Dodge Ram Van - Model Year Changes

Model Year Changes

Dodge pioneered the American 15 passenger van genre with the introduction of the Maxiwagon along with the other front engine B series vans that were new for 1971. Ford didn't produce a 15 passenger van until 1975, and GM didn't introduce theirs until 1990. Little changed on Dodge vans produced between 1971 and 1977, with only a grille change from metal to plastic for the 1974 model year. 1978 was a transition year for B series vans, consisting of the nose from 1977 and earlier vans (with a one-year only Dodge symbol in the grille) but with a completely new dashboard and rear end cap. On the standard length vans, the rear end cap just contained new larger tail lamps, but the extended length Maxivan and Maxiwagon had a completely redesigned rear extension which was longer and had large windows that wrapped around the corners for better visibility. This was unique to the B vans, and this same extension was used until the B vans were discontinued in 2003. On the 1971-77 models, the rear side doors were set back about two feet towards the rear wheelwells, with a filler panel between them and the front doors. Passenger models had a small window between the front and rear doors. In 1978, the filler panel was removed and the doors were moved forward to be right next to the front doors, just like the Ford and Chevy vans.

In 1979 the van got a completely new front end, including a new grille with wraparound turn signals. Lower end models had single round headlights, while Royal Sportsman and other high end vans got four square headlights. The van would keep this bodystyle and the 1978 dash intact with only grille changes all the way through the 1993 model year.

In the late 1970s, Chrysler marketed the B van in their lineup of "Adult Toys", along with the D-Series-based Dodge Warlock, Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck, and Dodge Macho Power Wagon, plus the Dodge Macho Ramcharger.

Plymouth received a rebadged variant of the Sportsman, called the Voyager for the 1974 model year. While never as popular as the Dodge version, Plymouth marketed the Voyager in this format through 1983, after which the nameplate was transferred to the new minivan that was introduced for 1984 as a rebadged Dodge Caravan.

In 1986 the Ram Van got a new grille to resemble the new grilles on the 1986 Ram trucks. In 1994 the entire front end was redesigned with flush headlamps to resemble the all new Dodge Ram pickups, and new taillights wrapped around the sides of the van. The 1978-style dash was kept.

In 1998, the van got the most thorough update since it's introduction in 1971. The engine was moved forward in the chassis to improve crash protection, and the front end sheetmetal was redone with a longer nose to accommodate this change. Moving the powertrain forward also resulted in a smaller dog house (engine access cover) which increased front interior room, and allowed better access when moving between the front seats. The 1978-style dashboard and door panels were finally replaced with a modern design using components from contemporary Chrysler products. The side view mirrors were now break-away units mounted to the sail portion of the front window openings. This change resulted in the elimination of the front door vent windows. The van remained mostly unchanged until it was discontinued after the 2003 model year.