Dodge Ram Van - WikiHQ

The Dodge Ram Van (originally the Dodge Bseries) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. The Bseries replaced the forward control Dodge A100, transitioning to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that shared components with the Dseries pickup truck and had a conventional exterior hood for engine access. The model range consisted of a cargo van, a passenger van marketed as the Dodge Ram Wagon after introduction of the Ram nameplate for model year 1980, and a cutaway van chassis which was dropped in 1979.

With a 33-model year production run, the Bseries/Ram Van is among the longest-lived platforms in American automotive history. The exterior and chassis saw only gradual changes during that time, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range was rebadged during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).

For the entire production run, Chrysler produced the vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis Assembly in Fenton, Missouri. In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the Ram Van.

Model overview

thumb|Ram Van (1998–2003) engine bay, showing hood access to engine accessories |leftBuilt on the Bplatform (later AB), the Dodge full-size vans entered production for the 1971 model year. Using a one-welded-piece "Uniframe" design, the platform was lighter and stronger, giving a lower cargo floor than previous American designs. While at the expense of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), the resulting lower center of gravity improved handling versus competing products with full frames.

Produced over three distinct generations, the Bseries van utilized the majority of body sheetmetal from 1971 to 2003. Alongside passenger and cargo vans, the model line also served as a basis for cutaway chassis during the 1970s, serving both commercial markets and as a basis for recreational vehicles. Though popular in the latter market, Chrysler Corporation would end production of that design as a consequence of its late 1970s financial difficulties.

The relatively limited changes for the model line across its production made the Dodge Ram van popular with fleet buyers, service companies, and upbuilders because of the compatibility of components across various model years.

In two size extremes to the market segment, Dodge was the first American manufacturer to popularize extended-length passenger vans, with the 1971 "Maxiwagon" introducing 15-passenger seating. Conversely, the Ram van was the final full-size short-wheelbase van, as the 109-inch wheelbase B1500 was offered through 2003.

First generation (1971–1978)

left|thumb|1971 Dodge Tradesman (customized)

left|thumb|1978 Dodge Royal Sportsman 300 Maxiwagon

From 1971 to 1978, Dodge produced two models of the Bseries van: the Dodge Tradesman cargo van and the Dodge Sportsman passenger van. In line with the D-series pickup truck (which underwent a final redesign for 1972), the van was marketed with three payload series: <big>½</big>-ton "100", <big>¾</big>-ton "200", and 1-ton "300". Only five inches longer than its A100/A108 predecessor, moving the front axle forward allowed for a substantial increase in interior space.

Dodge introduced the Tradesman and Sportsman in two wheelbases: 109 inches and 127 inches. Initially introduced in two body lengths, an extended-length "Maxivan/Maxiwagon" variant was introduced during 1971. Consisting of an 18-inch rear body extension, the Sportsman Maxiwagon could be fitted with four rows of rear seats, allowing for up to 15 passengers. While the Tradesman was offered strictly as a cargo van, the Sportsman was offered in three distinct trims: Sportsman, Custom Sportsman, and Royal Sportsman, with the latter rivaling the Dodge Royal Monaco station wagon in equipment and trim.

Along with its highly sloped hoodline and short front fenders, this generation of the Bseries van is distinguished by several exterior design features. On passenger vans with the 127-inch wheelbase, the front passenger door and the rear side doors are separated by a filler panel (with a small window), with all body lengths (including the Maxiwagon) sharing the same side glass. The side windows are smaller in size, sharing a beltline with the front door glass.

Sharing its powertrain with the Dodge D-series pickup truck (redesigned for 1972), the van line was initially released with a 198 cubic-inch Slant-6 along with a 225 cubic-inch Slant-6 and a 318 cubic-inch V8. For 1972, the 198 was dropped with a 360 V8 becoming a second optional V8. For 1976, B200 and B300 vans gained the option of big-block 400 and 440 cubic-inch V8s. After a short initial prototype production period, the variant was launched into larger-scale production for 1992; approximately 2,000 were produced primarily for fleet sales.