1990s dodge chassis

[smitty23]

Hi,

I'm looking into getting an older class B (mid 90's to 2000) and seem to find a lot of dodge vans.

I was wondering if anyone has run into any problems with getting work done on theirs and/or finding new parts. I'm just a bit hesitant as they stopped production over a decade ago.

Thanks

[924guy]

some minor issues getting some parts for my 92 Dodge, rear outer wheel bearing are NLA, but my set up is a little odd and it may not be a universal issue. other than that and an
another oddball a/c switch, no problem at all so far with a little forethought.

[falconbrother]

On our 2000 model we did have the ball joints replaced and a new radiator a couple of years ago. Considering the mileage this is not a complaint. Apparently ball joints on the Dodge heavy duty vehicles is a common issue at about every 120,000 miles. Really not a thing that would keep me from buying one. Our church had two vans, each with over 400,000 miles on them when we sold them. They were still reliable, and driven five days a week. Our motorhome has 55,000 miles on it and I really don't trust it for a long road trip. The van has 240,000 miles and I would drive it anywhere right now without a worry about being broken down.

[goreds2]

I have a 1989 and had the AC compressor replaced 3 years ago.

[rwj146]

I have an 1989 Dodge that has had quite a bit of work done on it, front end, rear differential and more. I am gradually making it into a 2015. But no, Neither I or my mechanic have had any problems finding parts.

[ol__grouch]

Dealers only handle parts for the previous 5 to 7 years or so. Auto parts stores either have what you need or can get it quickly.

[falconbrother]

Dodge made great vans. We have a 2000 model now with 240,000 miles on it and still literally runs like a new one.

[stan909]

No issues finding new parts.

[smitty23]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm curious if anyone has had any issues finding a new part when one has failed. Not really interested in getting one if I may have to go around trying to find a used part that could fail at any moment as well.

I talked to the local dodge dealer and they made it sound like some parts may be hard for them to get, but could "probably" be found as aftermarket parts.

Has anyone had any issues getting new parts for their van?

I've read the horror stories about trying to correct handling, so would definitely buy one that handles well.

Thanks again.

[Handbasket]

Be sure to read all the links under item 8 in the class B forum FAQ's here http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/19953525.cfm . A few of the late 1990's thru 200? had some very squirrely handling characteristics that were difficult or impossible to cure. Test drive _before_ you buy!

Jim

[tatest]

1994 to end of production in 2003 was essentially the same van. At some point the 4-speed OD automatic became more common, I would want that vs the 3 speed, with today's full prices. The best are 1998 and later, with some chassis improvements with no major body or styling change.

Previous generation, 1979-1993, the dimensions and major body structures were similar, engine and drive train options varied more, with slant sixes, V-6s cut from the small block V8, and both LA and LB engine series (318 to 440 CID) and at least five different transmissions, the parts situation gets more complicated depending on just what it is that you have.

I would stick to 1994 and later, with Magnum engines shared with pickup trucks from the era, and a more limited variety of automatic transmissions installed.

Most of the body from A-pillar back is interchangeable with parts from 1979 on. Chrysler stayed with the same unibody from 1979 to end of production, while GM and Ford scrapped earlier unit construction for body on frame (Ford in 1975, Chevrolet after 1996). Of the three brands, Dodge offers the widest model year range for body parts from beginning to end of production.

[stan909]

I'm on my 3rd Dodge. Parts are cheap and plentiful.

[Islandman]

You shouldn't have any problems with parts as there were many, many Dodge vnas produced in the 1990's, same basic body lasted well into the 2000's decade. Body parts are always available in auto salvage yards, and the Dodge engines are long-lasting, Dodge was a good outfit.