Replace springs with shocks?

[curmudge1]

2012 TE with 164K miles, original shocks & springs.

Past due, but I'm planning to have new Bilstein 4600 shocks installed at a local shop that I have been dealing with for about 20 years. I am never going to lift, so the 4600s are fine. Original shocks aren't that bad riding, actually, only notice occasionally.

Shop says they plan to replace the shock mounts too, after this many miles, and may need to replace something else, anti-sway bar maybe? Doesn't matter.

In an old post I recall someone saying they always replace the springs when they do the shocks? Can't find it, my search skills aren't good enough.

Opinions on replacing springs? Fore and aft? OEM/other OEM-like brand?

What if I want to install/have installed a front hitch (Curt), slightly stiffer springs? Does that make a difference on this decision? Is there a spec for spring "stiffness"? Suggestions welcome.

I plan to keep this until 300K miles or more, it suits me.

TIA

 

[DougR]

Are the front springs sagging? Measure current suspension height.

Weight is a factor. A Curt front hitch weighs 33 lbs. What are you going to mount on it? Cargo carrier? What does it weigh and what does the cargo weigh? Snowplow? What does that weigh? How often will you carry the extra weight?

I don't know what is available in stock height springs that offer extra stiffness. I installed Dobinson's C59-239 springs because I wanted a 1-inch lift. They have since settled to 0.5-inch lift.

 

[bootown]

List of things you do not need to replace just because you're replacing your shocks: springs, shock mounts, sway bar, sway bar links, headlight washer fluid, along with everything else you can think of.

If you use this shop, at the very least request they save the shock mounts and show you what was wrong with them. Then get ready for a good laugh. I bet they tell you you need to replace rotors every time you replace your brake pads too.