I recently posted about my tires wearing on my '07 Uplander and GM replacing the tires after doing a warranty repair to the rear axle and doing a 4 wheel alignment.
The technician at Tire Tech in Leamington originally told me that the noisy tires were being caused by weak/worn suspension components.... GM would not replace shocks or struts as they weren't leaking. So I ordered a set of rear shocks for the Uplander and did that ever make a difference in the way it rides and handles !! Much better, no more body roll on turns and the van runs much quiter over irregular road surfaces.... like a different (better) vehicle.
I replaced the anemic OE shocks with Monroe Sensa-Tracs. I think they will help the life of the new tires too. Time will tell.
The van sure runs better with the new rear shocks, I wouldn't have thought just the rear shocks would tighten the vehicle up like that.

Shock bolts are 18mm if you are planning on changing yours...

 

I've had the opportunity to drive the Uplander in the last couple of days on all sorts of roads, rough country roads, 2-lane paved and 4 lane highways. I am amazed at how much better the van performs with just the rear shocks replaced. Sidewinds hardly bother it now and the van tracks so much smoother with a minimum of drifting and noise. It's really hard to describe the improvement in ride and handling.

 

Good information on upgrades, thanks for sharing.