02 Sierra 1500 extend cab with 180K+ miles. I have been having a noise coming from the rear end when going over bumps or breaks in the road. At road speeds (usually noticeable 30mph and over) the truck will go over a bump in the road and it feels like the rear end is coming off the ground. It feels like the truck even hops slightly to the left and right. Rear and front shocks are original and tire pressure is around 40 cold. At time on snow covered roads when the rear tires break loose the rear end will begin to hop or chatter, once pressure is released the chatter stops and you start over.

I am suspecting the rear shocks need replaced but I am unsure. I don't haul heaving loads often but at time have filled the box with firewood for short distances (less then 5 miles) a few times. Towing is light or at the most 2000 lbs about 12 times during the warm weather season. Leaf springs seem to be entacked with no cracks or brakes.

Is my guess correct or is there something else going on? Thanks for any help.

usually the stock gm shocks last about 30-50k so you are about 100-130k past due. the kyb gas adjust are good dual purpose shocks, they restore ride and control loads better than oem, or monroe, or any of those store brand ones. i buy them from amazon, just suspension, but you can be in a hurry to get them is all. you might want to check your bushings as well they are likely beat from riding for 100k with no suspension control, if you can pry them with a bar and get significant movement then they are done too

Justin is right. When it comes to rear end drive vehicles that hop like that, its a sure sign your shocks are bad.