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Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495753 September 10th 2011 2:27 pm
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I really disliked the Chevy van interior and dog house cover. I always felt crowded. My 89 Dodge definitely has a more truck feel to it and a rougher ride. But then I cant afford a van and a truck, so I keep the heavy suspension for hauling and towing. Not only is mine a daily driver, but shes a work horse too.
As far as breathing easier, the older Dodges usually ran better with straight pipes through Thrush glaspacs and true dual exhaust. I wouldnt worry(not trying to start the old debate here) about the headers. For a daily driver the stock exhaust manifolds will be ok. keep the 2 bbl carb. I have blown away many 4 bbl GM cars in my Dodges, all 318 with 2bbl.
Enjoy the Dodge. They are easy to work on and to keep running.


1989 Dodge Shorty, Scarlette Widow(A demon in disguise)
1992 Chevy G-20 Conversion (the White Elephant)Gone on to the Final truckin

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Independent Trucker for now (since 2009)
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Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495759 September 10th 2011 2:42 pm
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downie- what suspension grade is your Dodge? The 150s ride like a passenger car, and the lighter 250s are just about as nice. Anything with a heavy 250 or 350 chassis is going to "ride like a truck" until almost fully loaded.

I agree. A 318 with a two barrel carb in a decent state of tune is plenty powerful for a daily driver. Stock exhaust manifolds are also fine for a daily driver.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495773 September 10th 2011 3:49 pm
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Reed, I put the heaviest shocks in that I could find. It also has the tow package, Installed by the conversion company. I actually like the truck feel to the ride. Once I get this van to a more finished state, I will relax the suspension and get another work horse.


1989 Dodge Shorty, Scarlette Widow(A demon in disguise)
1992 Chevy G-20 Conversion (the White Elephant)Gone on to the Final truckin

Memeber of the Toopa Sinner Tribe (2011)
Independent Trucker for now (since 2009)
Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495781 September 10th 2011 4:26 pm
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I'm not talking about the shocks, I'm talking about the spring rate. Dodge vans could be had with springs ranging from a paltry 1100 pound rating up to over 4000 pounds. Spring stiffness is directly related to ride comfort. Every spring rating has its purpose, and if you do heavy hauling then the stiffer springs are great. however, most people don't like the "truck-like" ride that stiff springs cause. If your 150 is riding stiff, then you have a problem, but don't expect a 350 to feel like a passenger car, is all I'm saying.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: My first Dodge
Reed #495787 September 10th 2011 4:41 pm
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where would I find that rating?


1989 Dodge Shorty, Scarlette Widow(A demon in disguise)
1992 Chevy G-20 Conversion (the White Elephant)Gone on to the Final truckin

Memeber of the Toopa Sinner Tribe (2011)
Independent Trucker for now (since 2009)
Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495793 September 10th 2011 5:01 pm
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Well, I would start by looking for the build sticker on the bottom of the hood. it usually lists the front and rear spring ratings. If that doesn't work, check the driver's door jamb. There are usually build stickers there that also list the spring rating. If those are gone, you are down to looking at the badges on the doors (100, 200, 300, or 150, 250, 350, if present and original) or counting rear leaf springs and guessing. I can't recall if the VIN number has a digit for the chassis/suspension rating, but it might.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: My first Dodge
Reed #495802 September 10th 2011 5:24 pm
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ok, kinda hijacking the thread here but figure a guy on his first Dodge wont mind a little teaching. so my springs are3 long, one mid length and one short. Van build sticker, not factory, rates the van at GVWR 5300, FT 3180 and rear 2904


1989 Dodge Shorty, Scarlette Widow(A demon in disguise)
1992 Chevy G-20 Conversion (the White Elephant)Gone on to the Final truckin

Memeber of the Toopa Sinner Tribe (2011)
Independent Trucker for now (since 2009)
Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495834 September 10th 2011 7:30 pm
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For all the years that I had my van it pretty much drives the same. I can go 60-70 mph, holds the road pretty good. It's not a sports car. My buddy has a BMW sports car...he took an curved exit ramp at 80 mph with me in it...held like it was glued to the pavement. Now he has to clean the brown stuff off of the passenger seat...Oh well. But back to the van, it is better when I have her with more weight in it, either cargo or passengers. At least the cargo doesn't backseat drive! But after all, it is basically a truck, that's why I bought it... to last, and it has. smile


1983 E-100 Shorty
East Islip,NY - Queens,NY
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Re: My first Dodge
diamond dan #495836 September 10th 2011 7:38 pm
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Congrats on your new van & welcome to Dodge World yay enjoy pics we love pics

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