How bout some pics? Sounds like you’ve got quite the project going.
Here is a 1991 3.3 L V6 Throttle Body compared to a later model 1998? 3.8 L Gasket.
Really? Your 2006 handles so much better than your 1994?I once owned a 1994. Not sure if I would go the extent you have after having a 4th gen with SnG seats. Plus the 4th gen handles so much better on the road vs feeling like the 1994 was just a box with wheels.
W-O-W.
I once owned a 1994. Not sure if I would go the extent you have after having a 4th gen with SnG seats. Plus the 4th gen handles so much better on the road vs feeling like the 1994 was just a box with wheels.
I too did the 3.8L TB swap onto my 3.3L engine. It was plug-n-play, nothing special.
Got to say, I love your build log here. Keep telling us more as you go along and the pixs are excellent!
My 1991 Grand Caravan LE came with 15" alloy wheels. It had HD suspension and a towing package with trans cooler, etc. I put a 1999 Grand Caravan Rear Axle in it with 2007 Disc Brakes and an aftermarket adjustable proportioning valve and aftermarket Rear Sway Bar. I put on 17" X 7" alloy wheels with 215/60R17 tires. I changed the front Sway Bar to a 1-1/8" bar. I removed the load-sensing rear brake proportioning valve. The van now has KYB Front Struts and KYB adjustable Rear Shocks. I retained the original multi-leaf Rear Springs. The 1999 Axle has a bracket for a link that prevents lateral axle movement when cornering. The 1999 monoleaf springs would not provide as much lateral stiffness as the 1991 multileaf springs. I may have a bracket for the link fabricated and welded to the chassis in the future just to see if it improves handling. I would have to relocate the left rear brake line to clear the bracket. As it is, the rear ride is a bit harsh on rough roads when the van is not loaded.Really? Your 2006 handles so much better than your 1994?
I owned a 1991 for over twenty years and I own a 2006 for over three years. I liked the way my 1991 handled. Here are some comparisons from my experience. Some of this may be subjective.
1991 is better.
- Visibility out sides
(side windows and pillars design)
- Visibility out back
(rear window design)
- Parking
(smaller size & window/pillar design)
- High speed cornering
(less weight)
-Looking thru side mirrors close up as in seeing the parking lines
(side mirror design)
2006 is better.
- Visibility out front
(large windshield)
- Turning circle
(1991 = 41 ft 2006 = 37.7 ft)
- Tire feel
2006 = 15 inch 1991 = 14 inch
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- Braking and other handling is about the same in both vans in my opinion.
- My 06 has more power because I had the 3L in my 91 and I have the 3.3 in my 06.
-Both vans are SWB with front disc rear drum brakes.
-Both vans have the 4spd auto.
-Glad I have removable seats instead of stow n go.
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- My 91 had high back front buckets.
-My 06 has low back with headrest front buckets.
Not sure which are more comfy but I like the door and seat armrest better on the 06.
Both vans have the basic instrument cluster and I like the 06 a lot more. But if both vans had the deluxe cluster – more gauges on the 91.
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Like I said some of this may be subjective. If anyone wants me to compare other stuff ask away.
Mopar-Mofun
Please share your experience in comparing and mention stuff like engine size, brakes, tires, wheelbase ext.
I bet the tow package made the ride so much better. The 1994 was miserable for a tight u-turn, crosswinds on the highway felt like the van was going to tip over and hard to keep on the road, it sat much higher than the 2006, the 1994 was lack luster for power as a V6 loaded with passengers.Oh yeah I forgot My 1991 had the factory tow package
-Front Stabilizer Bar
-Heavy Duty Suspension
-Trans Cooler
-Hitch / Wiring
My 2006 has the regular suspension but gen-4 vans 2001–2007 come with transmission coolers.
Another thing I love with my 2006 is the sliding doors on both sides.
After further careful review, these rod bolts will not work. The threaded area is too short to provide adequate torquing margin. The search continues for new rod bolts of any kind that will work.work
"Crosswinds on the highway felt like the van was going to tip over and hard to keep on the road" You're right I forgot about that as I didn't drive much in those situations. Yeah the tight U turns as I mentioned earlier Turning circleI bet the tow package made the ride so much better. The 1994 was miserable for a tight u-turn, crosswinds on the highway felt like the van was going to tip over and hard to keep on the road, it sat much higher than the 2006, the 1994 was lack luster for power as a V6 loaded with passengers.
Yes, your points on the visibility are a huge plus.
My 2006 with the crappy DaimlerChrysler single leaf rear suspension cost savings had to be beefed up with Dayton Add-A-Leaf and the Monroe coil over shocks to bring it back to the level of the 2001 thru 2004 models.
OK, let's let the OP keep going in his build blog here. This really has my interest going.![]()
View attachment 68876
I visited the Machine Shop today. My block was in the Sunnen Honing Machine.
I picked up the Cylinder Heads and several Aluminum Alloy parts from the machine shop today. The engine block is getting final cylinder honing today. The Crankshaft will go to a shop that does engine balancing next week.
I will concentrate on the Cylinder Heads next. I will do a 3-angle valve job with all-new valve guides, valves, valve springs, and keepers. I will have to send the intake valves out for back-cutting. View attachment 68785 View attachment 68786 View attachment 68788