I'm kicking around the idea of getting a full size van this time to replace my departed '93 Caravan.

I love the look of how they're doing up these vans over there.....



I can find pics all day long, but, haven't found any real info on how they're lowering them. Simple deal? Or major undertaking?

Link to more pics... DAJIBAN

I've seen the lowering threads here regarding pickups, is it the same deal?

If you keep looking, you should find some pics with the vans on hoists.

Seems that the rear is removing all but the main leaf, with coil-overs installed and anti-roll bar.

Front was cutting coils and stiffer shock, with much bigger anti roll bar. not much before they bottom out!

Pics here
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/lowering-a-dodge-van/19431/page1/


There are videos too.
Here's one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU0RAj-1gxQ


I got a 2500 and cut a coil off the front to get it down. Since I don't want to spend a grand on the rear (and mess with load capacity) , I'll probably use a drop rear spring shackle (longer, raises the rear of the spring, lowering the ride height), but that requires cutting a hole in the floor.
I also didn't have the bread to throw on a high-dollar set of the correct wheels, so I used later model Dodge truck 5 spoke 17" wheels and low profile tires.

The wheels I used had more offset and required spacers, grinding and new lugs on the front, and deep spacers on the rear (narrower track on the rear stock).

BTW, there is a club over in Japan that is into the vintage style vans too.

Deez Crew

Here is an article on them.

http://vandolerosvanclub.blogspot.com/2011/12/deez-crew-mooneyes-yokohama-2011.html

Been following them for about 4 years and I'm really not sure you would want to emulate some of their suspension mods.




I see multileaf setups on the typical suspension.
]


However, they sure have some spendy/beautiful exhausts.




But I really dig that Monkeybike!

Thanks for the links and info guys!

I didn't realize their suspensions were such hack jobs. With the rear suspension, rather than use coil overs to make up for the missing leafs, I wonder if air bags could be used instead? I wouldn't want to do a full on slam to the ground, just a tickle, but, either way the van has still gotta be able to haul stuff.

Another thing that has me curious is how are they getting around the computer system. I don't see anything too radical, but, from what I understand it doesn't take much to go beyond the stock computer.

Now to find a fairly cheap van that doesn't have a bazillion miles on it......

Oh! Forgot to ask, are rims that difficult to find for the later vans? I was thinking of going with the black soft8 rims......

They weigh in at 4200 pounds, which was higher than I expected. Just plan on wheel/tire combos for that (or better, the 6600lb GVWR).

People have been modifying Dodge vans since they were first offered. There are decades of ideas out there!

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.html



3/4 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.html

More info
http://www.cars.com/dodge/ram-van/1997/snapshot
Note 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.

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.

The transmission is what scares me. I can swap 'em all day long, but, source a good one?


The other issue I have is, how much mileage is too much? A majority of what I'm finding has between 150K and 350K. I have a hard time spending $$$ on something that has a bazillion miles on it.

I missed out on two already because I didn't have the cash I do now.

I don't mind the 318, I'd even consider a V6 at this point.

This may be more difficult than I imagined.

You can find a good shop in the area and see if they will build it while you do the R&R, or DIY. There are a lot of you tube videos on going through a 727/518/46RE. Pick up a rebuild kit and/or upgrade parts through the suppliers that have a good recommendation here, plus a flush can.

The engines will last a long time, provide they don't 1. overheat 2. lose oil pressure.
1. is maintaining the cooling system. Check service records.
2. is regular oil changes and not letting the level drop. The bearings can be swapped out too.


All magnums but especially the 5.9s are known for cracking the heads, mostly a non-issue.
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=7039768

The other biggie is the base plate on the intake manifold leaking. This causes a lean misfire. Either replace just the gasket (cheap but involved) or replace the sheetmetal pan with a plate and the gasket (same work, more money and more permanent).
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?partid=27091

Other stuff will degrade over many miles. Suspension, brakes, steering, fuel system and electrical. Again, check records and test drive it.

On mine, it's had PCM issues for the original owner and me. Seems like a common issue for some.

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309450

I haven't found a good forum for these late model OBD II vans. They really are a different beast than even the 80-early 90s vans, since the drivetrain is different and all the computers were not on the older ones. So a forum like the 71-77 B van forum is not much help. They aren't that popular or built in numbers that support a separate forum. On most modern vehicles with OBD II, any forums will have those users that ask very basic questions and have little knowledge. If the forum is good and useful, they will also have posters that really know the vehicle, and the proper way to diagnose and repair them.

Overall, they are pretty darn reliable, and almost all parts are available new or in yards.


EDIT, you gotta figure out if you just want a later van (wider selection) or if you really want to emulate this style. They all seem to be either all window or panels, with sliding side doors and short wheelbase.

As far as the computers, I do know that the registration inspections in Japan are very strict, but don't know about emissions testing.


Cooter, I've seen the coverage from 2010 and up through maybe 2011, but nothing much from the past 2 years or so, except people discussing the older articles. Is there newer info on these?

Quote:

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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.html

---

There's also the Konig Rewind. I found this company. They're in Torance, CA and can make them in a custom backspacing. I believe they call it the 15" T/A...

http://psvintagewheels.com/products.html

I know that rust is not a issue for a lot of you guys, but the newer vans have a problem with the frame rotting out around the steering box. With fewer of these van being available, the prospect of one coming from the rust belt to the other areas is a larger possibility then it used to be. A repair around the steering box is major, difficult, and only good for a couple years, if it can even be done! Get the van prospect on a hoist and inspect that frame around the steering box.

To the OP, buy another minivan. Gene

This 3500 popped up on govdeals.com. If it were a 1500 or 2500 I'd be bidding......

top one here in Red $2850
http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2000-Dodge-Ram-Van-3-Dr-1500-Cargo-Van-t13698


http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale/1998-dodge-ramvan-kansascity-mo-250243927

$2000
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/624972873/overview/

more money $3650
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/...80086&Log=0

Still can't get over the price vs. mileage. But, this also shows I may have to fork over more $$$ to get the van I want.