['97ventureowner]

Another snow/salt related issue on GMs was the early 1990s Luminas. their 4 wheel disc brake systems were plagued with problems mainly in areas of the country that saw snow and where road salt was used. Southern parts of the country did not experience these issues and the system worked fine.
Another thing that might work to keep snow and ice out of the 'pocket' on these vans is a cover that has magnets embedded within that stick to the hood and fenders. I had one over 10 years ago. Bought it at a local parts store. It resembled a large black trash bag with small magnets stuck between the 2 layers. It did it's job keeping all that snow in that area. The Ventures and similar vans were also plagued with that problem. One would think in the redesign to the Uplander / Montana, something would have been done to rectify this issue.

EDIT: Since it's approaching that winter season again, thought I'd pass along a tip I read recently somewhere to keep ice off your side mirrors and help you start out on time in the mornings. Place a plastic grocery bag over the mirror at night , or just before you know an ice storm is coming. When you're ready to go just slip off the bags and your mirrors are clean and free of ice.