1997 Dodge Van extended high top - what do you think of this van?

[citytravelfotos]

<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/5N15G85Ka3G33J43N4c9mcfa9b06d320b1606.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><img src="http://images.craigslist.org/5Ea5F45R53G63K33Hac9mbf181d07e4d118a3.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />1997 Dodge Ram Van B3500, 5.2L V8, $3000 (reduced in price to sell)<br /><br />This is a rare Dodge Ram Van that is both extended AND with an aerodynamic high top (rather than the bulky ones), and even rarer, an extended dodge van with a 5.2L engine (known for its reliability and with 12-17 mpg, vs the more common 5.9L engine with 11-15 mpg) as well as a rebuilt transmission. &nbsp;This van has a wheelchair lift that could be sold for maybe $500. &nbsp;This van has, behind the seats, 12 feet of space and about 5 3/4 ft wide.<br /><br />The problem with this van is in its records, while it is clean and accident free, it was used as a taxi for 2 years (driven more than 35,000 miles on average per year for the 2 years) as well as it has been basically sitting for the past 4 years. &nbsp;<br /><br />Still, for the $3000, is it worth it? &nbsp; For anyone here with mechanics knowledge, do you think it would need more than $2,000 of mechanical replacements (because of its 4 years of not being driven much) if the engine is still ok?

 

[Ballenxj]

This van looks like a very nice candidate for conversion. <br />There is a big difference between not being driven, and not being driven much. If it was driven occasionally during the last four years it should be OK as the fluids would have been circulated in the engine. I'd be more worried if it was not driven at all for four years.&nbsp; <br />Have a mechanic buddy check it out, and if it does check out OK offer him $2000, maybe even $2500 depending on how it checks out. The rebuilt transmission is a definite plus. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />-Bruce

 

[Ricekila]

Nice <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[PYSCHOWard]

It doesn't look TOO beat up body wise, and it doesn't look like it hauled&nbsp; even near capacity, so maybe it had respectful operators in its history. The RB trans is Good, but it makes ya wonder why it needed one.

 

[citytravelfotos]

^ From what I hear, Dodge Ram Vans are notorious for having not as reliable transmissions.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Part of the issue with Dodge's transmissions is the ATF+4 requirement. &nbsp;This is an expensive tranny fluid. &nbsp;98% of all places you hire to do a tranny service will not use the ATF+4 but use their universal transmission fluid and then add a product which claims to bring this universal fluid to Chryslers ATF+4 spec.<br /><br />This does not work. ATF+4 is Synthetic.<br /><br />Heat is generally what kills transmission fluid. &nbsp;One the fluid breaks down, the transmission is not far behind. &nbsp;An additional transmission cooler helps greatly.<br /><br />Also liberal use of the ovedrive off button in around town driving. &nbsp;Mine will go into overdrive at 30mph under light throttle, and stay in gear slipping and building heat until i really step on the Gas, or press the od off button

 

[Ballenxj]

<span id="post_message_1275106410">Part of the issue with Dodge's transmissions is the ATF+4 requirement. &nbsp;This is an expensive tranny fluid. &nbsp;98% of all places you hire to do a tranny service will not use the ATF+4 but use their universal transmission fluid and then add a product which claims to bring this universal fluid to Chryslers ATF+4 spec.<br /><br />This does not work. ATF+4 is Synthetic.

<br />This is good to know. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />

Heat is generally what kills transmission fluid. &nbsp;One the fluid breaks down, the transmission is not far behind. &nbsp;An additional transmission cooler helps greatly.<br /><br />Also liberal use of the ovedrive off button in around town driving. &nbsp;Mine will go into overdrive at 30mph under light throttle, and stay in gear slipping and building heat until i really step on the Gas, or press the od off button

&nbsp;<br />I think I'm starting to see a pattern here. So keeping the OD off in town also helps keep the heat down? <br />-Bruce<br /></span><span id="post_message_1275106410"></span>

 

[wrcsixeight]

Yes, &nbsp;Overdrive is meant for steady speeds on flat lands. &nbsp;While my engine might have enough power to climb a hill in overdrive at 65, or even 45, I always use the OD off button, then hit it again when going down the hill, unless I need the engine braking.<br /><br />I do not treat my overdrive as an Automatic gear. &nbsp;Often, when I hit the overdrive &nbsp;off button when accelerating slowly or climbing a hill, I start gaining speed and let off the gas some, which tells me the tranny was slipping and creating more heat, and I was using more gas to do so. &nbsp;I installed a Tachometer which shows me that the engine is turning nearly the same rpms in 3rd as in overdrive when climbing hills, cause the transmission is slipping so much in OD. Where as at the same speed on flatlands, there will be a 1000 difference in rpm between third and overdrive.<br /><br />Mostly &nbsp;with around town driving, another gear shift upward is unnecessary as well, cause that next traffic light is going to get me anyway, as they always do.<br /><br />Also that '97 likely has the A 518/ 46 re transmission, which is a much stronger transmission than my a-500 42re. &nbsp;The overdrive unit is the weak link on all on them, So keeping it out of overdrive except in the conditions where it is most beneficial &nbsp;to increased MPG will yield the best tranny life, If ATF+4 is used. &nbsp;Bulk/ Universal &nbsp;Dexron will kill these trannies in no time, and who does that benefit? The tranny shops that installed the wrong fluid during a service.<br /><br />My Tranny Dipstck says Dexron 2 on it, many do. &nbsp;That is to be ignored. &nbsp;Chrysler must have ordered too many in the early to mid '80's and kept using them anyway, and this no doubt contributes to Chrysler's bad transmission reputation on these Vans/ trucks.

 

[Les H]

First , do not start a" war" over this guys, please. I always driving with the O/D on. Period. Unless taking off heavily lioaded on a hill or severe towing. Several shops ( and the owners manual) said to do this. The vehicle has a computer , or a portion thereof, that is devoted solely to deciding when to shift under optimum conditions.
Cititravelphotos- try not to get too hung up on the vehicle report. A "taxi" means that it was registered as a livery vehicle, most likely a medi cab shuttle, not as a yellow cab screaming through traffic 24/7 with 3 different drivers competing fiercely for fares. Most likely, someone disabled called ahead for transport to or from a medical apt, so it likely started it's day around 8 am and ended it about 6 pm, M-F. Perhaps the tranny went ,was rebuilt, and then it was assigned as a backup vehicle for the fleet, being driven only when another unit was being serviced, which would account for the relatively low miles for four years until it was retired and replaced. I say talk to them and check it out and have your mechanic inspect it. It's a nice van with tons of possibilities, including the fact that it already has aux power to the rear to work the lift.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Nothing "war" worthy to argue about. &nbsp;I just know that on a Dodge, the overdrive unit is the weak link, and rather than dump another 2500$ into a rebuild I will take all steps I can to keep it's stress level to a minimum, and a huge part of that is keeping it out of overdrive in low speed operation.<br /><br />My &nbsp;engine computer (1989) is simply not that smart, and I refuse to rely on it to downshift out of overdrive ( and third) when it should. &nbsp;The delay for downshifting quickly heats the fluid and causes more stress on the &nbsp;whole drivetrain when it does eventually downshift. &nbsp;<br /><br />Was hoping to inform others how to keep their Dodge's transmission doing their job for as long as possible, and the correct fluid &nbsp;kept under 220 degrees F is the best way to do it.

 

[Ballenxj]

<span id="post_message_1275110327">Was hoping to inform others how to keep their Dodge's transmission doing their job for as long as possible, and the correct fluid &nbsp;kept under 220 degrees F is the best way to do it.

<br />I think it was good, well thought out advice, and no war making here. <br />I too on the other hand just leave the OD on, since it's controlled by the gear selector.<br />Then again, mine doesn't really count in this conversation as it's a GMC. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />OTOH, this is good information in case I do get a Dodge. (and for all the readers here) <br />-Bruce<br /></span>

 

[yesican]

This van already had the tranny rebuilt.&nbsp; Depending on when it was rebuilt, you may have a new-like&nbsp; tranny and can care for it the way the pros on here suggested and hopefully it will last you a goooood long while.&nbsp; I'd grab this van if it test drove and checked out well.&nbsp; I loved my Dodge (except the tranny which had to be rebuilt).&nbsp; Good luck.<br />Rae

 

[Simran]

To anyone non-mechanically inclined; spending $100 to have a mechanic spend an hour on a used vehicle only makes good sense. Of course one would want to be ready to pull the trigger once the mechanic gives it the thumbs up. Nobody wants to spend $100 on every vehicle they come across.<br />If you find one that you like, you think it runs good &amp; drives good and you want to buy it; have a trusted mechanic look at that one. Once you get the thumbs up; pull the trigger and trust the mechanics knowledge.<br /><br />If it needs a little work the mechanic can give an estimate as to repair costs. Make offers accordingly. These 4spd. automatic transmissions in 80's &amp; 90's vehicles are the exception. Those darn things are like a loaded gun; never know when they're going to go off.<br />Most of all trust your own judgement. Just because you are not a mechanic doesn't mean you cannot spot a vehicle that is a junker in the making. You may not be able to put your finger on the problem but if you've been driving awhile you'll recognize obvious problems.<br /><br />BTW, I like the van <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />gus

 

[citytravelfotos]

The guy contacted me yesterday, he said he still had it for sale. &nbsp;I went and took a look at it today...<br /><br />...And even though I'll give props to the guy for being honest, the exterior and interior condition was in such bad shape that I had to pass on it. &nbsp;This has got to be the third worst van I've ever visited. &nbsp;It was so dirty on the inside that I felt too uncomfortable to even sit on it. &nbsp;It really did look like it was abandoned for years. &nbsp;The smell around the drivers seat was horrible enough to creep me out hours after. &nbsp;The seats were falling apart, the arm rest was basically full of duct tape (in the most ghetto way you could imagine), there was quite a bit of mud underneath, few signs of rust underneath and under the seats, the paint was peeling and busted in places, the tail light was broken, and the guy said that a relative of his had the vehicle for some time and really didn't treat it well. &nbsp;A significant gas smell around the vehicle when I started it for awhile was the last straw. &nbsp;I don't know, but I really wanted to consider the vehicle but the signs point away from a buy.