>Is there something "special" about a vanagon's shocks, or can a "ma
>and pa" shop do it?
>

Any shop should be able to install the shocks, nothing unique about
them compared to "normal" cars.

Rear shocks are super easy, 5-10 minutes each if you have a lift and
air wrench.

Front ones can be a pain if the top nut is rusted on, but they can
cut the top off with a sawszall if you are junking the shocks
anyway...