08-18 Dodge and Chrysler Minivan Rear Shock Replacement Grand Caravan and Town and Country

Today we are replacing the rear shocks on this 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan but should be same for 2008-2018 as well as the Chrysler Town and Country Minivans. This is a very easy DIY that just about anybody can do in their driveway with a couple of basic hand tools. You just need some ramps or jack and stands to get the rear end of the van up in the air.
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[@AGuyandHisProjects]

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Shocks I used (yes they seem to be pretty good quality): amzn.to/3hsy5r6 Digital torque wrench adapter: amzn.to/2XeIiA0 To donate financially to the channel via Paypal: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=5PRRGY4GM2CSE&currency_code=USD

[@williamatchison6261]

The bottom of that van looks like its about a year old. No rust, a super easy job.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Being in AZ is amazing in that way lol

[@joevanilla794]

you took too long replacing one shock, that's how long it to me for 2 shocks, plus you didn't charge the shock, if it laid in inventory that long, 😂😂😂😂

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I guess I didn't realize we were racing! "Charging" the shock I don't believe to be necessary. It'll work itself out pretty dang quick as soon as you start driving.

[@godfrey_of_america]

I cannot believe you did that with hand tools. Everyone on youtube who does videos on this say that it's impossible without impact wrenches.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching! I have a full set of electric tools too lol. I try to do most of my videos with hand tools to give confidence to those that don't have the power tools. But yep, most things power tools make way easier haha

[@cannabine413]

Bro you have everything right in front of you you are acting like you are working with a pinch bolt on a 1996 ford taurus that busted off and u have too drill it out . This is the easiest job I have ever seen on this van

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Lol sometimes it just gets to you I suppose

[@spikeshartell4675]

you know what's really funny? The guy mentions that Chryslers are hard to work on but in my experience most of the stuff I've done to my town and country have been fairly easy so far. If you think one of these vans is hard to work on try working on any given GM car produced after 2000. You'll be sitting there wondering why you have to remove the throttle body to replace a thermostat.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Lol, for every worst, there will always be a worst!

[@spikeshartell4675]

@Bill Rupp Only downside to the town and countries is the rust factor as they do tend to rust really bad due to the cheap metal Chrysler likes to use though that isn't that big of a deal unless you live in the northern part of the country.

[@philipholness2560]

I only see one not doing both

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yep. Other side is pretty much exact same process

[@jaymoe5.7]

Nice video man! One thing I heard you say is you're hesitant to buy another Chrysler product. Personally, in my experience with all 3 of the big manufacturers they're all terrible in some ways and great in others. But that being said I've had really good luck with Chrysler products, most of the time they're fairly straight forward to work on, and I've gotten tons of miles out of all the ones I've owned. My mom owns a van that looks almost identical to your wife's but it's a 2010, and it's given her basically minimal issues what so ever. Still runs and drives almost like new, the only real issues she's ever had was with the HVAC system running to the rear of the van had the blend door motor go out, and the brake recalls when it was new. Other than that it's been absolutely rock solid. My cousin and his wife bought one new the same year as my mom too, but his was one trim level below my moms, and he's had very little issues with his too, and he drives a lowboy and hauls heavy equipment for a living, so after all his kids were grown he started using it like a work truck and hauls around a ton of tools and parts in that thing. Says it's been his best work vehicle he's ever had next to his 94 Chevy Cavalier but he said you can haul a ton more stuff in the van hahaha.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Always like hearing the good stories about vehicles!

[@rtalways]

My wife just had to have a town and country and it was my first Chrysler ever and probably my last I think they have great marketing but poor cars

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Agreed! I'm not a big fan haha

[@nathantaylor680]

Thx for the video and the comments it has. Now if you think that’s hard what ever you do don’t change out the front sway arm bushing on the sub frame with out dropping it it’s a real PITA but can be done 1/16 turn at a time lol. Anyways great job on the video and right to point.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thabks for the tip!

[@RFCarpenter]

The easiest way to do the passenger side shock is to remove the upper plate that the shock attaches to. Remove the 4 bolts that hold the upper plate to the frame and pull it out with the upper shock bolt still attached. Then the upper shock bolt is easy to deal with on the ground... no problem. Torque is 50 foot pounds. Replace the plate with the upper shock bolt attached amd torqued to spec.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for posting that!

[@justink6995]

Do you happen to know what the torque specs for the upper plate are?

[@RFCarpenter]

@@justink6995 Sorry... I do not. there should be some information on all of the torque specks on line somewhere.... just be creative in wording your Google searched till you find it. ASLO... Sorry about the delay on getting back to you...LIFE is crazy on this end.

[@davieboy1970]

Yeah, easy for you to say. All of my shock bolts were completely rusted. I could not move them even with a 3 foot bar. I ended up grinding them all off, but the top passenger side was right next to the gas line so I did what you did and unbolted that plate but the two closest to the outside of the vehicle we’re pretty rusted And I didn’t even realize they ended up breaking right off. So now I have to figure out how to drill them out and put another bolt in there. I guess I’ll be making a few trips to the parts store tomorrow or the hardware store for new bolts because the shocks that I got didn’t come with new bolts.

[@yarianespinosa8173]

Hello, a question dear. Are the shocks and coils the same on dodge gran caravan models from 2008 to 2018? thank you, I hope answer, thanks for the video

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Wish I had an answer for you! If you peak your head down there you should be able to tell fairly quickly if they look similar though.

[@CXIowa]

no, in general there's a touring, performance, and self leveling; if you're lucky the stamped part # or sticker is still readable on it. Mine was not readable so it was quite a research project to find the right part.

[@davieboy1970]

I love how you made it look so easy with those small wrenches none of my four shock bolts would come loose even with a big gun or a 3 foot bar. I ended up just grinding them right off except for the one on the top passenger side because it was too close to the gas lines so I unbolted the plate that the shock mounts to but then I ended up breaking two of those bolts before I realized it so now I got a mess. I gotta figure out lol. But I live in Minnesota so there’s rust.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Rust will do that!

[@jaymoe5.7]

my mom's 2010 needed brakes so I just did them today, and while I was under there I gasped because the shock bodies were so rusty that the top part of the shocks had rusted away and the silver piston inside was exposed. Ran down to the parts store and changed those while I was under there. It was bought new and has been in northern Wisconsin it's whole life, glad somebody else understands the pain of rust haha.

[@NextLevelAutoDiagnostics]

I like your lift. Has there ever been a time during a certain job you've wished you had a 2-post?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes yes indeed lol. I have moved since this video and have a 2 post in my new garage. I WAY prefer the 2 post for what I do. Only reason for getting the 4 post was because of the slab warranty on this house

[@NextLevelAutoDiagnostics]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Thanks very much.

[@kengartner6659]

I think my 2009 Van shocks were installed with red lock tight even High Torque Impact couldn't loosen them. I'll have to heat them with torch to melt locktight. My shocks are replacements previous owner had installed about 100,000 miles ago Van has over 277,000 miles now.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Lol sucks doesn't it!

[@kengartner6659]

It's OK I just use a small propane torch in a way that dosnt melt plastic gas tank...Not having a Car payment, not having to pay a Mechanic...PRICLESS!

[@kengartner6659]

@Bill Rupp on the rear of my 09 town and country the nut is part of the bracket and if the bolt breaks in the middle then I will have a hard time getting shock out of way. Thought about removing bracket from bottom of van but those bolts break (I tried it at junkyard)

[@kengartner6659]

@Bill Rupp Thanks good Idea use Sawzall ! Even if I have to cut end of shock in half ...and drill and tap broken end of bolt out of mount. That's the backup plan....anything is fixable! 😆

[@hbb3367]

My lug nut torque technique...Grip it and rip it.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I can dig it!

[@joeygambino6769]

Easy if you have a vehicle lift 😂 can't get the wrench behind the top not.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Yes indeed it helps! They don't make them user friendly lol

[@bkell1011]

The left hand side is a little more complicated, at least in the 2010s there's a bracket that's attached to the shock so the removal of the top bolt looks different.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Oh Bummer, still fairly easy though?

[@tri9398]

Question: were old factory shocks gas or hydraulic?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I honestly don't know for sure

[@46fd04]

Great job. My '09 Grand Caravan shows a wheel lug nut torque of 95 ft/lbs in the owners manual.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Thanks for watching and commenting the knowledge! Love it when you guys help out :) have you replaced your shocks? How'd it go?

[@galexander9857]

Yes I did, in 2018. It was easy. Now I have to replace the two bushings in the rear trailing arms, and both rear coil springs. My van is now sitting 3 inches lower than other vans, and the trailing arms are banging everytime I go over a bump. Today is Sunday, the job is getting done on Tuesday (if the springs show up in time). MOPAR does not make rear springs for the Grand Caravan anymore. Only after-market available.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@galexander9857 lol yeah riding low has some problems. Let me know how it goes! I have yet to do either of those projects on this van

[@troyporter3825]

damn you make it look soo easy lol. I am so nervous to do this. My biggest fear is all the rust under there and the hell to remove the bolts.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Haha! Rust can become problematic for sure. You got it though!

[@patrickcrowe5106]

C'mon man! *EVERYBODY* knows you torque with your LEFT arm! 😆

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

🤣

[@demetriushansbrough4121]

How much was it for u to have that lift installed at your home

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I paid and installed it myself so just the cost of the lift for me. I don't remember now, probably about 3k

[@santiduran6505]

What happens if I don’t replace right away I’ve been telling my husband but just ignores me but I’m afraid for my van to break down ?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

A bad shock will cause your tire to wear out a lot faster

[@santiduran6505]

@@AGuyandHisProjects do I have to replace the front ones too (springs) I keep on hearing this noise and I believe it’s coming from the front ones 😞

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Hard to diagnose from my side of yhe world lol. But if they are bd, then yeah, should be replaced

[@santiduran6505]

@@AGuyandHisProjects thanks for replying have a good one

[@terramoo6936]

What kind of vehicle would you get next? Thanks for the vid

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Now that we are in SD we upgraded her to a Ford Expedition so she has 4x4

[@jeffrogers2180]

I just did this job a couple hours ago, and it kind of sucked.... Without a lift, laying on the garage floor, it's hard to get that top nut off, particularly on the passenger side.... And really hard to compress the shock from that angle.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

These are certainly not the easiest ones I've changed lol. Glad you got it though!

[@jeffrogers2180]

@@AGuyandHisProjects I'm working up the nerve to do the struts...

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

The struts were pretty normal. I don't think I did a video on that though

[@robbvogg9443]

where did you find the torques attachment????

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I believe this one was from harbor freight actually

[@Localtruthspeaker]

Is that a big crack in your axle or an I seeing things.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I'm going to have to say you are seeing things lol

[@joshroot6555]

You’ll say that about any car that you work on

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Maybe so, but I say it more about Chrysler than the others ;)

[@romankubiak150]

Hello. T&C 2015. Where to find the TPMS module? It is not above the left rear wheel.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

That is a fantastic question that I do not know the answer to lol. Maybe somebody esle will be able to chime in

[@jimtownsend7899]

Easy fix. Cut a small square of black electrical tape (approx 1 cm square). Place the tape over the Tire Pressure indicator on the instrument cluster. And, you're done! Check tire pressure regularly with a tire gauge and service as necessary.

[@robertterrill165]

@@AGuyandHisProjects The TIPM is the fuse box! Total Integrated Power Module

[@sarajones7763]

Any videos on how to change the imrc?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Not yet! But I'm still fighting a lean condition so may end up eventually lol

[@christianjohnson6519]

Did that have self leveling?

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Not this one no. That makes it a lot more expensive too lol

[@DRIVENDAILYZS]

Yo for your inner tie rod when you had the crescent wrench on it it has a clip on it do you pry that off

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

I think you commented on the wrong video...which video are you referencing?

[@DRIVENDAILYZS]

@@AGuyandHisProjects wrong video but right guy, and the inner and outer tierods you did mate, its all good man i got it, and you didnt show taking the clip off in the video so i was like ill just wing it lol but keep up the work man

[@DRIVENDAILYZS]

And i went to your newest video because some people dont comment on older videos,

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@DRIVENDAILYZS I love winging it haha! Glad you got it figured out!

[@DRIVENDAILYZS]

@@AGuyandHisProjects step by step your dead on man, Thanks for the tutorial and Sometimes we just have to ya know? Thankyou again🙌

[@wayedkararr]

Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

You are most welcome, hope it helped!

[@RathJ13]

heh. Amen on the whole don't wanna buy another the more you work on it.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

Lol, glad I'm not alone!

[@PaulDo22]

@@AGuyandHisProjects As opposed to what other vehicles that are easier in your experience? After working on BMW's these seem easy.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@PaulDo22 yeah I get that, BMW is another one lol. My Nissans, ford's, and even the kia/hyndays have less complications when working on them in my experience. Honestly, I've had 3 nissans and all three of them were super easy

[@PaulDo22]

@@AGuyandHisProjects Ok I see your point. I broke the bolt taking off the bracket that holds the shock. If I had followed your technique I wouldn't be in this mess. Now I'm really PO'd.

[@AGuyandHisProjects]

@@PaulDo22 hahaha never a dull moment when working on cars!