1999 dodge ram van spec

[cford151]

I have an opportunity to look at a dodge ram van tomorrow and was wondering if anyone knows any spec I need to looking for. It has 189000 miles looks clean. But I am trying not to be blind sides

 

[cford151]

Please help me.

 

[MotorVation]

Please help me.

Pop the hood and look closely at the "frame" rails up front. The steering box is bolted to the one on the driver side. Get underneath and check from there also. If there is a significant amount of rust pass it up. The older Dodge vans are unibody construction and the only way to repair the problem is to cut the rust out and weld in new metal. If you're not at all familiar with what I'm talking about I would take it to a mechanic to look it over. In fact, I would take it to a trusted shop to check the entire van over. If the seller doesn't agree with this RUN away from it..

 

[cford151]

Thank you for your help

 

[MotorVation]

Thank you for your help

You're welcome. I would also drive it at highway speed to make sure you're comfortable with it. Some Dodge's are a challenge to drive at speed, especially in wind. I know. I have one...    

 

[ratfink56]

Biggest issue on these vans is rust around the steering box and front suspension areas. Unibody construction makes them vulnerable. More Dodges die from this than anything else I think.

Several Dodge owners on various forums report over 300k miles and still going strong.