Shocks

What are the best shocks that I could possibly buy for my van. I do use it to tow, nothing more than 3500 pounds. I was looking at the monroe sensa trac for front and back. Also how hard is it to replace them my self or should I have the mechanic install them for me.

Probably Bilstiens. I like the KYBs that I put on my 95.

No arguments with Bilstein or KYBs.
I put the Monroe Sensi-Trak on my '97, and it rides / handles better than my friends (then new) Astro.
And the price is good.

This is just my opinion, but if you're looking for better handling, perhaps a 6' H x 6' W x 16' L box is not the best starting point. The most important function on a tight handling car is usually rebound rate control, whereas on a cargo box such as an Astro/Safari, I would argue that compression damping is more important to prevent excessive roll and dive. The moment center on a vehicle such as this is a LOT higher in the triangle than any car, and weight transfer is going to be a lot more prominent. Couple that with the fact that the static load on each wheel of an Astro/Safari is significantly higher than almost any car. This is a legitimate 5,000 pound vehicle (dry weight of 4,600 pounds) on a relatively short wheelbase and track for that mass, not a 3,200 pound coupe.

You cannot simply use a cookie cutter to apply what you understand about cars to a van. The dynamics are a lot different. All those brands mentioned are fine products, but make sure you select the right one for the application.

You know, just as I pushed the "post reply" I thought that maybe I should qualify that "handling"......
I agree, it is a truck, not a Corvette, but the better shocks did improve the vans' ride, even the little ripples on the highway, pot-hole control, braking and cornering, even when towing, (not recommended for the 'vette), or when empty, when compared to my friends then new Astro.
But yes, it's still a truck.
And back to the question, I changed them at home. The backs were easy, but I borrowed a torch to get the front ones out as the top nut was seized. Try penitrating oil, on all of them, a couple of days before you try to change them.

So you guys recommend I go with bilstein. I don't mind paying a little more, but want to put the best that i can. Thanks.

Removing the fronts is easier than the rears, if you know the secret. Use a deep well socket and extension on the upper nut, rock it back and forth a couple of times and it will break right off, 10 seconds maximum.

Old Master: Do you know how much trouble that would have saved me over the years? I'm going to remember that.

Great little trick of the trade. Made $20 one time betting a "greenhorn" I could get the upper mount off in under 10 seconds, without a torch or air tools. The extension is just a "handle", the longer it is, the faster and easier the stud breaks off. Who cares if you break the shock, you're replacing it!

That trick works good on just about all RWD GM products. Have used it on the van, the 9C1 and my 86 Caprice.