Dodge Vans in Japan

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?

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