Shocks?

[pbkid]

What if you can only get the front end to move like 1/2" when you push hard? That's not really even a bounce. Mechanic has checked twice, no leaks, OEM's look OK. 64k miles, 2001.

Question- if the truck is used for a fair amount of recreational off-road use, will that wear out the OEM shocks faster than highway use?

yes, but if your front end is really stiff like you say then that suggests that they are in good shape...

i use my VX heavily for dirt roads with lots of washboard and plenty of offroading and mine are plenty stiff still....i have 85k and its a 2000...

[Ldub]

If you do a site search on "squeaking", you'll find that most squeaking when going over bumps, can be eliminated by changing the sway bar bushings to greasable, energy suspension bushings.
Also, the bump stops & latch on the hood are known "squeakers".