1997 Dodge Caravan Strut Towers Deteriorated
#1
07-09-2011, 03:19 AM
Join Date: Jul 2011
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1997 Dodge Caravan Strut Towers Deteriorated
Hello
I'm having issues with the strut towers deteriorating. The CAP repair kit won't work for this because the towers are truly gone. Is there a repair panel kit or can we buy individual towers and weld or rivet them into place? Please help or advise.
The van is a great van. It rides smooth, it's interior is immaculate. I love the size and the seating. All of the other internal cosmetic features are great as well.
How can I fix this without spending $2000 on repairs?
Any information would be appreciated. Thank you. rmkisting WI
I'm having issues with the strut towers deteriorating. The CAP repair kit won't work for this because the towers are truly gone. Is there a repair panel kit or can we buy individual towers and weld or rivet them into place? Please help or advise.
The van is a great van. It rides smooth, it's interior is immaculate. I love the size and the seating. All of the other internal cosmetic features are great as well.
How can I fix this without spending $2000 on repairs?
Any information would be appreciated. Thank you. rmkisting WI
#2
07-10-2011, 12:44 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oklahoma
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The problem you will have is the steering geometry.
If the new towers aren't welded in, in exactly the right spot, the van will never drive right again.
Finding a donor van at the scrap yard will not be an issue.
There are many of these vans still on the road, and vans hitting the junkyards everyday.
I was just a t a local yard a few days ago, and there were 30 GCVs in various states of disassemble.
Strut towers should be an easy find.
The biggest issue will be the actual welding of the strut towers.
The cuts will have to match exactly, the welds done perfectly.
The engine and trans along with a ton of other components must be removed to do a job like this correctly.
If I were in your position, I'd look in the salvage yards for a solid and straight '96-'00 Caravan or T&C. (be sure the engines match! A different engine will have a different wiring harness)
Take the best parts from your's and put them on the salvage van.
It sounds like a big job, but you'll be surprised at how easy these vans are to work on.
I totally understand the love you have for your Caravan.
I love my '96 Grand Caravan MOD IV Bubbletop.
I bought a donor just for spare parts to stash away to keep mine running.
So, I know from experience, these vans come apart really easy.
If you can get a solid van for a couple hundred bucks, the rest is all your labor.
Good luck with your project,
PinCup
If the new towers aren't welded in, in exactly the right spot, the van will never drive right again.
Finding a donor van at the scrap yard will not be an issue.
There are many of these vans still on the road, and vans hitting the junkyards everyday.
I was just a t a local yard a few days ago, and there were 30 GCVs in various states of disassemble.
Strut towers should be an easy find.
The biggest issue will be the actual welding of the strut towers.
The cuts will have to match exactly, the welds done perfectly.
The engine and trans along with a ton of other components must be removed to do a job like this correctly.
If I were in your position, I'd look in the salvage yards for a solid and straight '96-'00 Caravan or T&C. (be sure the engines match! A different engine will have a different wiring harness)
Take the best parts from your's and put them on the salvage van.
It sounds like a big job, but you'll be surprised at how easy these vans are to work on.
I totally understand the love you have for your Caravan.
I love my '96 Grand Caravan MOD IV Bubbletop.
I bought a donor just for spare parts to stash away to keep mine running.
So, I know from experience, these vans come apart really easy.
If you can get a solid van for a couple hundred bucks, the rest is all your labor.
Good luck with your project,
PinCup
#3
07-10-2011, 02:31 PM
I feel your pain. I myself have lost a couple of good vans from this cancer too.
Hopefully you live somewhere southern where the donor vans will be in good shape. Cuz here in canada you could spend half your lifetime trying to find a donor whose towers are in cherry shape( I wouldnt even try changing them if your new ones are not absolutley perfect).
once you have the new towers installed oil the crap outta them, they may last
Hopefully you live somewhere southern where the donor vans will be in good shape. Cuz here in canada you could spend half your lifetime trying to find a donor whose towers are in cherry shape( I wouldnt even try changing them if your new ones are not absolutley perfect).
once you have the new towers installed oil the crap outta them, they may last
