1999 Dodge Ram Van Elk Automotive Conversion 3.9L V6
Summary:
A solid engine and drivetrain, frame self destructs in about 10 years
Faults:
Serpentine belt, belt tensioner, water pump, steering pump, tires, ball joints (replaced by seller I bought from), tie rod ends, throttle position sensor.
Finally, the frame rotted out, even though the body and interior still looked brand new. Had to junk it.
General Comments:
Ran strong. Generally reliable mechanically, mostly "normal wear" maintenance for any vehicle with over 100k miles.
A frame completely rotting (all over, not just in spots) in 12 years is just unacceptable. The steering box ripped itself away from the rusted frame, and the van had to be pushed from inside a parking garage to where the tow truck could get at it.
I found out later that frame rot isn't uncommon for Dodge vans.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 21st August, 2012
22nd Aug 2012, 06:47
Is a '99 Dodge Van a full-frame vehicle, or is it 'uni-body'?
2nd Aug 2020, 08:06
All B-platform Chrysler vans from 1971-2003 were of unitized construction (unibody) to make them lighter and stronger than their American contemporaries (at the time). It also made the van's cargo floor a little lower.
21st Aug 2012, 22:30
Expect frame rot if you are living in the Northwest or anywhere they salt roads. Cars barely last 5 years if they are winter driven and not undercoated.
In the Pacific Southwest and Northwest, these vans last forever; I have seen much older ones with little to no body rust even.