Shocks

The 2003 Safari is taking the bumps pretty hard. Thinking maybe of springing for a set of shocks. Anybody have any idea what shocks would be best for the Safari.

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I used to have a 1995 RWD Safari and replaced it with a 2001 AWD Safari. IMO, both vehicle designs have under built suspensions. re: Not enough support. Thus, their factory shocks and even Monroe shock replacement wear out too quickly. Their factory build is too "mushy" - even for 2 adults and NO loads.

For the rear of AWD 2001 Safari, I installed Timbren SES units with "new shocks". If wondering, Timbren SES units are like air bags without pressurized air inside them. Thus, no risk of air leaks. They simply replace the factory bump stops. For my 2001 AWD Safari, it was the best upgrade I did to it. That, and an ATF aux cooler install - to make its transmission run cooler.

For more details about Timbrens, surf: http://www.timbren.com/ses-van-suv.htm
Note: This same product is available is USA locations as well. Just do an internet Google.com search.

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If I had the opportunity to do this "better then factory" suspension upgrade again, I'd install Timbrens on both front and rear (instead of only the rear), and install Bilstien shocks on all 4 corners. Bilstien shocks are much better then low cost Monroe replacements. For more details, surf: http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?Model_Index=4Q46&Manf=Bilstein&SubChar=Q

Good luck....

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Thanks for the reply spike88, Good Information. Trying to locate a dealer near us for the Timbrens. The Bielstiens would have to come across the border and they insist on shipping UPS and we dont want to bring anything by UPS. Did your install go pretty smooth?

I see you are from "Ontario". For Timbrens SES units within your Ont region, simply email or call Timbren Corp. re: http://www.timbren.com/contact-timbren.php They will provide you all dealers within your region. Do call / shop around because prices do dramatically vary from shop to shop. Sometimes, double the selling price - from different resellers within the same area.

If wondering, I loved Timbren SES units so much on my previous 2001 Safari, I installed them in my wife's new mini-van. Her van has 'coil spring' rear suspension (instead of Leaf Springs - like on Safari/Astro vans). Regardless, Timben SES units work great on her smaller size van as well. Especially when loaded down with internal people and/or pulling a trailer under 3,000 lbs. re: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/Spike99-Pictures/Montana%20Van/TimbrenBottomOutsStop-3.jpg

If Bielstiens shocks are not available in your Ont region, do investigate Rancho RS brand shocks as well. I hear their RS 5000s and RS 9000s are awesome. re: http://www.gorancho.com/warranty.php If wondering, Rancho brand would be my second choice shock upgrade. Especially with their adjustable settings. I hear they are much better then "fixed setting" of Monroe brand.

To install Timbren SES units on the rear of my 2001 AWD van, I simply jacked up the rear of my van (just high enough to lift rear tires off the ground only 1/2"), installed 6-ton axle stands under its rear frame rails (for safety), removed the factory bump stops with 15mm wrench and replaced with new Timbren SES units (which are like airbags without pressurized air inside them). Very simple install task. And, they come with easy to follow install instructions as well. It took me longer time to jack up the rear of my van then installing the Timbren SES units.

To install the front shocks on my previous 2001 AWD Safari van, I had to get my buddy across the street to help. If wondering, I needed an 18mm long socket and it was a pain to get into position. To replace shocks in the future, I now ask my local auto shop to do it. re: When they do an engine oil change at the same time. They have different size sockets and are super fast in replacing shocks. If their Rancho brand shocks are reasonable selling price, I'd buy off my local auto shop as well...

Hope this helps as well...

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Thanks for coming up with the Rancho brand. Not much luck as yet with the Timbrens, still working on it.