Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion General Discussion What Did You do To your Van Today?

Spare tire holder removal - check
Regluing rear door weatherstrip- check

Everything else didn't happen. Spent too much time in the sun, got tired and pink. I have had heatstroke several times so I have to be careful how much time I spend in the direct sunlight.

Replaced front springs, upgraded to one ton springs from 3/4 tin.
Replaced front shocks
Replaced front sway bar bushings and end links
Installed MOOG steering damper
Drove approx 120 miles round trip to a buddy’s house warming party with my brother. Enjoyed only needing one hand on the wheel at 70+mph. Bounce steer and ride is so much better with this stuff and the rear suspension stuff I did yesterday!

Had a friends dad at the party point me in the direction of an alternative company to look at for a rear sway bar. I tried to buy a hellwig from a couple places, both bailed out saying they could not get the part anymore. But Karl bought this other unit for his 84 dodge motor home just a year ago. I feel it might fit. So I’ll be doing a little research about that soon. Huzzah!

- Rich

Put led string lights in 😁

Rich, Try calling John at Addco. They still have a listing, and I believe they will make more, since these fit most all Dodge B-vans. I actually bought their last rear sway bar last week. Trying to get folks together for a front bar for early Mid-Dodge, maybe we can join forces and get them to make BOTH!! Phone# 800-338-7015 ext.102 Tell him Mark from Ohio sent ya' He's a nice guy too!

While reading the 95 G-van factory service manual I noticed they recommend you add these cooling system seal tablets to the radiator everytime the coolant is drained and refilled otherwise the water pump could leak.

Picked up a pack locally at Jegs for $5. The original 6 pack of 10 gram tablets is discontinued, now it's a 5 pack of 4 gram tablets, so using all 5 would be the proper dosage.

The description says it can stop slow leaks, works with all types of coolant and keeps the cooling system in good shape.

Mark I would be so down for the bigger front bar! Probably could still go for a rear as well. I have half a worry that I might have a space issue now that I've installed the air bags. But I think if the rear bar mounted in front of the axle it would work fine.

- Rich

Big day, several unexpected expenses and setbacks.

My old rotors were worn beyond specifications, so I had to get two new rotors. But those are on and the van is back down on all four wheels. Now the brakes work great!

My old stereo died, so I had to get a new one. Fortunately, it wasn't that expensive, and now I have bluetooth connectivity and hands free phone calling. But I discovered one of my speakers is blown and the rest sort of sound like crap. Those are expenses for another day, though. I think I am out of old decks and speakers that work. Time to shop for bargains on new audio stuff.

Topped up the AC. Now it blows out 52-56 instead of 65. I really like R134A and the ability to do my own AC work.

Fixed ANOTHER radiator fluid leak that cropped up. This time it was from the upper throttle body cooling hose. Turned out to be a worn out clamp. New clamp, all is well.

I think I am going to remove all the Explorer conversion wood form the dash. It is faded and dirty and it just feels too stuff. Plus it makes it more difficult to get into the dash if I need to.

On the agenda for tomorrow is raising the rear bed so I can slide my spare under there and replacing the hoses for the power steering pump. If I get time I also need to remove the curtains. Then it is time to clean clean CLEAN!

Rear bar mounts to the lower shock mount and to the frame and goes forward towards the cab.

Bed lift accomplished. Took longer than I wanted, but I can now fit my spare tire and all the tools and other road supplies I always carry under the bed. No more rattling from the back door, hopefully no more water leaks from the door being pulled away form the body by the tire hanging off the door.

On to replacing the power stering pump hoses and cleaning up the interior.