They need to be balanced too reduce noise in the column and lower front end?
this is the biggest job I've ever i ever tried and i heard the springs need to settle right?
i bought so many parts to fix this van... there is still a little clunking and i just finished them, but it also feels like a cloud on dirt roads...

 

Never heard that one before...... Now, replacing just one side will give you an odd ride...... Is that what they are referring to?

 

I replaced both sides with compete quick struts and both side with new sway bar links and the driver side needed a new boot at the axle, so i just replaced the whole damn axle. still makes clunking noise.

 

What brand of struts did you buy?
I just put a set of KYB Strut-Plus on my 2013 Grand Caravan with no issues ride nice, good stability just like new. You need a wheel alignment to make sure that the toe, camber and caster are aligned to prevent uneven tire wear.
I heard and read that cheap some Chinese Brand quick struts were worst that the old struts they replaced as the car rode worst than it did with the old struts.