Hi all, Trying to make sure I have everything i need before I start this project. So far I have the following: coil spring compessor Hub puller Other than typical tools (sockets, open end and box wrenches), is there any other specialty items that I might need. Thanks for any help, Bob Garrett Shawnee, KS

hi bob, i may be wrong, but i don't believe you'll need the hub puller. if you like i can scan in the directions from my hanes manual in the next couple days. why are you replacing them(i know it's due)? due to ride, or do you notice a leak coming from the strut/ shock housing? parker

Parker,   You're right. It turns out I didn't need it. The Chilton manual indicates that you need to remove the hub. The instructions with the strut don't mention it. I was able to change them without pulling the hubs.   I replaced them due to ride, which had become too bouncy. Its still too floaty of a ride for me, but the wife likes it (she's the principal driver).   Thanks for the advice.   Bob Garrett
hi bob,

i may be wrong, but i don't believe you'll need the hub puller. if you like
i can scan in the directions from my hanes manual in the next couple days.

why are you replacing them(i know it's due)? due to ride, or do you notice a
leak coming from the strut/ shock housing?

parker

i hope you don't kill me for mentioning it now.. but tokico makes a set of struts/ shocks for the '95-98. i have them on my '98. if you don't recognize the name, they are a aftermarket line, like bilstein and koni. very nice [firm] ride. anyway, did you notice any time of fluid leaking out of the old set? i think the struts on my '00 are leaking somewhat. i have a wet spot on the top of the strut housing. how long did it take you? and have you already taken it for an alignment? parker

I went with Monroe GasMatics. I've had good luck with Monroe built shocks on other vehicles + they were on sale.     No fluid leaks from the struts. One of the rear shocks had some leakage, though.   Struts and shocks took about 6 hrs total. Kinda tricky getting the strut out without removing the hub or overextending the halfshaft. Think that may be why the chilton manual called for it. 1st side took about 3 hours, about an hour less for the other side. Goes in tues for alignment. No driveabilty problems, so I don't think I changed it a lot.   Bob  i hope you don't kill me for mentioning it now.. but tokico makes a set of
struts/ shocks for the '95-98. i have them on my '98.

if you don't recognize the name, they are a aftermarket line, like bilstein
and koni. very nice [firm] ride.

anyway, did you notice any time of fluid leaking out of the old set? i think
the struts on my '00 are leaking somewhat. i have a wet spot on the top of
the strut housing.

how long did it take you? and have you already taken it for an alignment?

parker

did you happen to see or change out the strut bearings up front? i've never done the job yet, but i've had my '98 in twice for the job. i'd like to know what the item is, or what it's made out of. let me know how the alignment goes. have you ever taken this van in before for an alignment? was it at a dealership or independent shop? did they try to sell the strut adjustment rack/ setup? some shops won't break the welds to adjust the camber or caster (i forget which it is) up on the top of the strut tower. they insist on drilling the whole thing out and putting in an aftermarket adjustment device.