Changing the stocks and struts is not going to change the height of your vehicle so it isn't changing the geometry of your vehicle no alignment needed, it isn't a bad a idea but not a must. As I have posted before the rear shocks can be done with ease and in less then 5-10 mins per shock. Buy a 14mm rachet wrench $7.00 The top of all stud shocks had either a flat spot or a allen hole in the top to hold the shock without doing damage. Hold the shaft with a allen wrench or regular wrench depending on the style while you have the ratchet wrench over it and it no time its done.

 

You'd likely need an alignment if you changed the springs not the shocks. Shocks don't do anything for ride height (so geometry stays the same) and thus as mentioned, no alignment is needed.

If you haven't done the rears, the easiest way by far is to just use a sawzall (with a metal blade) and cut right at the rubber bushing (effectively cutting the stud off the top of the shock)......you aren't going to save them if they are shot anyway.

The fronts are not that bad but you should absolutely take them to a shop for compressing the coils......it will only be like $20.

 

Thanks again for all the great responses...Might just try the rears myself and wait until the fronts start leaking. They seem just fine @ 130k which is surprising (assuming they are original). Wonder how much better of a ride I'd actually notice if the fronts seem OK now and aren't leaking? Might be smarter to wait...Christmas is just around the corner...the rears are a must though, will do next week w/ confidence thanks to the great input!!! Now, where'd I put that sawzall........?????

 

iaonbb
Sorry about that. I saw OEM and thought OME. Just not as smart as I wish I was. If you have any hopes of a future lift I would upgrade from OEM if you don't already have them.