Front suspension

[retrorob]

Hello everyone from a newbee.
I just purchased my first motorhome. Having done research I decided to only purchase a American clipper due to it high quality construction. After searching for over a year I bought a 1977 from a great guy in Lynden, Washington earlier this month.
Driving her home I discovered I couldn't drive over 50 because of alternator belt squeal. The second problem was a clunking from the front suspension. Upon inspection of the front steering components I discovered the drag link, center link and one tie rod end in such bad shape, if I had known they where that bad I'd would have had it towed. SCARY!
Now down to my question: I have been trying to find what components to use but some say B300 van parts will interchange, other not. The sticker above the door says 3800# axle. Any gearheads out there know will work?

Thanks!
PS: my profile on the site says I'm a lurker. How did they find out that so fast?

[JerryT]

Hello and welcome!
I just did a search on this site for --4000-- and read that your question is not fully answered. Dodge made a few variations of this van in the one ton size with different front ends.  I have found our chassis listed as a B300, a MB300 (motorhome) and a CB300 (cutaway) Dodge produced a one ton van with single wheels on all four corners, single wheels on the front and duals on the back and dual type wheel on all four corners. I have a 78 with a 4000# axel. I have read that others claim they have the 4000# axle on older models. I checked the Moog catalog and they show 4000# for 79-81 only but make no reference to 3800# for any year. Good luck and please let us know what you find out. As for that belt squeal, I have the 440 and mine was caused by the fan. I had to run two belts to drive the fan/power steering. Which engine do you have?

JerryT

[John Eversoll]

Hi Jerry, I just replaced the Ill fated drag ;ink on the rig today...

I went to the parts store and they got the one that called for a 1 ton.

Motor home --   matched it up and now new in place of the old...

i STILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE front coils............

putting the trans in tomorrow...

One Problem,  the Altinator doesn't want to go back in!!!!!   I don't know if I lost a spacer or what!!!!

The thing is really starting to "P" me off.

I found some "New led  lights for the top of the rig Up front  Yellow....

after I am done with the reinstalllation I will  hook them up...

Then on to the inside..  I have pics as to what I have been going through

and will have the daughter post them for me as I am Lame to this computer stuff.

And I too have the 440,  it's asleep now but in a few days -- IT WILL BE ALIVE"

Since I have No exhaust it gona sound real goooood...  Blew out the mufflers and the pipes are rotton....   

OH GOD< Please let me win the LOTTO

Later gater,, John

[retrorob]

Thanks for the email Jerry
I ended up ordering parts from Rockauto.com. I haven't received them yet so no side by side comparison. My rig has the 440 and dually rims up. It has the unequal length tie rods so I'm assuming its the same as the 4000#.
I've read a few posts about the front suspension problems with the Clipper. I would have to agree with those that say the thing is pretty much maxed out. With only 57,000 miles and the amount of wear this unit shows its the only conclusion I can come up with. Either that or the guy I bought it from raced Baja 1000 with it.
Just a heads up for everybody, it looks like most manufacturers are obsoleting the front components for these. If your front end is showing wear I'd rebuild it now.

Rob

[John Eversoll]

    Hi rob,  If you have any problems in finding front end parts try the place I go to

   Tops auto supply   they are on line and do ship!!!

    714 772 - 1600....   Anaheim Ca.   I have been dealing with these guys for over thirty years..

       Gives you an idea of my age....  Crap....  Anyway if these guys can't get it it was

       never made..  Take care,  John

[retrorob]

Front suspension update

What mess! Finding the right parts is truly a pain! I'm a ford guy and this is my first Mopar so I'm new to the Dodge way of things.
I have the 1978 3800# pound front axle.
I had to go to "Rare Parts", a company in California to get the proper center link. There part number is 25867. The Moog center link DS817 is obsolete and no longer available. The 3300# center link DS788 WILL NOT WORK! The holes for the inner tie rod ends is too small.
Drag link DS 789 from rock auto looks right but havent installed yet.
DS 878 is the inner tie rod from rock auto.
ES 499RL is the outer tie rod.
Now that I have the parts, the actual install is next. I will update everbody if I run into anymore snafu"s

Once again I encourage anybody who's front end might need work to do it soon! These parts are hard to find now, what is it going to be like five years from now?

[John Eversoll]

Hey there!!!!!,,,

I rebuilt my front end from the auto parts store that I have been going to for the last 30 yrs.

Their Name is Tops auto supply "  They are on line and do ship!!!  they are in Anaheim Ca

Area code is 714 772 1600...  Ask for Kevin"  or Johnny or Pete"

Tell them what you are doing and what you need.  make sure you tell them you need the 1 ton front end stuff....

The rebuild is real simple and a no brainer.  MAKE sure the front tires are straightg when you start the tear down!!!!!!!

John

[JerryT]

Hi Rob and thanks for the update. I seem to need the center link also as I am starting to get a little wander. I always thought mine had the 4000# front end but since it is a 78 also maybe I need 3800# parts.  Also thanks for the heads up on Rare Parts. I agree with you, If you are going to repair the front end, sooner rather than later is good advice. Please keep us posted on your repair.

JerryT