Best shock replacement for heavy off-road ambulance k3500

[Angelo]

I am in the process of replacing leaf springs on my 96 k3500 ambulance and contemplating replacing the shocks as well. It's got some old Monroe shocks in the back. It weighs ~13500 lbs so I wonder how much of a difference a new shock will do for me. It likes to try to roll when I go over bumps on turns, maybe that's something shocks will help?
I already bought Bilstein B6 4600s but since I spend so much time off-road (ambulance is a live-in camper) I wonder if there's a better option. I can still return them. Plus the Bilsteins don't have a rubber boot to keep the dust out.
I've heard Bilstein are for "heavy duty" but what does that even mean? I'd just like a smooth ride and suited for extensive off-road dusty road conditions. To me, heavy duty just means stiffer, which doesn't seem like it'd help with my Humpty Dumpty roll that the box likes to do.
Here are some options, almost all have good reviews online

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[Angelo]

I guess any shock would be better than what I just found on the driver side rear while doing the leaf spring

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[Angelo]

Where it mounts the bolts are missing. Anyone know what bolt and nut I should go with for mounting top of (new)shock? I think the bolts in the shock mounting kit are 3/8 x 16 x 1.5 inches

 

[DieselTech]

Where it mounts the bolts are missing. Anyone know what bolt and nut I should go with for mounting top of (new)shock? I think the bolts in the shock mounting kit are 3/8 x 16 x 1.5 inches

My 1988 k3500 SRW 1 ton, the top shock mounting bolts was 5/16" or 8mm by 1¼" long.

 

[Carlaisle]

I guess any shock would be better than what I just found on the driver side rear while doing the leaf spring

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[99xcss4]

Suspension Shock Absorber-Rear Load Carrier Shock Absorber Gabriel 43163 | eBay

20745, 32225, 43163, 50950, 519-22, 58600, 59029, 729088P, 88946581. The Front & Rear Spring Assist by Gabriel(R) combines shock and spring technology to reduce the loss of ride height in ongoing loaded conditions.

www.ebay.com

 

[Carlaisle]

My experience with Bilstein shocks and heavy loads was poor, but I seem to be in the minority. I replaced the Bilsteins with Monroe Gasmatics like what it looks like you have (had) there and have been very pleased.

Your humpty dumpty ride would best be addressed by a rear sway bar. Hellwig made one for our trucks at one point. It may still be available but its function may not be impressive at your weight. It was only 1-1/8" if I recall.

 

[Angelo]

Gonna give the Bilsteins a shot. The Monroe that was on there still worked but not like it should. Monroe will be next replacement if these fail.
All that brown stain on the muffler is diff fluid from a leaking pinion seal. That's next after new brake shoes on the passenger side. Then I will hopefully be done for a while.

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[Angelo]

The bolt that was missing from that broken shock was sitting right on top of the upper mount. Funny. Cleaned up with wire brush and used it to mount the new shock.

 

[DieselTech]

Gonna give the Bilsteins a shot. The Monroe that was on there still worked but not like it should. Monroe will be next replacement if these fail.
All that brown stain on the muffler is diff fluid from a leaking pinion seal. That's next after new brake shoes on the passenger side. Then I will hopefully be done for a while.

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I think you will like the Bilstein 4600's

I went with the 5100's & really like them over the Monroes it had on my k3500