As late as 2000, Dodge wrote: Conversion vans, available from Dodge dealers, offer a broad selection of entertainment and comfort features important to a family's travel and recreational needs. Bigger windows were fitted, thanks to a lower beltline; the 127 inch wheelbase vans saw their doors move forward. The changes to the front of the van also improved walk-through access and updated the styling. The smallest engine of the bunch was in the 1997, which had a 318 mated to a 727 Torqueflite that's right, no overdrive , but as a Magnum motor, probably outperformed the 360 with the Quadrajet in the 1984. The last generation vans lacking chrome bumpers are especially vulnerable, so there are lots and lots of vans used by tradesmen running around looking like they've been on a bumper cart track when they've probably just hit the occasional parking space post or trash can, or had the wrong towing method used.
In the 2000s, V8 gas mileage went up. For 1981, the names were all changed: Sportsman was replaced by Ram Wagon, model designations were upped by 50 B150, B250, B350 , and a new Mini-Ram van on a 109. The seats finally left the old E-body designs and went to a high-backed, comfortable, bolstered design that includes folding armrests on the van I'm driving, and the engine cover's redesign finally has a decent cupholder for 44 ounce drinks. The odometer shows 120,275 miles and no longer works. This package was available from the 1976 model year until it was discontinued in the early 1980s. The refresh continued for the 1978 vans, with a rear and interior reskin. Dodge pioneered the American 15-passenger van genre with the introduction of the Maxiwagon along with the other front engine B series vans that were new for 1971.
The company redesigned door check straps and made a cassette stereo was standard. The engine was under a sturdier plastic cover than it had been in the A-vans, with better sound insulation. Maxiwagon and Maxivan continued Chrysler's exclusive 15-passenger capacity for wagons and the longest interior cargo length for vans. The Sportsman, Tradesman, and Adventurer names were phased out after 1980, replaced with the Ram van moniker, which included the Ram wagon for passenger models. These vans were incredible in traffic as they could U-turn in the same space as your average modern mid-size sedan. This factory information shows you how to repair your vehicle. One other downside that I saw with all three vans I've used at work is that their bumpers don't take well to some tow trucks.
Dodge noted a wishbone-type independent front suspension. Similar construction for the entire 32 years of production made the Dodge Van very popular with upbuilders, service companies, and other fleets due to the compatibility of installable options from year to year without necessitating a redesign. The 1976 vans gained an optional noise insulation package, and suspension tweaks to improve the ride; a warning light appeared when the transmission fluid was too hot or low. The 1978-style dash was kept. The next part was harder: switching to a longer front which hurt the turning radius , and shrinking the doghouse interior engine bay , to make crashes less dangerous. Side doors were hinged, with an integrated step, near the center of the body; the Maxivan could take up to 15 passengers, and Dodge made school-bus versions as they had with the A-van. The most radical changes were made in the name of safety, Dodge switched to lower-force driver and passenger airbags the passenger one could be deactivated , changed its driver controls and audio systems, and added adjustable seat-belt loops.
Five new metallic colors and four straight shades joined five continuing colors. Despite this unibody design, the B-series van was popular for cab-over motorhome conversion until Chrysler Corporation's egress from that market during their bankruptcy proceedings in the 1970s. Six cylinder included the 225 in³ Slant Six 1971-1987 , the 3. The 1978-style dashboard and door panels were finally replaced in the 1998 model year with a modern design using components from contemporary Chrysler products. It's very hard to see to the right behind the van, and it's even difficult on the left. The B-series van was available with nearly every engine used in a rear wheel drive Chrysler product during its production. Additionally, the relocation of all of this came with a change in the steering that removes the tight turning of the previous van, so U-turns are to be avoided as they won't be successful.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Car details Super clean 1991 Dodge Ram Van. Refresh the page to fix it! Dodge also launched its Street Van, designed to look and be customized. I've got two; a 1979 B200 318 and 1981 B150 slant six, which are much better for me than my previous Chevyvan. This panel was eliminated in 1978 which was a transitional year for the B-series van.
I removed the back seats and built a bed platform with a full size bed, which is included. The Long Range Van was added with a big gas tank. The popular single rear door became standard, with the dual rear door optional, rather than the other way around. Ram Conversion Vans can also be equipped as a van motor home, with onboard electrical power supplies that have 12- and 110-volt outlets for items such as microwave ovens and refrigerators. Dodge Ram Conversion Vans -- built by factory-approved conversion specialists -- are the only line of full-size vans available in three lengths 187. Since many of our buyers are from out of state, we will need email notification from you at least one business day prior to pickup to facilitate the test.
Certain model years came with an optional 5. The 1990 Ram Vans gained optional rear-wheel antilock brakes, with a heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission. The B-vans were phased in over 1970 and 1971; they started as 1971 models. Due to a body-on-frame design, the Dodge platform was lighter and stronger than the competition, at the expense of. A new was completed to help fill demand. ·We do not accept trades nor can you trade your vehicle for another vehicle we have listed on Ebay.