OK - had the van back up on the rack again after hearing this noise
again. After poking around - found a broken rear shock, which allowed
the swing-arm to drop down far enough to free the spring. The lower
spring pad had been hammered to pieces allowing the spring to move
around. Apparently the spring was hitting the metal and making the clank.

New shocks and pads are in order.

Any shock recommendations?

As for the noise up front - I found a very dry steering knuckle, and a
worn upper bushing. I plan to replace those as well.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

John Rodgers wrote:
> Recently I have begun to experience an occasional loud, severe "Bang" up
> front - so severe it shakes the front end of the van. It does it at slow
> speed, usually after a stop or slowing down. Or - after being stopped,
> and stating off again - particularly when beginning or ending a turn of
> the type in turning the corner at a stop light. It feels like the van
> has been hit by a sledge hammer somewhere solid - not in the sheet metal
> - but maybe in the suspension components or the chassis up front. I just
> had my mechanic check this and he found nothing.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
>