I don't have airbags. With respect to shear forces, if you've ever heard of someone snapping a leaf spring by using a stableload, please let me know, and please send pics. It's really hard to imagine that happening after getting intimately familiar with the leaf springs.
I agree the stock suspension has its limits and I'm probably right at the edge (based on how I want the truck to ride/drive, anyway). With the benefit of more research and reflection, I'm hopeful that Rancho 9000 XLs are going to clean up the last little bit of my issues.
