I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. I have been told I need to replace the Front Strut Plate/Bearings & the Front Struts themselves.

The question I have is; I have gotten a price online from Autozone. If I purchase the whole strut, does the strut plate/bearings come with it? They do have the strut plate available separate, however it kindof looks like it comes with it in the picture shown by AutoZone online. If I buy this am I getting the strut plate with it?

I have asked 3 different employees and they do not know... Thanks!
Cory

If you buy, for instance, Monroe Quik Struts, you get a new strut, spring, and top bearing/bushing plate. Otherwise, you buy the strut and need to reuse the spring and top bearing. When I replaced the struts on my 2000 Taurus, I only wanted to use Monroe Quik Struts (Lifetime Warranty). Old coil springs are "tired" and should be replaced--likewise for the top bearing. The savings in time alone is worth it, in my opinion.

It can be a rough job removing the old struts from the steering knuckle. Frequently, the subframe must be dropped and the axle separated from the wheel bearing/hub. The write-up below will give you a feel for what's involved:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-8.html#post1393236

My advice is shop for a great deal on Monroe Quik Struts. Monroe recently had a $50 rebate on a set of two.