I have done dozens of these and understand why you ran into problems. You supported the van by the axle and not the pinch welds on the frame. Had you put the jack stands on the pinch welds, the rear axle would have extended down even longer than the fully extended shock. Then I install the shock and bottom bolt and slowly jack up the rear axle until the shock lines up perfectly with the top bolt hole. It is quite an east job.
Agreed, I used blocks; and then raised the jack stands fully up on the bumper frame. This allowed the rear end to settle down fully, and then used the jack to raise or lower the axle to the required height for the bolts. Easiest job on the van!!
Thanks very much for making this video Jim, it was very helpful. I have a 2004 Town & Country Limited. I bought Monroe light truck shocks from Pep Boys. They didn't have any wire holding them in a compressed state and I didn't add my own wire. It took a couple tries to get the bottom end lined up to push the bolt through, but it wasn't that bad and I was able to do it alone.
Hey Boss man jack up the van a little bit I literally just done this job I used a block of wood on the spare tire and jack had to play with the jack up and down but it will line right up titen up the other way is to use the front of the leaf springs didn't want to do that my van is to old 2002 not gonna happen thank you sir
the manual says: remove the lower bolt first then the upper one once replaced it hand tight the bolts. lower the car to the ground ( after putting back the wheel of course☺) tight bolts to manufacturer specifications
I have done dozens of these and understand why you ran into problems. You supported the van by the axle and not the pinch welds on the frame. Had you put the jack stands on the pinch welds, the rear axle would have extended down even longer than the fully extended shock. Then I install the shock and bottom bolt and slowly jack up the rear axle until the shock lines up perfectly with the top bolt hole. It is quite an east job.
Agreed, I used blocks; and then raised the jack stands fully up on the bumper frame. This allowed the rear end to settle down fully, and then used the jack to raise or lower the axle to the required height for the bolts. Easiest job on the van!!
Easy enough, but I'm a visual learner, thank you for the demonstration!
Exactly, I learn way more by visuals than words or written directions.
Just got an 05 touring in excellent condition and these vids are super helpful !!!!! Subed
Thanks very much for making this video Jim, it was very helpful. I have a 2004 Town & Country Limited. I bought Monroe light truck shocks from Pep Boys. They didn't have any wire holding them in a compressed state and I didn't add my own wire. It took a couple tries to get the bottom end lined up to push the bolt through, but it wasn't that bad and I was able to do it alone.
Spec calls for 88Nm/65ftlbs. as per Tech Authority for 2005 T & C. (Top and bottom bolts)
Hey Boss man jack up the van a little bit I literally just done this job I used a block of wood on the spare tire and jack had to play with the jack up and down but it will line right up titen up the other way is to use the front of the leaf springs didn't want to do that my van is to old 2002 not gonna happen thank you sir
the manual says:
remove the lower bolt first then the upper one
once replaced it hand tight the bolts.
lower the car to the ground ( after putting back the wheel of course☺)
tight bolts to manufacturer specifications