First time on Expo - Rear locker for Dodge Ram Van

[BSK]

My family just purchased a 2000 Dodge Ram Van 3500 15 passenger from a church. We picked it up super cheap from a neighboring church with only 25,000 miles. It's long and funny looking but I can fit a lot of surfboards and people in it I want to make it a family camper but the thing feels like it will rattle apart off-road and am wondering if anyone has some good ideas on how to make it a little more capable. It actually came with some nice tires the church had put on for snow trips as well as chains. I don't know if there is a rear locking diff. For this Van or how much it would actually help? I do a lot of surfing and love going to baja but have mostly used a 4x4 for this purpose, this Van would be to get to the beach and back with the ability to camp in.

Ben

 

[Shocker]

Welcome to the Portal Ben.

As for the rear axle, it could be a Dana 60 or Dana 70U depending. I have also heard that the 11.5 made it into some of the van's but I have never seen one. I think it is more speculation than fact. Lot's of lockers for these axles.

I would take a look at a good limited slip first. If you have the money, an Eaton electric locker or ARB would be an excellent choice. It could really make the difference between watching the Ram get filled with salt water and making it out.

Also, don't forget to air down your tires as that will give you a lot more traction.

 

[simple]

Welcome to the Portal Ben.

As for the rear axle, it could be a Dana 60 or Dana 70U depending. I have also heard that the 11.5 made it into some of the van's but I have never seen one. I think it is more speculation than fact. Lot's of lockers for these axles.

I would take a look at a good limited slip first. If you have the money, an Eaton electric locker or ARB would be an excellent choice. It could really make the difference between watching the Ram get filled with salt water and making it out.

Also, don't forget to air down your tires as that will give you a lot more traction.

Yep. And if you go with an ARB air locker, you can use the compressor to air the tires back up for pavement.

 

[BSK]

Thanks for the info, I like the idea of having the compressor to air up!

 

[BSK]

Looks like there isn't a selectable locker for my setup. Might go with a truetrac limited slip, anyone have this in a 2wd van? Also any recommendations on a good installer in the Santa Barbara/Ventura area?