front end bottoming out

[vns]

Our 1992 Grand Caravan bottoms out when going over the slightest bump in the road. Is this vehicle prone to this type of problem or is there something that can be done? So far we have replaced struts and ball joints.

[capoeta]

sorry I will not be of much help, but good luck with an answer.

I too posted a similar help request as yours and no reply 1 month+ later.

I changed struts 2 times. Monroe and Gabriel. switched to HD springs in front and nothing, replaced ball joints, nothing, replaced sway bar bushings, nothing, front and rear alignment, nothing, replaced spring bushing (donut), nothing.

van still bottoms out over small bumps, holes, etc.,

I just decided to stop throwing money into it.. my van is a 95 model with a 3.3

maybe someone will jump in and respond with the magic solution...

good luck and let me know if you figure out anything on your side.


cap

[digimon]

I too have had this on my 88' I had replaced the drivers side strut three times. Once it broke the top mount off. I throught it was just me. Well I never really got it to stop on second thought I did get to stop I give it away. Now after reading this I think that it may be a bad dessign. After seeing the second post I don't think anything can be done to stop it from bottoming out but get rid of it.
Ride On, digimon

[mayville1]

Put a lift on the thing, might work. Put something over the parts getting damaged- maybe sheet metal

[evolve007]

Again, I'm no help either, but wanted to share the same experience. Front passenger side bottoms out on speed bumps, entrance ramps, and some rough roads, however, this only happens with us during COLD weather???

I figured strut replacment should fix it. Ya'll getting me worried now.

[capoeta]

I am wondering if OEM struts from dealership are "stiffer" than aftermarket. Has anyone replaced struts with dealer units?

I noticed when I switched struts in the front from the monroe to the Gabriel that the resistance was about identical from one to another and the push back was very weak IMO for a minivan with front wheel drive.

[Three_Fingers]

Try heavier struts. Failing that-skid plates
I have an '87 with new front struts and mine still sits HIGH two years later.

[Anaudiophile]

Are you all sure that the van is actually bottoming out? Or is it just clunking loudly. Bottoming out should be felt through the whole vehicle big time.
I've come across front swaybars that haven't been centered on 2nd gen Chrylser minivans and/or the outer bushings are wrong or installed wrong causing the swaybar to contact the lower control arm!?
Don't know if this helps?

Just a note: struts of any kind do not affect the ride height of the vehicle. This job is for the springs only! The strut just dampens!

[DaYtOnAt2]

I second that, and also if it's just the loud clunking check the swaybar itself. I've seen several that broke in not so obvious areas like where they go through the bushings.

[capoeta]

i replaced the inner and outer sway bar bushings thinking that it might be the problem, but the bottoming out is still ocurring and I did not see any signs on the bar or LCA of rubbing or hitting each other

[DaYtOnAt2]

I'd find a local shop who'll look at it for free. I just find it hard to believe that it's bottoming out especially with newer HD springs. Is it the whole van or does it seem like just front or what?

[capoeta]

just the front is bottoming.... i ever put HD springs in. i think the aftermarket struts may be too soft...

[DaYtOnAt2]

I suppose the struts could be at fault but the springs really control ride height. Bad struts are just gonna give that typical Lincoln/Cadillac ride. It's worth a shot though, everything else considered. What brand, and how old/ how many miles are on the struts? Are they in warranty anywhere or did you do them yourself? Like I said, I'd take it to someone who'll look at it for free first... Most larger chain shops will evaluate it or do a front end inspection for free. Sears auto, Tire Kingdom, NTB, etc. Good Luck!

[5spd]

May be jounce bushings on your struts (or rather lack thereof). Check and see.

[Opps123]

hey, my 92 dodge caravan le did this too when i first bought it..i had it in the shop many times they replaced everything in the front end execpt the springs then the last time in the shop they replaced the springs with oem mopar springs and VOLAL the problem was fixed i thought it was just my van but i guess it is a bad design idk if this will help ne one else but this is what i did and it fixed the problem peace all