99 Rear Air Leveling Shocks

[bigcoconut]

Been going through the threads in this forum about the rear air leveling shocks. Mine were shot with 107,000 miles on them and one of them had a hole which I noticed with the van loaded down headed to the beach two weeks ago dragging the tail pipe.

The local Chevy dealers want $258-$265 for each side (one [1]) for the AC/Delco PN 504119 (which is the replacement for the original PN 504107 according to GM). The RockAuto website lists a AC/Delco PN 504101 ($204.79 for Pkg of two [2]) which has the same description but I couldn't find any correlation between that PN and my 99 Venture from GM so I was unsure as to how they would work.

Skimming the threads a couple of you guys mentioned a Monroe replacement, PN MA-824 (RockAuto 61.79 for Pkg of two[2]). My local parts store, Standard Auto Parts in Pearland TX, had them in stock for 74.99 for two so I replaced them this weekend (I like my local guys, they can answer my questions so I try to support them whenever I can). The Monroe shocks are smaller in diameter than the original, but they fit perfect as far as bolting them in and the airline connections.

They ride great with no more bouncy-bouncy when I hit a bump and they level off like there supposed to when I had the van full this last Sunday for church. Hopefully I can get 110,000 miles out of the Monroe's like the original AC/Delco, probably not, but for the price they are great. Just wanted to let all you Venture owners out there know about my findings.

Happy traveling...

[Cressidaadr]

Thanks for the heads up on these rear shocks. My 98 is past due and I wondered about how long of job is it.

I've done rear shocks before on other FWD minivans and it is pretty quick and easy. How much extra is involved for the air supply lines?

[bigcoconut]

Not much at all. Everything about them is standard shock stuff, the only extra is the air connection which is very simple to work with. All you need is the standard tools for changing any shock. The air connections can be disonneccted and connected by hand.

[Cressidaadr]

Bigconconut can you give us an update on the ride quality of the aftermarket Monroe MA824 rear shocks. I see one member reported ride was much harsher after installing these. See this thread which is now closed :

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...90#post4923790

[bigcoconut]

Good, I don't notice much of a difference from the ride before except the back end doesn't bounce any more. I still need to change the front struts, that will be next month. I've gotten no complaints about the ride from the back seat folks either.

Hope this helps...

[db234]

Originally Posted by bigcoconut

Not much at all. Everything about them is standard shock stuff, the only extra is the air connection which is very simple to work with. All you need is the standard tools for changing any shock. The air connections can be disonneccted and connected by hand.

I was able to turn the spring clip the 90 degrees and pull the 'boot' off but the thinner air hose slide through the boot and still seemed secure. Is the 'O' ring seal fairly tight? Should I just pull harder? Thanks.

[bigcoconut]

Yes, just pull A little harder, the hard plastic hose will com out. Check the o-ring to make sure it still looks good, I have been able to re-use mine so far.

[db234]

Originally Posted by bigcoconut

Yes, just pull A little harder, the hard plastic hose will com out. Check the o-ring to make sure it still looks good, I have been able to re-use mine so far.

Thanks. I didn't have the best angle when I was trying it last night. There is an L shaped boot that the air tube bends around. I think holding that might help with leverage. I hate breaking things by pulling too hard... often find hidden screws or bolts afterwards

Is the lower bolt on the strut metric or SAE. Seems smaller than 3/4 (19 mm)" and bigger than 11/16 (17.5 mm)". Close to 18 mm? Of course I have a couple of 17 and 19 mm sockets but no 18's. Bigger question; are the bolts on the 2000 Venture metric or SAE?

[bigcoconut]

Don't remember, probably metric. There's still a mix of metric and SAE on Chevy's, depending on who and where the vendor who makes the components are from.

[db234]

Originally Posted by bigcoconut

Don't remember, probably metric. There's still a mix of metric and SAE on Chevy's, depending on who and where the vendor who makes the components are from.

Thanks. I was planning on picking up a long and short 18 mm tonight on the way home. I should have the bolt bracketed pretty well with those additions.

[db234]

Originally Posted by db234

Thanks. I was planning on picking up a long and short 18 mm tonight on the way home. I should have the bolt bracketed pretty well with those additions.

Looks like 18 mm. Haven't tried loosening the bolt yet. Looking at the driver's side rear strut I noticed that the parking brake cable was rubbing up against the strut. It looks like there is a bracket missing.

Here the bracket is shown in the Haynes manual.



Here is my rear strut.



Notice on the left, no bracket. Anyone know what this part would be or an online catalog with pictures. Thanks.

I went to my local Chevy dealer and they were able to provide the image:



Part#14 looks about the right place and name, Parking brake cable bracket. It doesn't quite look the same as the picture and there are left and right versions. I didn't notice the place on the cable for the right bracket.