REAR LEAF SPRING SHACKLES REPLACEMENT 2001-2005 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN, TOWN & COUNTRY

Update / clarification:
Unbolt the track bar. If you are not replacing the bar (really not necessary, I did it because it was $20, but I wouldn't do it again, it made more work with no benefit) just remove the upper bolt and pull the bar loose from the body. The lower bolt is the adjustable one, so don't disturb it and it is also a pain to torque down. If you don't unbolt the track bar it will push the axle to the left and the hangers will not align with the bolt holes.
Replacing the rear leaf spring shackles on a 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, Town and Country. This video shows the non stow and go model, but models with S&G should be the same basic procedure, but as always, examine your vehicle compared to my video and proceed from there. THIS REPAIR REQUIRES YOU HAVE THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ON APPROPRIATE JACK STANDS, WHEELS CHOCKED BOTH SIDES AND PARKED ON A LEVEL SURFACE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT OR SKILLS TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR, PLEASE SEEK OUT AN EXPERIENCED MECHANIC.
Disclaimer:
This video only contains tips and recommendations that could be helpful when carrying out car repairs or replacing parts. DIY Benz garage is not liable for any harm, injury or property damage incurred while carrying out repairs or replacements. This video is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee achievement of a specific result. The user is personally liable for incorrect use of repair equipment, tools or car parts, in particular, when this use poses the risk of injury. DIY Benz garage strongly recommends being careful and adhering to the safety rules when doing any repair or replacement.

[@byronrichards3001]

Thank you for this very informative upload.Your knowledge and experience is very much appreciated. Keep informing the people...

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Thanks Byron, I appreciate the feedback!

[@xHadesStamps]

Our 2002 T&C just had the shackle bolt shear. This is very helpful!

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Ouch! Glad it helped!

[@wgvideogeek]

Thank You! Great detail!

[@DIYBenzGarage]

You're welcome!

[@dronesdehonduras]

Gracias por la información y tu video. Tenemos ese mismo ruido en nuestra van.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

My Pleasure!

[@scottvapinton]

I just did this job and replaced (2) bad Nivomat shocks while I was in there. I can say with 100% accuracy that the shackles for Stow N Go are completely different. Thankfully, I was able to reuse my shackles.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Oh, Nivomat$$$$$!

[@cowboysfan684]

Great Job 👍👍👍describing and demonstrating your steps to change out Hangers \ Shackles. But I don’t see a difference in Stow n Go equipped Town and Country hangers or non Stow n Go Town and Country hangers? And yes you are correct Shackles are the same.

[@mikeselsvik8357]

You should have reused the shackles because the original one’s are much heavier duty but I really appreciate the video thanks

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I have not been impressed with the fit of the bushings either.

[@MrMr123]

How much time do you think it took you?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

If I wasn't making the video, I could probably have it done in about 2 hours

[@Earsludge]

Love your video! Very helpful! Would this type of leaf spring also work with a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan? mine snapped just about clean in half and I have stow and go seating so i've had a hell of a time finding the correct fit. I found a pdf of the owners manual but it wasn't very helpful. Thank you!

[@DIYBenzGarage]

The springs are the same, the hangers are different, the shackles I think are different. My last van was S&G, and there is no info on them. You may need to go to the dealer or a junk yard for what you need.

[@jjz4874]

Do you need the alignment afterwards?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

No, just make sure all 4 wheels are on level ground before you tighten the track bar.

[@acetech9237]

I'm an Automotive Technician. I can confirm no alignment is needed as there are no alignment adjustments for most solid rear axles. However an alignment check after to check for thrust angle would confirm there's not a bent axle or sagging leaf suspension.

[@56v12cylinder]

what about the front end of the leaf spring? not worth changing?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I have never had one of those fail and to replace ten you need a hydraulic press.

[@56v12cylinder]

@@DIYBenzGarage ok was wondering-failed mot in t and c 2005 i exported to the middle east on the rear ones-no mention of the front-i guess now i understand why....

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Getting ready to do this job. Do i absolutely need the leaf springs themselves? Because i noticed you didnt replace them and they are pretty expensive. Also, what about the leaf spring bushings which i believe are on the forward part of the spring?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

You don't need to replace the leaf springs themselves, and the forward bushing is pressed in , I've never seen one of them fail myself.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Good video.

[@edwardglowacki4495]

Good video, just what I need. Where did you get the replacement shackles and mounts ? I haven’t been able to find the replacement mounts

[@DIYBenzGarage]

www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,2005,grand+caravan,3.3l+v6,1430653,suspension,leaf+spring+shackle,7484 I bought the Dorman ones, at the time the only option available. I feel the rubber bushings were a poor fit, too small. I would try one of the other brands.

[@edwardglowacki4495]

@@DIYBenzGarage yeah Rockauto is my automatic go to but they only have non stow and go available 🤷‍♂️. That’s the problem I’ve been having. I can’t find the right model only non stow and go. Thank you for the response and advice on the bushings.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Yeah, I now remember the same thing with my old s/g van, I think it'$ $trictly from the dealer$hip. Are you sure the mounts are bad? When I replaced mine I thought they were deteriorating, but it was only on the surface of the rubber, they were perfectly fine.

[@edwardglowacki4495]

@@DIYBenzGarage well I haven’t taken it apart yet but it has endured 18 years of New England and upstate New York winters. If it were mine it would still be in ok condition at minimum but, the van belongs to my brother in law and I don’t think he washed since he bought it used 10 years ago 😂. I looked at the whole shackle and bushings and it all looks shot . I just figured I’m doing that much, do it all ! 🤷‍♂️

[@jimc4731]

Please, do you think this is all the same on a 2003 Chrysler all wheel drive S&G Town and Country> Thanks, JIM Where are you located? Do you have a shop?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

PA, just doing my own repairs at home. I have owned several Grand caravans, but no FWD. Sorry, I really can't say anything about that one.

[@CharlesHanson-hh7gq]

Thank you for the video. You seem to know what you're doing. To this point, would you happen to have a recommendation for upgrading the leaf springs? I would like to increase the payload capacity just slightly. What should I be looking for in the market for the upgrade? Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I'm not sure you have much choice in upgrades. I know there are helper leaf kits that you add to your current springs, but I have had no experience with them. You may have a local company that does leaf springs, but I suspect it would be costly. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@CharlesHanson-hh7gq]

@@DIYBenzGarage No worries that's help enough. Usually I start on a project before I realize I can't get it done anyway

[@shawnsincavage4106]

I I did the same procedure as you but my leaf spring won't lower in the back for me to change my shackles and bracket I don't understand what I'm doing wrong

[@DIYBenzGarage]

If you unbolted the shocks and the track bar (if your van is equiped with a stabilizer, you need to unbolt that also, my van doesn't have one) after that there is nothing to hold the rear of the leaf spring up.

[@shawnsincavage4106]

@@DIYBenzGarage Thanks

[@tomblobasjamesc.mccollum1740]

Silicone-based lubricant preserve the rubber, petroleum-based lubricants will destroy the rubber. Lower the vehicle and do a final torque down on all the bushing bolts and the shocks bolts, this is called the preload.

[@70sfred1]

Thanks for the great video! Mine is the 2005 Grand Caravan. I bought it used and how do,I know if it's the stow-n-go model?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

The rear seats fold down into a pocket in the floor. On non stow n go vans like mine, you have to remove the seats to haul a sheet of plywood etc.

[@70sfred1]

@@DIYBenzGarage Thank you for the information!

[@acetech9237]

The stow and go pieces he bought that have the long bolt with partial threads on the end are different on the stow and go. I have one that's how I know. It sucks be they look very similar. I wish I could draw a picture or attach a picture on here to show people with stow and go

[@HobbyOrganist]

Why am I NOT surprised you cant just buy the bushing but have to buy the entire bracket and all LOL. My 2004 Grand Caravan left rear lea broke in the eye itself, so it still functions but scrapes and squeeks on every movement, the shackel is folded up, the shackle looks ok and I dont want to try and unscrew half a dozen rusty bolts to get that loose, I ordered a new spring, we'll see what happens. I've NEVER had a leaf spring break on any vehicle I ever owned and i've put serious weight in them too.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Oh, you can buy just the bushings, but it will cost you more!!! I replaced the leaf springs on my second GC, it was a real pain. Be sure to have your 2ft breaker bar handy, you will need it, and don't be tempted to reverse the direction of the big front mounting bolt, you will regret it.

[@Sleepytoro]

Do you remember where you bought these parts?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Rock Auto. They had the lowest prices on the shackles.

[@Sleepytoro]

@@DIYBenzGarage thanks for the reply! Had another question, at 6:12 you said something about unscrewing both sides in order to drop the shackle, what side were you talking about? Was it the other shackle or something else? Thanks!

[@DIYBenzGarage]

@@Sleepytoro You want to unbolt both hangers so both springs will drop giving you enough clearance. Also unbolt the track bar. If you are not replacing the bar (really not necessary, I did it because it was $20, I wouldn't do it again) just remove the upper bolt. The lower bolt is the adjustable one, so don't disturb it and it is also a pain to torque down. If you don't unbolt the track bar it will push the axle to the left and the hangers will not align with the bolt holes.

[@acetech9237]

I'm a Mercedes tech as well. These vans have quirks but they aren't anything compared to Sprinters. What a bastard they can be

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of buying a used sprinter when this van is done, I'll look elsewhere!

[@joergmueller4439]

Thank you. Great explanation. Bear of a job though.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Deceivingly so. It seemed impossible until I disconnected the track bar.

[@charlesmirra1773]

Eeehhh wey dónde lo buy tu bishings

[@DIYBenzGarage]

www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,2005,grand+caravan,3.3l+v6,1430653,suspension,leaf+spring+shackle,7484

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I think they ship world wide