82 GMC shocks

[DrMr]

I just bought a 1982 GMC standard cab rear wheel drive longbed "Camper Special" and the shocks are totally destroyed. I am running empty most of the time and any bumps result in the front end bottoming out. She floats around the road like a boat. I checked out Bilsteins and KYB MonoMax shocks. Nobody yet has been able to find any recommendations on which shock is best for a Camper Special. With 9 leafs and a helper, it stands a lot taller than my 87...and I want to be sure the shocks I choose are the right ones. At this point I am planning to go with the KYBs, as Bilstein is backordered for an undetermined length of time. I might only replace the front ones, as the rear doesn't seem to travel much with no load.

I've emailed or called EVERY source I can find, and this includes the tech folks at both companies. The local GMC dealer finally dug up OEM part numbers for the original shocks (no longer on the truck) and I'm waiting for the tech guy to email back and let me know if he was able to determine the proper MonoMax for my application.

They wanted me to measure the travel...but I don't know how to get the rear suspension to move through it's full range. Those springs are massive.

Anyone out there dealt with this?