Just bought a 96 b1500 3.9 L w/ 118,000 Miles

A few questions I have...

1) I am using this van for mobile detailing and would like to improve the gas mileage some way....13-16mpgs is frightening me...



2) Does this van come stock with a headliner, carpet , etc....If not what does the stock inside look like?

3) I seem to have a valve tick.... How easy is it to do a valve job...??

4) Where can I get some cheap aftermarket parts?

5) What is the black box under the driver seat?

6) What are some things I should look at on this VAN... I used to work on my jeep all the time and just need some good advice before I stat wasting $ ..

THanks,
Daniel

 

I can answer a few of these but the guys on this forum who actually have the 3.9L V6 engine may have more specific information for you.

4) Rockauto.com is one of the best sources I know, and usually the cheapest.
5) That is your airbag control box. Very annoying location!
6) The most common issues are with the ignition system, premature rust and assorted electrical failures.

They are very reliable in general but you really, seriously, have to keep up on all the maintenance. Failing to change transmission fluid, engine coolant, old brake fluid, etc will all result in expensive repairs. Failing to use a high quality brass distributor cap/rotor and high quality plug wires will cause missing and rough running and has even resulted in a few engine fires.

 

1. Sir, it is a 5000+ lbs. vehicle - we are blessed to get 13-16 MPG. Back in the days of carbs, these vans got 8-10. Also, it is just physics - anything 5000 lbs gets 13-16 MPG without 2014 computer technology. Even today's 2014 Ram 1500 gets 16 MPG in the city...If you want better gas mileage get a Caravan.
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil - keeping these new every 12-24 months is the only way to keep the mileage up. Also if it has 100k on it, change the o2 sensors and only use a OEM one...no aftermarkets!


2. Stock these van came with nothing -- totally bare. There were packages that were purchased. Usually cargo vans had nothing, just bare walls. Then passenger vans had headliners and carpet or even vinyl floors. Creature comforts are found in conversion vans.


3. Check, or have a mechanic check for a exhaust leak. I had one and though it was a lifter. Also if the wires are arching it can sound like a tick too.


Good luck

 

Thanks for the tips!


I paid $1200 bucks for this thing..It as 118k on it.... little to no rust... a few dings and paint from it being a work vehicle. Good Deal?

OH!!

On a 1996 B1500 is the top of the roof closest to the front of the vehicle supposed to dip down?? It collects so much water!

 

Thats a good price generally, depending on the amount of rust and wether the transmission holds up. I always assume the transmission is about to fail when I find a particularly good deal on a vehicle. So far, so good with my 2000.

No, it should be convex and water should not collect. Sounds like someone loaded cargo on the roof and bent in the sheetmetal. Remove the headliner (if present) and you can probably pop it back into shape by hand if you go slow and are careful. My van had similar damage.