98 grand caravan AWD possible blown rear absorber

[jsbpfs]

I think I have a blown right rear shock absorber on my 98 grand caravan AWD. It makes a big thump when you hit a bump hard. I took it to Midas and they could not fix it due to it being a special type of absorber supposedly sold only at the dealership for around $440 each!! I have also heard that this is a type of air shock that can be rebuilt or refilled cheaper. Does anybody have any experience with this problem? There also has to be a cheaper place to buy the part then the dealer. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jon

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by jsbpfs

I think I have a blown right rear shock absorber on my 98 grand caravan AWD. It makes a big thump when you hit a bump hard. I took it to Midas and they could not fix it due to it being a special type of absorber supposedly sold only at the dealership for around $440 each!! I have also heard that this is a type of air shock that can be rebuilt or refilled cheaper. Does anybody have any experience with this problem? There also has to be a cheaper place to buy the part then the dealer. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jon

Must have the load leveling suspension , these are called Nivomat shocks and they do cost like 400 a piece . These are a all in one shock that autmatically levels the load hydraulically . If you look at them they are huge , look like they belong on a 2500 pickup truck. I have these on my 2004 too , have looked around for an external supplier but have never found one . I thought you could use standard as replacements if wanted but they would not be load levelers . I would run it by the dealer and see if standard shocks could be used if wanted otherwise start saving your pennies .

[neon_rt]

Drivewire has the Nivomat shocks for about $120 each, the Dodge dealer wants about $325 each.
Going to be putting a set of these on my '00GC soon.