs and shocks for my DI

This is kind of a later project but I wanted to get some feedback from you guys before I start shopping around so I know what I am looking for.

I know the Shocks need to be replaced (oil seeping from them) and while Im at it I will do the springs.
Whatever 4x4 use this vehicle gets will not be that demanding..

Getting in and out of Muddy Jobsights, and the occasional camping trip.
There will no purposeful seeking of obsticals, I will allways take the easiest possible path.

I am a carpenter, and in a perfect world my tools live on the jobsight secured in a JOB BOX, but often I am traveling from job to job carrying all of my tools in the back of my truck.
I loaded it up Friday as we finished a job and the truck was visibly low in the rear and high in the front. Approximately 250-300 lbs of tools in the back. I will be removing the rear seats this weekend and this will help me to distribute the load more towards the center of the truck..

My real question here is..
With an extra 250 lbs of gear above the rear axle, should I go with the HD springs??
How will it ride empty??
Do I stick with normal springs in the front since Im not planning on a bumper and winch??
If I did plan on getting a bumper and winch later, and chose to put HD springs on the front, is it going to ride horrible until I get the weight of an aftermarket bumper on the front??

 

Here is some good reading for you, https://www.expeditionexchange.com/ome/indexsprings.htm
First my own suggestion would be the 751 fronts and 762 rears, this will give you a level lift and staying away from the 763 rears will give you a much better all around ride. The 762's will habdle you load and the 751 ride great with or without a bumper, but are the only springs recommended if running a bumper and or winch.
I have over 100,000 miles on my front 751's and they ride well, handle my heavy front end and have not sagged yet.
Mike

 

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/BA2104.cfm

http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/BA2105.cfm

Here are the springs that I am going to use, $250 to my door.
Yes replace your springs in sets, all four at the same time, as well as the shocks.
These springs will not give you a lift of more than a 1" over stock height. Which is taller than you are now.
As for shocks, whatever you can afford.
HD springs will ride stiffer than stock springs, but you can adjust your ride by lowering your tire PSI.
My 3/4 ton work van with HD springs/shocks, 10 ply tires set to 75psi does not ride to bad when empty.
The Disco will ride stiffer because of the short wheelbase.
OME springs are going to give you about a 2" lift over stock height.

 

Ok more questions here..

So I go with the heavy duty springs..
When I get Shock Absorbers, I have to go HD as well correct to MATCH them???

 

I do not know whay you would need HD shocks too.
If you call AB they can tell youi for sure.
Shocks control the ride springs handle the load.

 

Ok, I will throw one more thing in here....

If you don't want a lift, but need extra support in the rear. Consider getting some airspring helpers. You said you were a carpenter, so I am sure you have access to a compressor if you need to air up more. (or jsut mount a unit un the rig)Also, you can get a set of bilstein HD shocks for under $300. They will not work if you ever lift the truck, as the travel is not long enough, but will work well at standard height.

These trucks are not rated for much weight in the back. I think trailer tongue weight is only 300#. If you are looking to keep costs low, might just look into the airbags instead of swapping all of the springs. I think a good OME lift kit with HD springs is around $600.. For sure the best, but might not be what you want...

 

Rovertym is where I would go. Very good service and quality products. My Defender rides better than stock.