New Member lots of questions!!
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Joined: Jan 2007
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New Member lots of questions!!
Hello, I just bought a 1998 Dodge Ram Van B1500 for one dollar, and have a few questions to ask regarding it.
But I guess my biggest question concerns the engine. While I know that it will soon need a new engine because I already know that one of the cylinders is shot and the fact that the engine has 284k miles on it. But my real question I guess concerns upgrading it to a V8.
Since I bought it the other day I've been doing nothing but combing the web for info about them, in fact that's how I found this place. But I also found an old ad for them from Dodge that mentioned the two V8 engines as an option. So I'm wondering if I upgraded to one of the 8 cylinder engines for it would my existing transmission and motor mounts etc. accept it?? Also, if I do upgrade to an 8 cylinder or even just stick with the 6 cylinder one, are they still using those same engines today and if not what was the last year they were used??
The reason I'm interested in upgrading from the 6 cylinder one is to be able to safely tow my 4800lb. trailer with it. And I'm trying to doeverything as cheaply as possible due to money being very tight right now and my wife thinking I'm totally insane for even buying the van in the first place.
Any help or advise will be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thanks in advance,
Larry
But I guess my biggest question concerns the engine. While I know that it will soon need a new engine because I already know that one of the cylinders is shot and the fact that the engine has 284k miles on it. But my real question I guess concerns upgrading it to a V8.
Since I bought it the other day I've been doing nothing but combing the web for info about them, in fact that's how I found this place. But I also found an old ad for them from Dodge that mentioned the two V8 engines as an option. So I'm wondering if I upgraded to one of the 8 cylinder engines for it would my existing transmission and motor mounts etc. accept it?? Also, if I do upgrade to an 8 cylinder or even just stick with the 6 cylinder one, are they still using those same engines today and if not what was the last year they were used??
The reason I'm interested in upgrading from the 6 cylinder one is to be able to safely tow my 4800lb. trailer with it. And I'm trying to doeverything as cheaply as possible due to money being very tight right now and my wife thinking I'm totally insane for even buying the van in the first place.
Any help or advise will be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thanks in advance,
Larry
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,412
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From: Nashville
RE: New Member lots of questions!!
Larry,
I tow with the V6 3.9L/239cid engine our 3000lbs TT when fulloy loaded weights 4500lbs. Sure, the V6 can be a dog on the foot hills into the mountains. BUT, I don't do mountain towing with it at all.
The 1998 and new engines are the better Ram engines. You do have an issue though. The tranny will not directly bolt up to the V8.
There is a Dodge engine fourm out there on the web and another Dodge forum place that has all your answers. This upgrade has been done plenty of times, however, due to costs, it would be better to find a Dodge Ram Van with 3.92 rear gears and a 5.2L/318cid engine with OD. These typically are the B2500 Ram Vans. A nice conversion van with this setup would be ideal for you since fuel prices are higher and people are dumping these into the market place. A good place to look is in the www.autotrader.com site. Being in IL, you're located at the old conversion capital of the nation.
The last production year for a passenger Dodge Ram Van is 2002. The last production year for the Dodge Ram CARGO Van is 2003. The last production conversion Dodge Ram Van is 2003.
I tow with the V6 3.9L/239cid engine our 3000lbs TT when fulloy loaded weights 4500lbs. Sure, the V6 can be a dog on the foot hills into the mountains. BUT, I don't do mountain towing with it at all.
The 1998 and new engines are the better Ram engines. You do have an issue though. The tranny will not directly bolt up to the V8.
There is a Dodge engine fourm out there on the web and another Dodge forum place that has all your answers. This upgrade has been done plenty of times, however, due to costs, it would be better to find a Dodge Ram Van with 3.92 rear gears and a 5.2L/318cid engine with OD. These typically are the B2500 Ram Vans. A nice conversion van with this setup would be ideal for you since fuel prices are higher and people are dumping these into the market place. A good place to look is in the www.autotrader.com site. Being in IL, you're located at the old conversion capital of the nation.
The last production year for a passenger Dodge Ram Van is 2002. The last production year for the Dodge Ram CARGO Van is 2003. The last production conversion Dodge Ram Van is 2003.