Chrysler Repair: Minivan Rear Suspension: too low after shock change, shock absorber, small claims court

Question
My wife had the rear shocks replaced on our '96 T&C minivan last week.  Today, I noticed the the rear was riding extremely low and had her take it back.  The shop said "oops", they installed the wrong shock, and replaced, but the rear ride height has not improved looks like the van is going up hill) and now they claim all of a sudden the springs are worn (the car was riding level before the shocks were replaced).  Any idea?

Answer
Hi David,
They may still not have installed the proper shock, if for example the van originally had a new type of self-contained load leveling shocks (I know these were available in '98 but I can't be certain about your '96 model). You might check the factory invoice that was on the window when the van was purchased or the sales invoice if it shows the features that you paid for. If that type of shock was not used in the replacement then that could explain the problem.
Otherwise, the leaf springs or the shackles that are used in the van may have been damaged by the installation of a too short shock. I would go to another alignment/suspension shop and ask them for an inspection and opinion about what damage/wrong parts might have been done/used by the first shop, and get it in writing. Then return to the original shop and ask for free repair of whatever seems to be the cause for the out of level situation. Clearly, replacing a shock absorber will not damage a spring if the proper absorber properly installed is used. Small claims court may be another means to get satisfaction.
On the '98, the rear ride height measured at the top of the fender wheel opening is about 77 cm. Again, I can't be certain this is also true for your '96.

Please let me know what you determine so that others might learn.
Roland