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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Dodge Van and Wagon
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| GREATER RELIABILITY AND USEFULNESS HIGHLIGHT CHANGES TO 1998 RAM VAN & WAGON |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:28:09 |
| Rating |
 62 ( -10 -16.12% ) |
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Description:
To meet the stringent quality and durability needs of the diverse full-size van and wagon market, Dodge redesigned its 1998 Ram Van and Wagon with a focus on making substantive improvements that delivered an even more reliable and user-friendly vehicle. Approximately one-third of the components on the 1998 version of Dodge's full-size Ram Van and Wagon are new, making for a quieter, better-fitting, more ergonomically friendly vehicle.
"We joined forces with our fleet, conversion and commercial customers to focus on improving upon what they believed were the core elements of the vehicle," said Rich Schaum, General Manager Truck Engineering. "From their list of needs, we built a vehicle that is quieter, tighter, rides better and is more enjoyable to operate."
The front rails of the Ram Van and Wagon's unibody chassis were extended to accommodate the 4.5-inch forward relocation of the V-8 engine, minimizing the "doghouse" intrusion into the interior while enhancing crush performance for better occupant protection. Overall body stiffness was improved through computer structural design analysis, which is directed toward both vehicle durability and impact performance objectives. In addition, overall body dimensional variation was reduced by 40 percent.
Interior design improvements are highlighted by a new instrument panel with next-generation dual air bags, new upper-range speakers, more conveniently located controls and switches and optimum gauge placement. A new, stiffer steering column coupler with a new instrument panel structure and a lighter, four-spoke steering wheel provide reduced column shake and improved isolation from uneven road surfaces. Vehicle ride and handling is further improved via a re-tuned front and rear suspension, which also yields increased gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).
Engine offerings for the Ram Van and Wagon include the Magnum 3.9-liter V-6, 5.2-liter V-8 and 5.9-liter V-8. The 5.9-liter engine features a new camshaft that boosts output to 245 horsepower and 335 ft.-lb. of torque. The V-8's have electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmissions, while the V-6 has a three-speed automatic.
New front and rear light-duty and heavy-duty brakes with twin piston calipers and increased lining area reduce stopping distance and brake drag and increase pad life. Heavy-duty brake pedal feel is greatly improved, while the parking brake is redesigned for a quieter, car-like operation.
Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes with improved diagnostics are standard on all Ram Van and Wagon models. The optional next-generation four-wheel anti-lock brakes reduce stopping distances and improve directional control during braking.
The molded composite fuel tank has been moved forward of the rear axle in order to allow the relocation of the spare tire to the underbody and enlarge the interior storage capacity.
The Dodge Ram Van and Wagon are available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models and in three body lengths, as well as two wheel bases.
The 1998 Ram Van and Wagon begin production in late 1997 at Chrysler's Pillette Road Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. |
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