1983 B150 Van: Thinking About Buying

A guy has offered me an '83 B150 van for $600. It's a Florida vehicle up in Wisconsin. Rust free, clean looking, repainted, 318 V8, auto, short wheelbase, widow van, A/C, Cruise, short wheelbase, 116,000 miles. I'd be using it as a work truck to carry carpentry tools. It seems like the 318 is generally a good motor, but I don't know anything about the auto tranny or the rear axle. The axle has a 10 bolt cover. Is it a Chrysler corporate axle with an 8.375 ring gear or a larger model? And the auto tranny? What is it and can it be replaced with a rebuilt easily? I'm a little nervous because I've never owned a Dodge or anthing where the engine is under the dash and a doghouse. It looks hard to work on, yet it's a pretty simple set-up by modern standards. At $600 I really can't lose too much and if I get a year or two out of it I'm ahead of the game. What do you think? -- Matt

Sounds like one hell of a deal! Don't worry, that transmission in there is bullet proof, it's the Chrysler A-727 transmission, a 3-speed auto w/ lockup torque converter. Just make sure the bands are adjusted properly and the fluid is in good condition and that transmission will last forever. The rear end is a Dana, not sure if it's a 35 or 44, depending on the application, i.e., towing. The 318 is a great motor, not too good on fuel, especially since gas is $2.25/gallon, but that's one heck of a van, wish I was nearby so I could buy that! Before you buy, make sure you or a trusted mechanic looks over the van ahead of time before you shell out $600.