Dodge Ram Van Question(s)?

[Ronct110]

I am toying with the idea of picking up this 2000 Dodge Ram Van 3500 for $2500 a friend pointed out to me.

Don't know anything about Dodge Vans especially this particular 3500, but starting to do my research before I pull the trigger. Not afraid to turn a wrench.

It's 2WD - perhaps 4WD later but not in the immediate horizon since I have 4WD vehicle(s) for the trails. So 2WD is ok for now. And no time limit on the build - slow is ok.

My plans for it would be a camper van. I don't have the budget for a Sprinter but this post by Paul gave me some interior ideas: http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...For-Work-or-Play?p=895294&posted=1#post895294

My Questions:

- Realibity of 2000 Dodge Ram Van 3500? Bad or Good? Has lots of miles 200,000+! Seems to run fine. Drove it up/down the freeway. No check engine but the brake light is on and Air Bag Light as well (I read in the Dodge forum to check fuse #3 or 4, and check the ABS sensors!). Will look into this. I also will see if my OBDII scanner will pick-up any codes.

- It runs on CNG; so even though it only gets 15 mpg - CNG is half the price of regular gasoline. Also found a site that helps me locate CNG filling stations. With this said, anyone familair with maint on CNG vs gasoline engine? Same or more/less req? Also CNG tank expires on 2015 but I won't worry about that till later; I am sure there will be aftermarket solution(s) out there. I am not planning to spend tons of money in the conversion also - reason why I like the post above. Keeping it simple yet functional.

- Parts avail. Are the general maint parts compatible e.g. fuel filter, oil filter similar with other Dodge Ram Van e.g. 1500, 2500 or trucks? How about the engine/and drivetrain? And exterior e.g. front and rear bumper.

- Tires. Looks like the tires are ok but will replace them with newer BFG AT KO 245/75/16s later (meets the load range for this van). Also steering towards to the right a bit. Checked the steering components and didn't feel any play. Will get it checked and get alignment done.

- Towing. No tow hitch. Looking into a Valley Hitch suppose to fit this van ($220 plus shipping). And trailer wiring for $12. I could use it to tow perhaps my 4WD vehicle to the trail heads. Anyone tow with their Dodge Van (my 4wd vehicle weighs about 6000 lbs + the trailer)?

Will upload pictures if I decide to buy it but for now just toying with the idea. Thanks in advance for any tips, ideas, and comments!

Cheers! :smiley_drive:

 

[chasespeed]

Real quick, w/ cng or lpg the engine should last longer. Cleaner burning fuel. Second, in 2015 you just need to have the tank re-inspected/certified. I will expand later.

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[Ronct110]

Thanks Chasespeed. I also read somewhere that the engine for CNGs is suppose to be heavier duty/hardened components e.g. gasket... Thanks again and like to hear more about what you want to share re: CNG.

 

[Herbie]

It's 2WD - perhaps 4WD later but not in the immediate horizon since I have 4WD vehicle(s) for the trails. So 2WD is ok for now. And no time limit on the build - slow is ok.

I only mention this because you indicated "perhaps 4WD later", but it is my understanding that Dodge vans are MUCH more difficult to convert to 4WD than the other domestic full-size vans.

You may want to cross-post this to the Camper Vans forum and let the full-size experts there give their take.

 

[Ronct110]

Hey Herbie, thanks! I think 4WD conversion will be off on this van more I think about it; rather use the funds and energy/time doing something else like adding a pop top later. I have 4wd vehicles to fill that need so I am good for now.

Plus the massive CNG tank on this van hangs about the same level as the lowest point of the rear diff, going to take a massive lift and tire size, and custom armor to protect the CNG tank where I would like to take this van.

Anyways, I told the seller; only way I am going to buy this is if it passes smog, and I get to spend a whole day checking it out.

Checked all fluids good. Popped the engine cover inside (wow! massive transmisison and engine) - Humming sweet. Engine/tranny looks clean for its age; valve covers clean and underside also; no major oil/fluid leaks. No apparent exhaust leak from the manifolds.

Had the seller change the air filter - looks a lil dirty and insurance for passing smog. Also plugged-in my OBDII scanner to see what the computer is reading on engine temp, oil pressure... Also checked if the 02 sensor was in-range per repair manual I borrowed(good). Figured to check it since I have the tool. Most part vital matches what the dash gauge is saying.

Well it passed smog yesterday afternoon (seller had to take it to a smog that test CNG). The brake light on the dask could be rear ABS sensor. I wiggled it and the light went on/off. Perhaps need cleaning, or I already sourced out a new ABS sensor for the rear for $19.95 (after spending parts on Land Rovers I am "happy sticker shocked to see cheaper car parts".

Alignment shop quoted me $89 to hopefully take care of the stirring to the right a bit, and the air bag light. Well, can't figure it out yet (need more time) but a "black electrical tape" on the dash will work for now. Lol.

I am picking up the van later today. More details on the plan and pictures later.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Look forward to seeing the pics! Vans offer unlimited conversion opportunities, so it should be a fun build.

 

[Ronct110]

Look forward to seeing the pics! Vans offer unlimited conversion opportunities, so it should be a fun build.

Feel the same way also; should be fun!

Just been working on making the van more road worthy e.g. fluid changes, tune-up, and now working on getting new inner/outer tie-rods, and a drag link (DIY to save on cost).

BTW, I got the price down from $2500 to $1500. :Wow1:

First week, took it to an alignment shop and they did their best; however, hearing some clonking @ the front-end; the specialist pointed-out the worn tie-rods (wanted to charge me $1050 for parts and mostly labor). Ordered all the new parts needed for $250 shipped on-line (DIY install) and the then back to the alignment shop (life time alignment service) after the install.

Also made my first trip to a CNG filling station in Berkeley, CA; received my training (easy although a lil nerve racking at first w/extra steps for filling-up on CNG), and now I am good to do regular fill-ups. $2.10 a gge and getting about 15 gge on the van (will continue to watch this and see if I get any improvements w/tune-up, etc...). I applied for a PG&E CNG access card (seen as low as $1.95 gge) so I can use their stations/gives me more options.

And then the pink slip came in the mail, and current tags/registration after the seller and I completed the deal 2-3 weeks ago. Ordered a new CNG sticker, and white HOV sticker from the DMV since the ones on the vehicle are badly faded by the sun. And at some point, I will be re-painting the van (color/color theme undecided yet). My eldest son wants a camoflauge paint scheme (lol - he plays Xbox Call Duty too much I said), and my other son wants a circus theme. Perhaps keep it simply with Expo White - circus theme is not completely off (lol); unique and certainly fun looking.

While I am waiting for parts, etc... to come in the mail, I've been paintakingly removing decals and signs; this van was a former Airport Shuttle - see pic 1. And next week, I will be stopping by a van conversion shop in San Jose, CA for ideas/inspiration: http://www.personalizedvans.com/; will also be pricing pop tops. Interior seats/dash are good in shape - pic 2 but will be ripping out the old carpet and looking for ideas for replacement.

I might pop-in the Tumbleewood tiny house design session tommorrow Sunday in Berkeley: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ - although designs are meant for tiny homes; can be applied to RVs/van conversion I think.

More pics/build-up plans to come as time permits...:smiley_drive:

 

[chasespeed]

I'm sorry, I forgot all about this. The tank on your van is basically, a LPG motor fuel tank. If you look on the tank, it should say Manchester, Worthington, American Welding, etc. It will either be stamped onto the tank, or on a placard attached to the tank. It will have a lot of info on it. Most DOT tanks are good for 12 years before reinspection, and there are several types.

Second, from what I have seen, engines that run on LP or NG, last longer, and wear much better than regular petrol. A former employer had a lot of service trucks that ran on lp, even at 4k miles right before an oil change, the oil was still carmel colored, not black.at all.... and.a lot of those have.200k on them.... take care of it..... and it will last a LONG time.....
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[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Quote: Also steering towards to the right a bit. Checked the steering components and didn't feel any play. Will get it checked and get alignment done.

My Dodge truck, and a Dodge van I've driven in the past, both steered slightly to the right. I believe (but cannot prove) that all 2nd gens do it. Someone once told me about ball joint problems, although that may not hold for 2WDs...:sombrero:

 

[chasespeed]

My 2nd gen Ram(4x4 cummins) tracks straight, when it wants. It wanders all over the road(steering box is as loose as a $5.... well... i dont need to finish. Go to a GOOD alignment shop. Someone who will set it correctly, not just to factory specs... should cure you pulling.

BTW, check your brakes, if youre dragging a little on one side, it'll pull... sometimes bad brake hoses, can act as check valves, retaining a little pressure......

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[Mighty Dodge Ram]

X2 on the good alignment shop. Only once have I had a straight tracking truck. All other times it was "within specs". Boo!

 

[christianoffroad]

Just to put my 2cents in- The Dodge vans do have ball joint issues, particularly with that many miles(most anything would wear after 200K). The steering boxes were prone to wear as well, but I dont know if they have the breakage problem like the trucks do. Good idea NOT converting to 4WD as it isnt worth the time or expense. Looks and sounds like you are on your way to a sweet camper van!

 

[Ronct110]

Quote: Also steering towards to the right a bit. Checked the steering components and didn't feel any play. Will get it checked and get alignment done.

My Dodge truck, and a Dodge van I've driven in the past, both steered slightly to the right. I believe (but cannot prove) that all 2nd gens do it. Someone once told me about ball joint problems, although that may not hold for 2WDs...:sombrero:

Spot on Mighty Dodge Ram, and Christianoffroad.

I changed the tie-rod ends, and center link; good to replace them showing sign of worn-out, but steering to the right a bit persited. Changed the ball joins (upper); turns out to be worn-out. After alignmnet, walla, steering is straight. Thanks!