Rims = depends on the van you end up with.
Half ton takes the normal 5 lug 4.5" pattern.
You can run lots of different wheels, all the way up to the Watanabe wheels like those shown on the vans pictured at 600+ each.
http://www.watanabe.com.au/There are copies available for less if you love the look. I used to work for this company and they have 15x7 and 15x8 wheels. They are nice.
http://www.vtowheels.com/15-stock-product.html3/4 ton (like mine) is 8 on 6.5", same as similar year trucks. Note that the trucks had various wheel offsets, so you can swap some out, but you may need spacers. The rear track is narrower, so either go with different offsets or spacers. I used a 3/4" spacer in the back so it doesn't look foolish with the rears tucked in so much.
Now if you are willing to stay with a 318 (5.2L), you can go with short or long wheelbase, 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton.
Finding a 360 (5.9L) is going to be much harder. They are pretty much only in the 3/4 ton and that tends to limit you to the long WB.
The year range of this updated B van body style is 1997-2003. This says 98, but check for yourself the pics.
http://www.allpar.com/trucks/b-vans.htmlMore info
http://www.cars.com/dodge/ram-van/1997/snapshotNote the V8 was long WB here.
If you watch CL listings, you will find a couple things pretty quick.
Short WB panel or all windows are pretty rare. Most got converted. There are also a lot of the long and maxi WB vans.
2 faults show up a lot; bad transmissions and peeling paint. If you are willing/able to source and swap a transmission, a good deal can be found.
