'94 Dodge B350 highroof

[toates89]

Just a heads up, I peaked behind the fiberglass liner, there is 1 maybe 1.5" yellow fiberglass insulation glued to the inside liner

[campism]

Well, the Dodgect has been parked since January with a bunch of stuff stored in it so that I could use the garage as a workspace for the house projects. Got quite a bit of stuff done and now have a little time to shift focus back to vehicles. I need to redo the VW's front brakes for upcoming inspection so I need the Dodge as my backup driver. Brought the van out of its parking cubby and emptied it (mostly) in prep for its role. I also managed to find a few things for it while it was parked and since I pulled it out.

I got some pieces from the junkyard; a spare carrier for the right rear door and another to fit on the left door. I prefer the left and it looks like it will work with the 8x6.5" wheel with its big 245/75R 16 tire.


And the right door will even clear the tire with the spare mounted on the left.


I still need to address the noisy rear axle on my van and found another Dana 60 full floater in the junkyard and although it's very rusty that is no indication of its internal condition. Question is, is it worth the gamble to get it as a replacement for mine (about $275) rather than buy a rebuild kit and new gear set for mine (closer to $500)?


The tag is so rusty I can't decipher the gear ratio or any other info from it.


More info as I learn it.

[campism]

Someone suggested I run both tire carriers and mount a gas can or furnace fuel supply on whichever side I don't mount the spare tire. Today I tried them both on for fit but it won't work without surgery on the right carrier; it overlaps the left door and carrier and there's interference. Maybe when I learn to weld I can modify this one into something more suitable.

[Pntyrmvr]

$275 used with the hassle of the re and re versus $500 in new parts doesn't make sense to me.

Also $500 in new parts doesn't make sense either. Cheaper gear sets are cheap for a reason. You'll get more gear noise out of them.

Once you're in there the parts total will climb.

Have you done a gear swap before? And have all the tools to do it? If so great. If not have a pro do it. It's a bit of a black art.

I see the budget doubling for new done by a pro.

[campism]

Originally Posted by Pntyrmvr

$275 used with the hassle of the re and re versus $500 in new parts doesn't make sense to me.

Also $500 in new parts doesn't make sense either. Cheaper gear sets are cheap for a reason. You'll get more gear noise out of them.

Once you're in there the parts total will climb.

Have you done a gear swap before? And have all the tools to do it? If so great. If not have a pro do it. It's a bit of a black art.

I see the budget doubling for new done by a pro.

I remember your advice about the gearset quality/cost and noise from earlier posts and I appreciate the input, I really do, but I found a pretty decent one today at the same junkyard and arranged to have them pull it so that I can pick it up, a Dana 60 full floater with limited slip, 4.09. Same ratio as mine. I understand the risk of buying used but the donor van looks decent so I'm going to take a chance.

Talked to our mechanic this week and he suggested a rebuild might be beyond me, specifically regarding tools and arcane knowledge. My feelings weren't hurt, but because this is something of a budget build the used axle seems worth the risk relative to what a pro's rebuild would cost.

I also found a nice Curt 2-inch receiver hitch that will come in handy someday.

[Pntyrmvr]

Have at it and keep us posted.

Great to find a yard with Dodge parts. Start hoarding!

[campism]

This is a pretty good yard, the company's specific pickup-and-van location. Loads of Fords and Chevies. Not nearly as many Dodges but worth the drive if you need to find something.

[campism]

Got the new-to-me rear axle today. Here's bro-in-law Jeff helping load it into my trailer.


And here it is in its resting space until I can figure out how to wrestle with 400# of iron and steel.


Onward!

[campism]

Found a second spare carrier for the right-hand door on the rear and this one does not interfere with the left side carrier so I can use them both together, if I decide to try something along those lines. A second spare tire won't fit, of course, but a grille or fuel can or something else could by modifying the carrier.

[Pntyrmvr]

Suggest you find a set of GM van hinge pins with the holes in the bottom of them for grease fittings.

I've never used them, but am told they exist.

Try Dorman.

Nothing worse than breaking a hinge pin and the weight of the falling wheel bending the door skin.

Ask me how I know...