Replacing Suspension

[BarrieAutoWreckers]

I need to replace the shocks on my 05 Montana. I've got little experience but I'm looking to try and save money by doing myself - the last two cars I've been able to replace using a quick strut, which was really easy -- 3 bolts on top, 2 on bottom, voila.

What's your opinion, is it fairly easy to do the shocks on the Montana?

[rkvons]

I don't know about the '05, but with my '98 it was tricky getting the top bolts off, due to the fact that they are underneath so far.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by BarrieAutoWreckers

I need to replace the shocks on my 05 Montana. I've got little experience but I'm looking to try and save money by doing myself - the last two cars I've been able to replace using a quick strut, which was really easy -- 3 bolts on top, 2 on bottom, voila.

What's your opinion, is it fairly easy to do the shocks on the Montana?

It's not a bad job. I know they make Monroe quick struts for the '05 and beyond. They sent me the wrong ones for our '99 (really made for the '05 +) but they fit with a hacksaw adjustment to the shock mount end of the shaft. (Wiper arms got in the way of the hex on top; - right side only). Wasn't going to re and re the shock a second time, so grabbed the hacksaw, and as you say, 'Voila!' The shock mount bolts may be easier to get out on the '05, but the 98 through '04 require the removal of the wiper assembly in order to get enough hand room using common tools.

If you get into ball joints, don't bother re and re'ing them. Buy new Dorman control arms with the ball joint already attached. The bushings will be worn anyway. Cheaper, quicker and only need an alignment afterwards. Actually, you'll throw the limited amount of camber and caster out replacing the shocks, so an alignment is advised anyway.