Shocks do not support any load. They merely control or damp the up/down
motion of the wheel assembly. The creaking is most likely due to bad
suspension bushings. The upper control arm bushings are the first ones
to look at.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of dusty edwards
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 8:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: When to replace the shocks???

the front end is creaking a little on bumps - could it be from the load
on the springs that the shocks are no longer picking up?  in additon to
this problem, the van seems to be reacting more to bumps and potholes
than usual.

any ideas???
thanks!
dusty.