1973 Dodge B100 Van. What body type???

[tsteiner61]

I am trying to figure out what body type my 1973 Dodge B100 1/2 ton van is. The MPP catalog says AB body, but nobody I talk to seems to know what the hell that is. Is there any way to tell by looking at the suspension components? Some of mine have "B" stamped on them. Does that mean anything? Could AB mean A body in the rear and B in the front? I have no clue...help

[Frank]

tsteiner61, the AB designation is simply the ID given to the 1972 thru 1989 Dodge vans. Both of your vans are considered AB bodies. These years are referred to as B vans. Remember the old A vans (A100)? They had the engine between the front seats instead of under the dash.

I don't think the AB is meant to be divided as you mentioned. It simply an AB body vehicle. As for no one knowing what you're talking about, I think that's because not a lot of people, not even professional mechanics, have a big interest in vans. They know how to work on them, but they don't consider it a truck.

As far as your MPP catalog, well mother has forgotten the van when it comes to performance parts. As I recall the only thing I found in there spacificly made for a van was a set of headers. All the other stuff that works was made for another type of vehicle and just happens to fit the van, too.

Try to find a parts manual for your van on ebay. Once you figure out the part numbers you're looking for, you're home free. Your local dodge dealer might be able to help too. They are supposed to maintain a parts list for 10 years. If that series of van ended in 1989, they should have still had parts manuals until 1999. If they're like most dealers, those manuals are still lying around after only three years. It's worth a few calls. Try to get one, they're invaluable.

[tsteiner61]

71 Swinger...
My granddad had one of those before he passed on, and damit I wish I had it now!! But he died 10 years ago, and back then I wasn't really into Mopars, or cars at all for that matter.
Good luck with your project and thanks for the info.