2007 Dodge Grand Caravan - Front Strut Assemblies

[KEVINK0000]

I have some recent experience for you on the same vehicle, except it’s a ‘07 T&C.

Went with 4 KYB dampers first, was ok until one aluminum spring perch cracked, and I had to find a quick solution, so went with KYB quick struts up front. Worked well except for coil bind when hitting deep dips when loaded. Damping was OK, not great. I started looking for better. Not easy.

Decided to go to Sachs all around, using the factory (270k) springs in front. Very good combo, very happy with the results. We use this as our road trip vehicle, and anything that seems out of line mechanically becomes a pebble in my shoe on a long trip.

Sachs is the best quality available for this platform in my opinion.

Be ready with 4 spring compressors to do the job. It was the most difficult strut I have done.

Make sure you are aware of the spring alignment before you go into it. I didn’t get it quite right and had to do over. The stock hats were very thin aluminum, buy some aftermarket, they are thicker. No issues.

 

[Number_35]

I have some recent experience for you on the same vehicle, except it’s a ‘07 T&C.

Went with 4 KYB dampers first, was ok until one aluminum spring perch cracked, and I had to find a quick solution, so went with KYB quick struts up front. Worked well except for coil bind when hitting deep dips when loaded. Damping was OK, not great. I started looking for better. Not easy.

Decided to go to Sachs all around, using the factory (270k) springs in front. Very good combo, very happy with the results. We use this as our road trip vehicle, and anything that seems out of line mechanically becomes a pebble in my shoe on a long trip.

Sachs is the best quality available for this platform in my opinion.

Be ready with 4 spring compressors to do the job. It was the most difficult strut I have done.

Make sure you are aware of the spring alignment before you go into it. I didn’t get it quite right and had to do over. The stock hats were very thin aluminum, buy some aftermarket, they are thicker. No issues.

I have two pairs of spring compressors, which makes it easier.

 

[Number_35]

I'm not sure if this is the right product - as far as I know, the van has standard suspension.

Where would I find the three-letter code (Zxx)? Is it part of the VIN?

 

[The Critic]

Reality is, most shock/strut replacements are completely unnecessary. Unless the vehicle is obviously bottoming out or the absorber has visibly leaked a large amount of fluid, it is difficult to scientifically validate the need for replacement.

A lot of folks claim their vehicles ride "better" after replacement; the vehicle may simply be riding differently (and to that person's liking) due to the different ride characteristics of the aftermarket shock or strut that was installed.