I've been trying to hunt down a rattle in the front end since I've owned the
van, almost 2 years now.  I've replaced everything part that I thought could
cause this noise.  I've spent real money at the dealer with no luck, and
then spent more just to rule out a maybe.  This weekend while
replacing the radiator and laying under the van I just started beatin around
on stuff with a rubber mallet for the fun of it.  I found that I could
reproduce a similiar nose.  It seems the calipers rattle on the sliding
pins.  I can move them by hand and make them rattle.  I think I have finally
narrowed it down.  The calipers are rebuilt and came with new guide pins,
but the calipers I took off rattled also.  How much play is supposed
to be there?  I can't think of any way of tying them down to make sure.  When I
thought it was the shocks, I could just remove them and drive to the special
bump that always makes it thump.  Not sure what to do.  If anyone has any
ideas, I'm open to suggestions.  I hope it's something simple and cheap
because I replaced all the difficult and expensive parts.

Thanks,
Doug
'86 GL Westy
Maryland