🔧 Savana - Front & Rear “Strut” (Shock Absorber) Replacement

Your Savana does not use struts. It uses shock absorbers (front and rear) with torsion-bar front suspension and rear leaf springs.

This job replaces the shocks to restore ride control, reduce bouncing, and improve braking stability.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Assumption: Stock suspension height and hardware.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the van with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust and suspension cool before working near them.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses; rust flakes fall when bolts break loose.
• ⚠️ Do not loosen or adjust torsion bar adjusters; they are spring preload devices.
• ⚠️ If a bolt fights you, stop and use penetrating oil; snapped shock bolts are a major delay.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 1/2" drive
• Ratchet 3/8" drive
• Socket set metric 10mm-24mm
• Socket set SAE 3/8"-7/8"
• Wrench set metric 10mm-24mm
• Wrench set SAE 3/8"-7/8"
• Extensions 3/8" drive (3", 6")
• Pry bar 18"
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire brush
• Penetrating oil
• Threadlocker medium strength
• Paint marker
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front shock mounting hardware kit - Optional but recommended - Qty: 1
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Optional but recommended - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks at the tires staying on the ground.
• Soak all shock mounting nuts/bolts with penetrating oil for 10–15 minutes.
• Use a paint marker to mark which shock came from which corner if you’re comparing parts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the front

• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Lift the front at a solid crossmember using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Set the frame onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove both front wheels using the correct socket set metric 10mm-24mm or socket set SAE 3/8"-7/8".

Step 2: Remove the front shock (one side at a time)

• Locate the shock: it’s the cylinder between the lower control arm and the upper mount.
• Clean exposed threads with a wire brush.
• Hold the shock shaft/upper hardware as needed with a wrench set metric 10mm-24mm or wrench set SAE 3/8"-7/8", and remove the upper nut using a ratchet 3/8" drive and socket set metric 10mm-24mm or socket set SAE 3/8"-7/8".
• Remove the lower shock bolt/nut using a breaker bar 1/2" and appropriate socket set plus a matching wrench set to hold the opposite side.
• Pull the shock out; use an 18" pry bar if it’s stuck in the mount.
• Bounce control test: bad shocks leak oil.

Step 3: Install the new front shock

• Compare old vs new length and mounts before installing.
• Position the new shock into the mounts by hand.
• Start the lower bolt by hand using your socket set and wrench set.
• Install the upper bushings/washer/nut (if equipped) and snug using a ratchet 3/8" drive and socket set.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench 1/2" drive: Torque to factory specification.
• Apply threadlocker medium strength only if your replacement hardware instructions call for it.
• Tip: Tighten rubber bushings to spec, not crushed.

Step 4: Reinstall front wheels and lower

• Reinstall wheels using the correct socket set.
• Lower the van from jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts with a torque wrench 1/2" drive: Torque to the door-jamb tire/lug specification.

Step 5: Lift and support the rear

• Chock the front wheels using wheel chocks.
• Lift the rear under the axle housing using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the frame rails, then lightly support the axle with the jack.

Step 6: Remove the rear shock (one side at a time)

• Rear shocks mount between the axle bracket (lower) and the frame bracket (upper).
• Brush and oil the fasteners using a wire brush and penetrating oil.
• Remove the lower bolt/nut using a breaker bar 1/2", correct socket set, and a matching wrench set.
• Remove the upper bolt/nut using a ratchet 3/8" drive, extensions 3/8" drive (3", 6"), and correct socket set.
• Remove the shock; use an 18" pry bar if needed.

Step 7: Install the new rear shock

• Install the upper mount first by hand-starting the bolt using a ratchet 3/8" drive and extensions 3/8" drive (3", 6").
• Install the lower bolt next; you may need to raise/lower the axle slightly using the floor jack to align holes.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench 1/2" drive: Torque to factory specification.
• Tip: Align holes with the jack, not a hammer.

Step 8: Lower the rear

• Remove tools from under the van.
• Lower the axle slightly, remove jack stands, then lower fully using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks over small bumps.
• Recheck that all shock bolts are tight using a torque wrench 1/2" drive: Verify factory specification.
• Inspect for any contact with brake hoses/ABS wiring near the shock mounts.
• Replacing shocks does not usually require an alignment, but get one if you notice pulling or uneven tire wear.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$950 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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