Replacing shocks/struts on load leveling supsension
FRANKENCAMRY
02-04-2011, 01:58 PM
My 2003 Limited AWD with load leveling suspension (120K miles) doesn't take the bumps very well anymore. Thinking it might be time for me to replace the rear shocks and front struts. Anyone have experience/tips on what the load leveling suspension adds to this job?
TCGrove
02-21-2012, 08:50 PM
I'm just getting ready to do this on my 2001 T&C, FWD, 3.8L. I bought the Monroe 37123 shocks on Amazon (cheapest price I could find) and the 181572 L/R strut on Ebay. This is a complete quick change assembly. There are 3 videos on Youtube that show how to change. It's very straight forward. I also ended up buying the AK71 kit from Monroe. These are replacement bolts for the lower end of the strut. Some people say they are necessary to align the vehicle with the replacement struts. It doesn't show that in the videos. I'll try to follow up once I do the job.
I plan on soaking things with Kroil (penetrating oil) for a day or two first though.
I plan on soaking things with Kroil (penetrating oil) for a day or two first though.
FRANKENCAMRY
02-21-2012, 10:04 PM
I put in Monroe Quickstruts a few months ago. Pretty easy. Did get an alignment. Not really sure if I needed but the van has 130K and had never been aligned.
Replaced sway bar links and bushings at the same time. Damn new oem bushings are already making noise again. (clicking from nylon sleeve) Might try polyurethane bushings next
Haven't touched the rear shocks and at this point I'm thinking its not needed.
Replaced sway bar links and bushings at the same time. Damn new oem bushings are already making noise again. (clicking from nylon sleeve) Might try polyurethane bushings next
Haven't touched the rear shocks and at this point I'm thinking its not needed.
TCGrove
02-28-2012, 02:31 PM
This is a follow up to my earlier posting. I replaced the shocks and struts at 152,000 miles on my 2001 Town and Country (FWD). Like Frankencamry said...it's fairly easy. Just make sure you have a deepwell 22mm sock or box wrench. The rear shocks were totally simple. I attached the top bolt first and used a block of wood to push the shock up. Torque spec is 75 ft-lb. The front struts (Monroe quickkit) was easy enough. Toughest thing was using a "cheater bar" to break the nut loose (impact and heat wouldn't do it). The bolt head end is pressed in (watch video). New bolts torque to 75 ft-lb. Top 3 bolts have a 21 ft-lb torque spec. but you can't get a torque wrench in there. I did replace the sway bar bushings too (4th time). They were more prone to deteriorate due to the loose suspension. Overall the car drives great now (very noticable improvement). I do need an alignment though.
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