Rear Coil Spring(s)

Guys,

Have a 99 Winnie LX with 3.8 L. When I go over bumps there is a bumping noise coming from the back passanger side wheel well. Almost like something is rolling around in the hatchback and hits the wall near the wheel well. At any rate went under the car and noticed that I can only see 8 coils on the passanger side verses 12 coils on the drivers side. Think it's the spring and not the shocks because had them (shocks) replaced about 125K mile (now 155K). I know it could still be shocks....but think they still have some life left? They were Monroe Sense a Tracs (I think) so they weren't the cheap-o ones. I have some questions:

1. What is a good replacement Spring to install?
2. Do I have to do both at once?
3. It looks like there is an upper and lower mounting plate as well, should I replace?
4. Should I replace shocks too, what is a good brand?

I will most likely be having Pep Boys do the work for I don't have the equip.

Thanks,

AJ

bump

I don't know much about the rear end of my '99 (280k miles), but do know one of the first things I would expect to "go" is a left-to-right radius rod ... with rubber bushings in each end. These bushings are replaceable I would expect.

I would replace both springs. It sounds like one of them broke; the other one isn't far behind. Sorry, I'm not familiar with preferred spring brand names for this application.

LATER EDIT: I'm a little confused: I took a closer look at my pictures linked below. There are about 6 visible coils on the rear springs of my '00. I find it hard to believe that the springs on a '99 are so different that you can see either 8 or 12. Are these the OEM springs? Can anyone else confirm major spring changes between '99 and '00?

I installed Airlift 1000 spring airbags to firm up the rear of my Windstar. See some pictures - which include some details of Windstar rear suspension - here: http://community.webshots.com/album/548741257AJALLi While I don't recall the details of the upper and lower mounting plates, I don't remember them being something that would require replacement anytime soon.

I also replaced my rear shocks - as I recall, I used mid-grade Monroe's, and would recommend them. Personally, however, I would avoid the "coil-over-shock" absorbers that are often sold as upgrades. Why? The goal of the shock absorber is... well, so absorb shocks. The shock mounts aren't designed to support the load of the van: That's the job of the spring. Shock absorbers that include springs effectively transfer some of the spring load to the shock mounts, which can cause problems.

I wanted a firmer ride on my Windstar - and the ability to adjust it - so I added spring airbags. They give me the ability to change how the rear spring works. I originally installed them to give me some suspension flexibility when towing trailers (I have both a popup camper and a utility trailer), but have discovered I mostly appreciate how they improve the ride when I'm *not* towing.