Got A Work Van On GovDeals Today!

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

But this subaru's manual transmission is dying quickly at 62k miles.

If the oil consumption doesn't get you first.

[BlackJohn]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Its a nice van. Clean, low mileage. I've got the maintenance records.
Its a decent rear diff away from perfection.

Once we sell the Subaru with the actual BAD problems we plan to double down with another dodge or gm van. This time a 70's to 80's model.
I've never killed a manual transmission, or even a clutch except once on an old abused VW van. But this subaru's manual transmission is dying quickly at 62k miles.

If it's just noise then do like up here. Sawdust from a tablesaw, diff oil and pour a couple of grease cartridges in. Done. Might last as long as you own it.
I get how handy they are these vans, but repairs can be overwhelming. They are meant to throw away after 5 years. Guess I got lucky. Mine hauled a boat on a trailer and still runs like new after minor fixes.
Won't hurt to give it a shot and if anything you can use it for working for a longtime. Your trailer and mower is not a heavy load for it.

John

[Robin97396]

How about that? Wood fibre gets into vehicles anyway. Not exactly as insulation though.

[EastCoastCB]

I'll run this rear the way it is till I can find a suitable replacement.

All this van talk made me realize I've had some parts for it lying around, so today Shaun and I put on a new PCV valve, Breather canister, pcv grommet, and idle air control valve on the van. It idles smoother now, and a little quieter.

Next oil change I'm going to change transmission fluid and spark plugs.

[EastCoastCB]

[EastCoastCB]

Took it out for a spin this am, and it was pretty cold. Noticed a whistle sound coming from the top area of the engine upon decelerating.
Pulled the dog house, and looked around. Found that the new AC Delco "Professional" breather doesn't actually fit snugly like the oem Mopar part. So I cleaned my old crusty breather and put it back on, and all is well.
I'd order a new one, but they're cleanable and really don't ever wear out. I was "going the extra mile" with the replacement one. Won't do that again.

Van is running nice and cool as usual since the water pump change, and consistent temps. No loss in coolant and its a nice and clean colored. First time I ever had a water pump fail but still work and not leak!

[cadillackid]

ive had the bearing fail and not leak.. and in fact had them where they got super noisy and the issue was the impeller grinding itself apart and still not leak.. of course that meant a full coolant flush down since there was metal in the system.. I could rattle that shaft around like crazy and it didnt leak exceot a drop or 2 ..

you will be good to go now for when summer in florida comes back in a few months..

-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Yeah, hopefully I can keep the van on the road long enough to get some more bus work done!

[EastCoastCB]

After messing with it and driving it some more, the whistle was still there. I dug deeper into the situation and found the source. WIth the top off the air cleaner I could plug my finger where the IAC valve's head is supposed to rest when closed. It wasn't closing all the way, or wasn't closing fast enough. I decided to try disconnecting the battery to reset the pcm, and put a bit of air tool oil on the shaft and innerds of the IAC valve.
FINGERS CROSSED- the whistle seems to be fixed. I think the computer needed to be reset to adjust the IAC and "learn" it.
We'll see!

If anyone can find a 2003 Ram VAN 2500 or 3500 complete rear axle, let me know!!!!
They come with 3.92 gears, so it would be a stronger, better rear axle with preferable gearing. I've GOTTA do this axle swap!

Then I can do the fun stuff, like put in a killer radio and loud exhaust.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

Wow that's funnt man?
I was just getting ready to say hide some wrecker bill money in the glove box crank the radio UP and run it till it dies and or change the mufflers to old school cherry bombs and run it till the rear end goes.
Having a spare on hand would be cool but that's bus money.
Either van vs's bus now or time to prepare for then?
I have actually done the sawdust trick but an even better one is to use aluminum or zinc millings instead. Last longer handle the heat better and actually compact and fill the worn spots.
The only thing it will change is the noise but that's if your radio isn't loud enough to be heard over the exhaust?

[EastCoastCB]

I've been wearing out a cassette tape of Flying Burrito Brothers in this van! But that whistling from the IAC valve was ruining my buzz. The rear I'm just going to live with till I find a cheap parts vehicle on CL or a rearend at a junkyard.

Bus money and van money, 6 of one half dozen of the other. Both have to be running 100% and mechanically fit at all times.
We're ditching our pos subaru this year and the van and bus will be our daily drivers.

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

If anyone can find a 2003 Ram VAN 2500 or 3500 complete rear axle, let me know!!!!

Just 2003? There's a 2001 near me.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brewerbob

Just 2003? There's a 2001 near me.

I'm trying to hold out for an 03 for the disc brakes, but drums would do.
2001 axle, or whole van?

[Brewerbob]

Double post

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'm trying to hold out for an 03 for the disc brakes, but drums would do.
2001 axle, or whole van?

Whole van. They usually have a pic of the vehicle but it's not loading today for me.

https://www.lkqpickyourpart.com/loca...d-209/recents/

Oh snap, here's the 2003 the doctor ordered... 2 of them in fact.
https://www.lkqpickyourpart.com/loca...e-205/recents/


Those are the 2500s. There's one 3500 that is a 2002 semi near me as well.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brewerbob

Whole van. They usually have a pic of the vehicle but it's not loading today for me.

https://www.lkqpickyourpart.com/loca...d-209/recents/

Oh snap, here's the 2003 the doctor ordered... 2 of them in fact.
https://www.lkqpickyourpart.com/loca...e-205/recents/

No ram vans in their inventory. Van has a unique axle width, durango and truck axles won't work.

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

No ram vans in their inventory. Van has a unique axle width, durango and truck axles won't work.

WhatchyoutalkinaboutWillis?

DODGESection: TRUCKS
Row: C
Space: 2
Color: Black


RAM 2500 VAN200311/4/2017

DODGE
Section: TRUCKS
Row: A
Space: 10
Color: White
RAM 2500 VAN 2003 12/7/2017

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brewerbob

WhatchyoutalkinaboutWillis?

DODGESection: TRUCKS
Row: C
Space: 2
Color: Black


RAM 2500 VAN200311/4/2017

DODGE
Section: TRUCKS
Row: A
Space: 10
Color: White
RAM 2500 VAN 2003 12/7/2017

I couldn't find it on their site, just a Caravan and Durango.
Can you link the actual van?
Edit- I found it! I'll call em today.
I'll come up there for the right axle!

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'll come up there for the right axle!

Really? Well if you do, you can crash at my place as long as you're ok with cats.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brewerbob

Really? Well if you do, you can crash at my place as long as you're ok with cats.

Should be fine, I'm ok with the 5 we have!

I've found a 2002 with a dana 60 and only 61k miles closeby. But they want $750 for the axle.