Hello,

I need new rear shocks and there are a variety of options based on the type of suspension.

Rear; w/ Sport Suspension and w/o Load Leveling
Rear; w/o Sport Suspension and w/o Load Leveling
Rear; SE Model; w/ Load Leveling Suspension
Rear; Normal Duty Suspension Exc. Load Leveling and Height Control
... other options

I can't figure this out by just looking at the suspension. How do I figure out exactly what options the van has and therefore what part I need?

You used to be able to look some of this up with the VIN but the last time I tried to do that, I couldn't get very much information.

LMHmedchem

 

Best answer do a V.I.N. code search should give you all the option codes. Most dealers will do this for you if you can't get it online. Best guess if it's an S.E. like my 2010 just regular suspension no sport and nothing fancy. Unless it's a Town & Country or a special order unlikely to have anything else. Any shock that fits is better than no working shocks. I wouldn't worry. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the advice. This is a very bare-bones van, probably the simplest model that they make. I looked up the VIN at www.vehiclehistory.com/vin-report/ and there is quite a bit of information there. Under "Included Features" it says nothing about Sport Suspension, Load Leveling, Height Control, etc. The only thing close is, "stability control" and "rear gas shock absorbers".

This is what I am going to order,

KYB 349073 Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber ($36.79)

I have found KYB to be a good aftermarket brand that usually looks a bit more heavy duty than Munroe. I think this is a good price for less than $85 shipped for a pair. I think the shocks on there are still working but they are rusted enough that there are some missing pieces (that have just fallen off) and I would rather stay ahead of things.

The listing for this part says w/o sport suspension and w/o load leveling so I think this is the right part. The parts for "Load Leveling" are very beefy compared to the normal duty suspension and this is definitely not what I have. They also cost hundreds of dollars each, so I'm not missing the fancy suspension at the moment.

LMHmedchem

 

Happy to help. Stability Control and gas shocks are standard on all the 2010 Grand Caravan SE models even the barebones ones which mine is as well. I prefer them that way as I'm old school. If it has A.B.S. which I'm sure it does it has Stability Control. That's your E.S.P. button beside your 4-way hazard button on the center stack. Gas shocks are the industry standard now for a lot of years. If it fits your good to go.