Decided to start this one as I just completed a 97 RAM van alarm install. Automatic. Manual windows. Remote starter and alarm. Would be happy to share what I learned with anyone. Be patient as I check this forum once a day or so.

Dirty Sanchez already came up with the awesome idea of putting the alarm under the glove compartment. This rocks! You can now lock your glove compartment and protect the alarm brain.

 

It's a good location assuming you don't have a need for the glove box.

 

On my 2000 B1500 Ram Van conversion, the alarm is located under the dash in an easy location between the dog-house and behind the dash radio/HVAC controls. With the dog-house off, there is easy access to get to any of those items. And no, this is not in the engine compart either. Just a neat place to get behind the dash.

Of course, your model is pre-1998, so check to see if there is room in that space. The alarm in the conversion van was made by TRW.

 

Actually there is plenty of room in the glove compartment. Put the alarm vertical on the firewall and it fits nicely with the glove compartment cover inserted. Fishing the wires to the steering column did take some patience and some #12 THHN(electrical) wire to fish with.