Do I need new shocks on the truck, will it ride better?

I doubt if they're any good. Remove one end and see if it'll cycle easily. You shouldn't be able move it easily.

If you replace them, don't just go by the size of the bushings. Go to a truck shop and get the proper dampening. Pickup shock will actually fit, but don't work very well

Does anyone know of a good upgrade over the factory shock?

 

Since shocks are a hydraulic mechanism, they build heat when operating. A simple way to determine their condition is to grab them with your hand after coming off the road. If they are warm then they are working.

 

But are they working at 100% of spec?

 

As a rule if there warm they are working right, if there hot there being over worked and will fail sooner, if there cold there done shot.
Also if you see any oil on the body of the shock up under the steam shield the oil seal is failing and the shock is all but done.
OEM shocks are good for about 100000 miles, after market shocks are good to about 150000 miles or so.

There is an after market shock maker that makes rebuildable shocks for class 8 trucks. I cant find the link for them at the moment but I bet there pricey.

 

Road Kings.

I'm testing a set right now.

 

I use KONI gas shocks, a little more expensive but worth every penny, they last longer and improves the ride hugely , I always have them put in the truck from new, you would really know the difference on our crap roads

 

I also use adjustable Koni shocks or SV Russian Specials. SV is more expensive but also more durable and they can build them to your specs.

 

I haven't heard of those sv, I'll def look into them, if they're more durable than KONI then they're def worth a look!