Bought a 2001 S-10 blazer and want to upgrade the rear suspension a little bit. The suv would be used as my daily driver but also have tools for roadside assistance (mostly tools for tire changes, jumpstarter, air tank, etc.) And not really sure what I should be looking for or to get. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Easiest way to firm up the rear suspension would be either an add-a-leaf or helper springs (coil-over-shocks).

There's several companies that offer add-a-leaf kits. You'd be better off with a long leaf vs the short leave. The long leaf kits go just under the main leaf and will make it firmer, but not hard. Many people on here have actually made their own long add-a-leaf by getting a used leaf pack from a U-Pull and cutting off the eyes from the main leaf so it's a full-length secondary leaf. This may result in a bit of a lift to the rear suspension (0-2")

Monroe offers a bolt on system helper spring system that would just replace your rear shocks. This probably won't lift your rear suspension, but will make it firmer.

 

I should have said earlier post the leaf spring are new, but the rear shocks were replaced with some really cheap aftermarkets so looking to upgrade those for replacements.

 

what i did with mine is used the Gabriel 43163 load leveler shocks from a 88-89 k1500. Not only did this improve the ride quality but stabilized it in turns as well as load carrying. With what you mentioned about carrying extra stuff these should work great. Also these might add a 1" lift. Nothing crazy but definitely look into it. You can check out my post with the pics of my zr2 to give you a idea. Just incase I'll attach a few pics. Oh btw the shocks are red and black. I just painted mine to match my front bilsteins..

 

Here some info for shocks I found for you. Hope this helps. These should fit your blazer..

43162 Rear Load Carrier
Detailed Specifications

Click the image above for a larger view.

Product Description

The Front & Rear Spring Assist (Load Carrier) by Gabriel® is the perfect combination of shock and spring technology. The constant-rate front coil springs improve stability and restore ride height, while the variable-rate rear coil springs provide 500 lbs. per pair of extra load capacity.

Specifications

Product Line: Rear Load Carrier Shock Extended Length: 22.99 in. 583.95 mm. Shock Collapsed Length: 14.38 in. 365.25 mm. Length of Stroke: 8.61 in 218.69 mm. Accessory Kits: n/a Upper Mount Code: BP14 Lower Mount Code: ES34

 

Any updates on this? I am searching for new shocks for my 98 Blazer 4x4 that will be a local daily driver but would like to also tow with it. Am considering those Gabrial load carrier shocks. How well did they do for you, drivability without towing or hauling much etc?

 

They workes really well improved the ride substantially and did not affect daily driving. I so recommend these for any upgrade. Also helps with the handling. No more sway in the curves. If you add weight to the back it wont squat and ride even better. Hope this helps.

 

Thank you so much for the reply and recommendation. Did you do the fronts as well or just go with the none load carrier Gabriel shocks?

 

I had the bilstein on the front and load leveler Gabriel's in back. Just did the back. Also depending what application on shocks you get it might lift the back up a little then adjust your front torson bars and you might get a little lift. The ones i used were for a 1500 suburban. It was longer and raised my blazer about a extra inch. Took a lot off stress of the springs. I also did paint the rear shocks to match the bilsteins. Kind of ocd on those little things... Lol
just do a little research on the shocks and find if you want to keep stock height or go something little longer for added weight later on. Blazers can always use little help in back end anyways...

 

If i Had the 2.5" RC lift on my 2005, 2 Door base model could I fit the Gabriel 43162??