So, I have been thinking about a little project. What would be involved with putting a CTD in a 3500 Ram Van? It doesn't seem like that much of a stretch to do it. Does anyone know what transmission came in these vans? I would guess the 47RE may be in there...

 

I think the problem is the body is welded to the frame, plus the cummins is a very tall engine, even if you can somehow get it in, you still need about 3+ inches for the engine hoist. Also it needs to be raised even more to clear the mounts. If it was possible, a 4bta would be awseme in one of those conversion vans. Ultimate cruiser.

 

DODGE SPRINTER!!!!!

I don't think a Ram Van frame would be able to handle the torque of the Cummins. If Dodge made one I would probably be driving it now.....

 

I don't know about the frame -- my dad's vans all had a pretty stout full boxed frame, so they are plenty stiff. Now, front suspension?--- maybe another story! All of our vans were B250's, though.

I am curious about the Sprinters. I saw one at a local farm store, a 2500 model. He had a class IV hitch on it, but I wasn't able to ask the driver anything about it then. They have a 5 cyl. Mercedes Diesel, right?

 

(I am curious about the Sprinters. I saw one at a local farm store, a 2500 model. He had a class IV hitch on it, but I wasn't able to ask the driver anything about it then. They have a 5 cyl. Mercedes Diesel, right? [/B][/QUOTE] )

Yes they do have a 5cyl. Mercedes Diesel.

 

46RE. It is the very close cousin of our 47RE.

 

I know they made the RamVan in a 3500, wouldn't that have similar suspension and frame as the 3500 Ram Truck?

Would be leary about putting a body lift, they are already pretty top heavy...

 

A friend of mine has a 15 passenger B350 that he'd like to put a 5.9 in. I haven't done the measurements yet but my guess is that a custom dog-house may be required inside if it's even possible. The frame seems as heavy as my D250 so I wouldn't expect a problem there, particularly since he won't be hauling the loads that I am. His is just a people mover.

 

The Dodge van, in my opinion after having driven several, is a rather unstable vechile to drive. On 15-Pass models, if you look colsely from behind the rear axle appears narrower than the front axle--contributing unfavorably to stability.

For the weight increase of a 5.9L Cummins, you're looking at more than just engine fit and frame strength. You would need to upgrade brakes, driveline components, and suspension parts, if they were not designed for a 1200-lb engine. For all the hassle, a new Sprinter, which is of a much more modern design would probably be a better choice. The whole vehicle is a Merc design, including the 5-speed automatic.