APV end of life prep

I saw many 90-95 APVs (or Trans Sport / Silhouette) in junk yards last summer. This winter, there don't seem to be very many of them.

In particular, this summer I saw two 95s with the 3.1 (like mine) that had juicy tranys. One had been rear ended, not badly, trans surely still worked (and engine). Another was immaculate, and papers inside the vehicle indicated the trans was fine. Each of these trans would have cost $100.

Would any of you have bought these as backup trannies???

One thing I have noticed about the APVs is that no one ever seems to remove their engine or trans. I have seen only 1 out of many 3.1's that has ever had a removed trans. None with a removed engine. I haven't really looked at the 3.8's, but I don't recall seeing any with a removed engine or trans. This is in sharp contrast with Chrysler / Plymouth, Windstar, and Caravan minivans. It makes me wonder why people get rid of their dust busters. Do they not realize what they have? Do these junkyard observations indicate that a backup tranny is not necessary?


If the number of dust busters in junkyards is decreasing, it might become more important to stock up on certain parts. What parts are worth stocking up for the 95 3.1 APV? And will a 90-93 3.1 trans work in a 94-95 3.1? I think the ratios might be a little different, but I don't know if it would be a problem.

Indeed there are very few instances where the 3speed 3t40 3.1 transmission is a problem...except a few cases of stuck TCC solenoid. THis engine-transmission combinaison works on RPM, not on torque, so the toll on the components is low. The problem with the 3.1/3.4 is about head gaskets, and a spare is no better than the original....that's why they are kept in the junk. While having spares at low cost is never a bad idea, it might not prove such a good money or space investment in the long term....
THe problem with the dustbuster is underframe degradation, specially in winter salt environments.

You know what, I have freaking paint in my trans, so next time I see a juicy one at the yard, I'm gettin it.

Will a 90-93 trans work in my 95? Starter saftey switch has different connector, but I can reuse the switch.

Backup engines are $200, would you recommend getting one?

The underside of my van looks amazingly healthy (livin in the south).

One thing I notice sometimes taken from 3.1's is the TB and the TBI fuel injectors. Why is this? Do I need backups? Also once someone took the steering rack out of a 3.1. Do I need a backup steering rack?

I'll fix the handles once and for all, but do I need backups of any of the electrical components inside the doors? Switches, actuators, motors, etc...? Hell maybe just backup doors? What about tie-rod ends and CV joints?

I have quite a bit of space to store crap actually. I'm also willing to spend $500 on backup parts.

How would you spend $500 on backup parts?

BTW - Backup vans don't count.