So I've been clunking on smallish bumps lately and I think I need new rear springs/coils.

With my 150 lb crate of tools and gear in the back, which is always there, the jounce bumpers are touching, and the bump stops are about 1.5 inches above the axle (that's the edge...center of curve is about 2")

The pics below are WITHOUT the heavy crate in the back.



So, I've got brand new Rancho 5000 series shocks in the back, installed because I hadn't educated myself on coils and jounce bumpers, etc.

With the 5000 series I'm thinking OME 891 springs (medium duty?) I'll be building a sleeping/storage unit to hold the tools, similar to Ryan Napoleon's and that'll weigh 100 lbs, plus the tools at 150 lbs...plus we tow a Coleman popup camper, and yard trailer to the dump etc.

Again, I'm a newb at suspension and have no desire for lift kits. I just don't want to bottom out when I'm loaded down with gear and family for camping.

So, from the pics do I need new rear springs? And would OME 891's fit the bill?

Yeah, you definitely need new springs. Customers always request that I change their shocks or tell me they changed their own shocks to fix a ride height problem without realizing that springs hold up the vehicle and shocks dampen the springs cycling or action. I can't really tell you what brand to buy because I haven't installed enough different brands or driven them on or off road enough to have any opinion. I would say that with the constant extra 250 lbs in the back and doing some towing you will want the medium or heavy weight rating what ever brand you choose.

Bump

You definitely need new springs. I'd highly recommend the OME 891s and Bilstein 5100s. I've a little over 2 inches of lift over my stock non-sagging springs and they ride great with the Bilsteins. Even with ~500lbs of weight in the rear they don't sag more than an inch. Definitely do not get the OME shocks that are available with the 891s, they are valved way too stiff and ride like shit.

Here’s the rub: Not thinking the problem was springs, I bought a set of Rancho 5000 series shocks and installed them. Actually a friend installed them for me. Two months ago. Anyway, my wife’s not gonna be too happy if she finds out I need to buy new springs AND another set of shocks. Springs she’s fine with, but not new shocks so soon. So, do 891’s go with Rancho 5000 series shocks? When I messaged a guy at Rancho he said I’d “probably need coils that have 2” coil over stock” to keep the 5000 series on there. I know nothing about suspension. Would 891’s work?

Yes if those shocks are designed to work with springs that have 2" of lift over stock, they should work fine with the 891s.