1987 Dodge Van Service Manual

The 1987 Dodge Van Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining and repairing 1987 Dodge B-series vans. This manual covers engine systems (including 3.7L and 5.2L V8 engines), transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and body components. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and repair instructions.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Routine Maintenance 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical System 8. Heating & A/C 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for 1987 Dodge B-series vans including engine options, dimensions, capacities, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Options	3.7L Slant-6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
Wheelbase	109 inches (standard), 127 inches (extended)
Fuel Capacity	22 gallons
Gross Vehicle Weight	4,800 - 6,200 lbs
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum
Electrical System	12-volt, 60-amp alternator
Curb Weight	3,800 - 4,200 lbs
Towing Capacity	3,500 - 5,000 lbs
Oil Capacity	4-5 quarts (varies by engine)

Routine Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance procedures and intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months - Use 10W-30 motor oil
Filter Replacement: Air filter every 15,000 miles, fuel filter every 30,000 miles
Tire Rotation: Every 6,000 miles for even wear
Brake Inspection: Check pads and fluid every 10,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before electrical work. Use jack stands when lifting vehicle.

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for engine components, fuel system, and exhaust systems.

Spark Plug Replacement: Gap 0.035 inches, torque 25 ft-lbs
Timing Adjustment: Set to 10° BTDC (3.7L), 12° BTDC (5.2L)
Carburetor Adjustment: Idle speed 700 RPM in neutral
Valve Clearance: Hydraulic lifters - no adjustment required
Compression Test: Should read 125-150 psi across all cylinders

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before servicing. Avoid contact with hot exhaust components.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Automatic Transmission: A727 3-speed, fluid capacity 12 quarts
Manual Transmission: NP435 4-speed, gear oil capacity 3 pints
Transfer Case: Chain-driven part-time 4WD system
Drive Shaft: Two-piece with center support bearing
Rear Axle: Dana 60 semi-floating, ratio 3.21:1 standard
Fluid Types: Dexron II for automatic, 80W-90 for manual
Service Intervals: Fluid change every 30,000 miles

Brake System

Service procedures for hydraulic brake system including master cylinder, calipers, and drums.

Front Disc Brakes: Single piston floating caliper, 11.75 inch rotor. Rear Drum Brakes: 11x2.5 inch shoes, self-adjusting mechanism.

Bleeding Procedure: Start with right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Use DOT 3 brake fluid. Pad Replacement: Minimum thickness 1/8 inch. Drum Adjustment: Reverse and apply brakes to self-adjust.

Suspension & Steering

Front independent suspension with torsion bars, rear leaf spring system.

Front End Alignment: Camber 0° to +1°, Caster +1° to +3°, Toe-in 1/8 inch
Torsion Bar Adjustment: Raise/lower front height via adjustment bolts
Shock Replacement: Gas-charged, 4-corner replacement recommended
Steering Gear: Recirculating ball type, 16:1 ratio
Power Steering: Integral gear type, fluid capacity 2 quarts

Tip: Check ball joints and tie rod ends for wear during tire rotation.

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with alternator and voltage regulator.

Battery: Group 24, 12V 60Ah, located under driver seat
Alternator: 60-amp output, belt tension 1/2 inch deflection
Starter: Direct drive, 1.4 kW output
Fuse Panel: Located under dashboard on driver side
Lighting: Sealed beam headlights, 7-inch round
Wiring: Color-coded schematics in appendix

WARNING! Disconnect battery ground cable before electrical repairs.

Heating & A/C

Manual temperature control system with optional R-12 air conditioning.

Body & Interior

Steel body construction with sliding side door and rear barn doors.

CAUTION! Use proper support when working under raised doors. Lubricate hinges and tracks regularly.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel delivery, spark plugs, ignition timing
Poor fuel economy	Carburetor adjustment, timing	Adjust carburetor mixture, check ignition timing
Brake pull	Stuck caliper, contaminated pads	Inspect calipers, replace pads, flush fluid
Transmission slip	Low fluid, worn bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Check battery connections, test alternator output

Diagnostic Codes: Refer to factory scan tool for computer codes (if equipped).

Service Support: Contact Dodge dealership for technical assistance and genuine parts.