2013 Dodge Grand Caravan - Replacement Struts

[Number_35]

A friend has a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan he bought new. It's close to 250K km now, and is due for front struts.

The owner would prefer to replace the struts with the "quick strut" style, rather than reusing the factory springs.

Of the choices shown on Rock Auto, I would likely go for the KYB units. Other thoughts? Thanks.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

In your area, that's probably a good idea, since rust is a problem up there

Also, quick struts are awesome because you get all the hardware and parts and don't have to mess with a scary spring compressor

My choice would be KYB or Mando

 

[edyvw]

KYB.
But I would reuse srpings and also check SACHS.

 

[Lubener]

I would only replace the springs if they are heavily rusted or the ride height isn't up to specs.

 

[JHZR2]

How do you verify that the spring is correct for the specific model? Often there are a range of springs and mounting pads depending upon options, weight, etc. A quick strut is one size fits most. Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn’t. I’d still be concerned about the quality of the mount.

I’ve had good luck with Gabriel ultra shocks in some applications, but it doesn’t look like they’re as explicit in the listing about options, which may mean generic spring. KYB and Monroe seem to differentiate. I’ve always had good luck with kyb, and would consider those. Monroe are almost too cheap… makes you wonder how…

 

[Kira]

A DGC forum might have actual product reports.

 

[D60]

Mando then Gabriel

 

[Capt W]

How do you verify that the spring is correct for the specific model? Often there are a range of springs and mounting pads depending upon options, weight, etc. A quick strut is one size fits most. Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn’t. I’d still be concerned about the quality of the mount.

To be precise, there are 11 different spring combinations for most Gen V vans. And most quick struts are indeed a compromise for the sake of convenience. Not only can the mounts be suspect, but also the springs, cushions, and quality of assembly...as virtually all of the offerings are from China or Vietnam.

OP doesn't mention why the owner wants to replace the springs. Convenience and ease of installation? Is the owner seeking to keep the van long-term or flip it? If the former, the vehicle owner will be much better off in the long run keeping the original springs (they can be cleaned up, painted, etc.) and installing all-new quality struts and components (KYB is my go-to).

Suspensions are no place to cheap out. Do it once and do it right.

Kira is 100% correct. This topic is discussed frequently and exhaustively on https://www.chryslerminivan.net/

 

[Number_35]

How do you verify that the spring is correct for the specific model? Often there are a range of springs and mounting pads depending upon options, weight, etc. A quick strut is one size fits most. Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn’t. I’d still be concerned about the quality of the mount.

I’ve had good luck with Gabriel ultra shocks in some applications, but it doesn’t look like they’re as explicit in the listing about options, which may mean generic spring. KYB and Monroe seem to differentiate. I’ve always had good luck with kyb, and would consider those. Monroe are almost too cheap… makes you wonder how…

That's a good question - I assumed that because the van was only offered with one powertrain (Pentastar 3.6 and 6-speed AT), there were no variations in the springs installed at the factory. However, apparently the R/T models had stiffer springs.

I understand the concern when a one-size-fits-all quick-strut is a compromise - for example, the vehicle may have been offered with several engine options, all matched with different options from the factory.

I have never used all-in-one struts on my own vehicles, but have installed them for friends. They were happy with them. As I recall, KYB units in a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, and Monroes in a 2009 Nissan Versa.

A DGC forum might have actual product reports.

To be precise, there are 11 different spring combinations for most Gen V vans. And most quick struts are indeed a compromise for the sake of convenience. Not only can the mounts be suspect, but also the springs, cushions, and quality of assembly...as virtually all of the offerings are from China or Vietnam.

OP doesn't mention why the owner wants to replace the springs. Convenience and ease of installation? Is the owner seeking to keep the van long-term or flip it? If the former, the vehicle owner will be much better off in the long run keeping the original springs (they can be cleaned up, painted, etc.) and installing all-new quality struts and components (KYB is my go-to).

Suspensions are no place to cheap out. Do it once and do it right.

Kira is 100% correct. This topic is discussed frequently and exhaustively on https://www.chryslerminivan.net/

Yup, I found several threads on that site (which Kira put me onto several years ago, when I bought our 4th-gen Grand Caravan).

The owner has taken good care of the van, and I believe wants to keep it going indefinitely.

I am surprised there are 11 different spring combinations! We will inspect the springs before making a decision. (I mentioned above that I had replaced the struts on another friend's Nissan - both his front coils had broken. It does happen.)

I'll run it all past my friend, the owner. His call.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

How do you verify that the spring is correct for the specific model? Often there are a range of springs and mounting pads depending upon options, weight, etc. A quick strut is one size fits most. Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn’t. I’d still be concerned about the quality of the mount.

I’ve had good luck with Gabriel ultra shocks in some applications, but it doesn’t look like they’re as explicit in the listing about options, which may mean generic spring. KYB and Monroe seem to differentiate. I’ve always had good luck with kyb, and would consider those. Monroe are almost too cheap… makes you wonder how…

The difference between those spring rates is *much* less than the difference between new and worn springs, or intact vs rusty springs

The mounts seem to be the biggest challenge in the aftermarket as far as struts go. I might actually trust Mando more than Monroe and KYB for the mounts

 

[JHZR2]

The difference between those spring rates is *much* less than the difference between new and worn springs, or intact vs rusty springs

The mounts seem to be the biggest challenge in the aftermarket as far as struts go. I might actually trust Mando more than Monroe and KYB for the mounts

Perhaps, but you have no way to determine that. FSMs I go by have calculations to give the right spring rate, so obviously they think it matters. Given that there are 11 different springs for this model, Chrysler must feel the same.

Intact is another story…

I have never heard of Mando, personally, for whatever reason…

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Perhaps, but you have no way to determine that. FSMs I go by have calculations to give the right spring rate, so obviously they think it matters. Given that there are 11 different springs for this model, Chrysler must feel the same.

Intact is another story…

I have never heard of Mando, personally, for whatever reason…

Mando is a Korean OE supplier. While they mostly supply Korean cars like Hyundai and Kia, they have other contracts too.

While they weren't Chrysler's OE supplier for these minivans, they probably make good quality stuff. Initially, their first aftermarket quick struts were exact OE and they had only offered them for cars they supplied from the factory, but now, they are expanding their aftermarket line into cars they didn't supply from the factory.

 

[The Critic]

Mando is a Korean OE supplier. While they mostly supply Korean cars like Hyundai and Kia, they have other contracts too.

While they weren't Chrysler's OE supplier for these minivans, they probably make good quality stuff. Initially, their first aftermarket quick struts were exact OE and they had only offered them for cars they supplied from the factory, but now, they are expanding their aftermarket line into cars they didn't supply from the factory.

A lot of assumptions, eh?

 

[B1974]

I installed a set of Mando quick struts on our 2012 Traverse almost exactly 4 years ago and they are still working as they should. I wouldn't hesitate to use Mando struts again. On a side note the original struts were replaced under warranty in 2015 and the GM struts the dealer installed at that time only lasted 6 years.

 

[Number_35]

Thoughts on FCS? The owner can get them online from a non-RA supplier he's dealt with previously.

I presume they're Chinese. Their website (not surprisingly) makes them sound pretty good.

 

[D60]

Thoughts on FCS? The owner can get them online from a non-RA supplier he's dealt with previously.

I presume they're Chinese. Their website (not surprisingly) makes them sound pretty good.

They're bottom dollar but not always that bad. I put a set on the rear of a Subaru that have lasted for ~6 years now without excessive noise or feeling loose. That said, they were noticeably lighter in-hand than what I removed, which is rarely a good sign.