New Shocks for the 88 Van

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IdahoDoug
Posts: 112
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:21 pm
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Vehicle: 1988 Mitsubishi Van Wagon
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID

New Shocks for the 88 Van

Post by IdahoDoug »

Ordered Monroe shock absorbers from Rock Auto last week. While in the act of spraying the shock bolts with PB BLaster for the 3rd time in preparation, the FedEx truck pulled up. Took about an hour to remove the old ones and slap the new ones on. I did not jack up the truck, though the front was lifted about an inch for the bucket under the radiator drain as I am currently repairing a leak. Not bad for $75 - all four. Will update on driving them tomorrow if I can get the Van reassembled.
IdahoDoug
Posts: 112
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 9:21 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1988 Mitsubishi Van Wagon
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Re: New Shocks for the 88 Van

Post by IdahoDoug »

So, I got to drive them today. Not as much of a dramatic difference in just normal driving. However, there are a few sections on a road we drive near our house where the tree roots make humps under the asphalt, and the Van would lurch really badly. These are just slightly annoying now. Before, there is no way you would not spill your coffee. Now, you can handle it. The bump at the end of the drive also similarly minor now. And then the final test. Very embarrassing. There must have been an emergency water main break or something down the road because on our way home today there was a "bump ahead" sign. Bump, my ass. They cut the road completely through and filled it poorly with gravel. I hit it at 25 and there was nothing I could do. My wife came off the seat (buckled, of course), and I think the Van caught air. We came down hard, but did not bottom out. Wow - 4 miles after putting new shocks on, I hit the biggest and worst bump of my adult life! I think a weak shock could have blown. Good timing.
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teamtestbot
Posts: 93
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:48 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1989 Mitsubishi Van/Wagon
Location: MA, USA

Re: New Shocks for the 88 Van

Post by teamtestbot »

I went for the Rock Auto "improved handling" KYB Gas-a-Just when I swapped the (seemingly original) shocks out, which were very dead. Before the swap, I would describe the handling as "battleship-like". I definitely gave up some ride smoothness for flatter handling, since I like throwing it around Boston area streets.
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