# Can I Install This Van's Alternator?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** van, alternators\
**Created:** [July 18, 2007, 1:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877 "2007-07-18T01:27:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![NovaCharged](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/46a35a/32.png) [@NovaCharged](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NovaCharged)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877/1 "2007-07-18T01:27:15Z")

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All,  
  
  
  
 I’ve kinda inherited a 1990 Dodge Ram b250 cargo van. It needs an alternator. I’m mechanically inclined with some tools but not sure if I can do the install because of reach and I have not seen the van. Is the alternator typically reachable from the front? Would I have to drop the engine or something? I’ve been told the engine is 3.9L V6.  
  
  
  
 Any help/guidance would be appreciated.  
  
 Thanks!

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877/2 "2007-07-18T01:53:42Z")

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Possibly. Post again after you have seen it.

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**Author:** ![lprocter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/lprocter/32/40_2.png) [@lprocter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lprocter)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 3:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877/3 "2007-07-18T03:45:57Z")

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I used to have an 88 Dodge Ram Campwagon ex-school bus. It is a rear wheel drive vehicle, so the accessory belts and everything are on the front of the engine. I can’t remember exactly where the alternator was, but I think it was easy enough to get to. The bus had the 5.2L V8, so it might even be easier for you, due to only having a V6 in there. Good luck.

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**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/51bf81/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2007, 4:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-install-this-vans-alternator/1877/4 "2007-07-18T04:55:32Z")

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If it is mounted low, see if there is an access cover in the wheel well. It would really help.