I just bought a used 94 Grand Caravan and I hear a loud pop in the rear whenever I turn tight corners. It's not coming from the front, although I did replace a lower ball joint. Anywayz, I put it up on the lift and looked at the leaf springs and leaf spring bushings and can't really find where this noise is coming from. The rear shocks could definitely use replacing as they are rusty and one is leaking badly. Could a rear shock pop so loud?
Any info would definitely be appreciated.

Could Be!!!!!!
A lot of weight is being shifted from one side to the other on turns (could've been installed wrong to begin with and loose in its mount), beings that it's leaking and appears bad - REPLACE IT!!!
Then check - if not corrected, we can continue from there.
Rich

just a quick note.

be aware that some people have reported a loud popping noice from rear suspension. noticeable over bumps and turns. The ID of the top of some of the aftermarket shocks is larger than the OD of the OEM bolt holding the shock in place and this may result in tapping noises.

While this may not be your problem it, just keep it in mind.

have you checked the leaf spring bushings and the shackle bushings? How about making sure that the "U-bolts" holding rear axle are tight.

as previously stated if the shocks are leaking then it is time to replace the shock.

Hello all
I also have a 94 T&C with a pop/thump in the rear. This happens when you hit a pothole or even on a turn. I did replace the rear shocks but that did not help. I checked the rear wheel bearings and all 4 are good. The exhaust is tight and showes no sign of hitting anything. I also replaced the front struts because they where worn out. The leaf springs /bushings and all brackets show no sign of a problem. This is my wifes van and she said it started 1 day (that was 2 months ago) and the noise is getting worse. There is no vibration and the ride is ok. But It seems to me that even with new shocks on the rear that it takes a pothole hard. The rear rubber bumper stops on the rear axel do not bottom out.
any other ideas????
Thanks
Fireplug
ps I am a Master GM Tech so I have an idea what I am doing but this problem has me stumped

Hey guys,
I started this thread a long time ago and the fix was easy. It was nothing more than the shackle bushings. They are the round black ones. The look good to inspect them, but they had to be actually tooken out to see how bad they are (this was not easy,as I had to press some of them out) Get these bushings from the dealer as they are like 1/4 the price of anywhere else(weird).

Later,
Allen

was going to do that next, Hell thats the only thing that could be making this noise

i know this is stupid but i work for dodge and have seen several techs over look it the spare tire is not done up tight enough and you get the same sound I seen one customer replace the hole rear suspension bushings and shocks and that was all it was. sounds like you got it anyway just thought i would throw that in for a laugh