Changing shocks and struts on my 97 Grand Voyager

[kandah]

How difficult is it to replace my rear shocks and front struts on this van? I had a quote for $450.00 from tire shop. this van has 145000 miles on original shocks and struts. My tires do not last but 35 to 40000 miles. I was told my struts should be changed. I am thinking to do this myself. Any instructions oust there on this?

Thanks.

[doratheexplorer]

Originally Posted by kandah

I had a quote for $450.00 from tire shop. this van has 145000 miles on original shocks and struts. I was told my struts should be changed. I am thinking to do this myself.

I worked on a '95 Voy w/98K miles and was humbled by the experience: not because of the difficulty, but because of the number of parts in the strut assembly that needed replacement due to deterioration. The rear shocks were cake.

IMHO, if the tire shop uses Monroe (Sensa-Trac, Reflex, etc)) or KYB brands, replaces the strut mounts & bearings, and completes an alignment, $450 is a good deal. The cost for quality front end struts and rear end shocks alone will be close to $400. At 145K, have them check for play in the tie-rod ends and the ball joints while they're there.

If the shop goes "El Cheapo" on the brands, then save yourself some hassle and spend the $400 on an axle set of Monroe Quick Struts (Bolt-off the old, bolt-on the new).

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by kandah

How difficult is it to replace my rear shocks and front struts on this van? I had a quote for $450.00 from tire shop. this van has 145000 miles on original shocks and struts. My tires do not last but 35 to 40000 miles. I was told my struts should be changed. I am thinking to do this myself. Any instructions oust there on this?

Thanks.

I had Sears change shocks and struts last year for $450.00 including a alignment. They also gave me a rebate form and I got $50.00 back from Monroe so It only cost me $400.00. My shop had quoted me $650.00.