97 grand caravan strut replacement

[tractorface]

Anyone know if the springs on the front of a 97 Grand Caravan are compressed. I need to change the struts and want to know if I need to compress the front springs to do so. The Haynes manual says nothing about this but I was warned that it needed to be done. Not sure how reliable the source was so I thought i would try here.

Thanks

 

[JoshPeters]

I believe they are.



I haven't changed any out in quite some time... so I don't remember for sure.



If they are Struts... I have never done a strut that didnt' need to be compressed... . at least a little!



JP

 

[lil red cummins]

yes you will need a strut spring compressor to replace the shock/strut. also make sure that the top bearing assembly is moving freely. they tend to rust up from winter salt damage. i am assuming maryland uses salt.



also, make sure to look at the top sheet metal area where the strut mounts. caravans have a terrible rusting problem visible from the engine compartment. the rust will be in a ring around the mount area. it seems to be more of a problem on the drivers side.



i have a 98 and a 2000 that will need "caps" that are a dodge part to "fix" their screwup. the only time to do this fix is when the strut is out.



hope this isn't too much information.



good luck



jim

 

[tractorface]

Thanks guys. Good information. Job was not too bad but I needed an extra set of hands to put the strut/spring together, probably due to the fact that I bought an El Cheapo Spring compressor. I was weary of rigging one up like I did when installing "Big Block" spriings on my 72' Nova in High School. :-laf Don't see too many of those cars riding around Nose up anymore :-laf

No Spring "Bombs" went off so I guess all is well.



Fortunately for me all the rust on My Dodge is on The doors of my truck! :{



Dodges new slogan should include "Keepin rust alive"