want to buy a dogde ram van a v6 or a v8???

[dkijstern]

HELP!!! We need a new van, we currently have an old gmc conversion van. We want to stay with a conversion van and like the look of the dodge ram van. We are buying used, and have seen v8 and v6 engines. the one that we like the best so far... is a 1999 with 57,000 miles on it but it has a v6 and not sure if that is wise to have a v6 in a bigger vehicle. Please help anyone as I know nothing about engines or cars. We wouldn't be pulling trailers or anything like that, just transporting 3 kids! Thank you!!!! Kim

[slantsixness]

If you're going to cart around 3 kids, a conversion Van, all the luggage and go shopping, or take it all on vacation?

Definitely go with a V8, but the gas mileage will not be good.

If you're towing or carrying a considerable amount (ove 300lbs of luggage or goods on top of 5 people), opt for the 5.9L V8 too.

The V6's are weak, and overloading them can cause severe premature failure, not to mention disappointing driveability (it'll be a slug!).

the 5.9L is the best bet, and the strongest and longest lasting. It also has the worst fuel economy, but still comparable to what you got in (I'm assuming) your GMC Van with a 5.7L.

Hope that helps. You'll like the Dodge Van. The only complaint I had was the passenger footwell room. It's a little small for a full size Van.

Slantsixness

[ol yeller]

I've got a 94 with a 318 5.2. It pulls great, lots of power with 150,000. No it's not for sale. My buddy had the V6 and had a lot of tranny problems. Strongly reccomend the V8's.

Dave

[BleedDodge]

Dodge shouldn't even be putting six cylinders in trucks of any size. It makes sense for a minivan, but not a full size truck or van, come on...

[gelcol]

get a toyota van !

[tgrudzin]

Just purcahse a 1999 with 55,000 miles, conversion. 4 leather captain chairs, extended cab. Gas mileage , when towing is 12 mpg.
It has the small v8. Get a v8. My brother had a 99 conversion ramvan with the 6 and he also mention transmission issues. Because we tow for vacation ( 3,000 lb camper with 2 teenagers) and want to keep this vechile for another 100k miles, we are going with a transmission service now, and then every 30K miles. In the 97 Jeep, which also towed, the trans was service at 50K intervals. Jeep crossed over 154,000.

All things being equal, advantage is to go with the V8. Gas savings on the six wont be that noticiable.

[derail1]

The 3.9L 6 cyclinder is not bad at all. I have a full size dodge van with over 88,000 miles with no engine troubles at all. From what I understand is the 3.9 was made from taking 2 cylinders from the 318 v8. I tow a pop-up camper (2000lbs.) from Jersey to Virginia and no problems at all.
Good Luck.