[jenniepepsi]

I bought a van. A 98 Dodge grand caravan.

Then I started to notice that some of the parts are not grand caravan parts, they are Chrysler town and country parts.

Now I know that the caravan and town/country vans are basically the same thing.

But is it really OK to switch out parts? The steering wheel is a town and country, the radio, and 2 of the tires. And a few others I can't remember off the top of my head.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Based on the parts mentioned, you shouldn't have a problem.

[jenniepepsi]

Oh good thank you so much!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Since it sounds like a recent purchase, be sure to change all of the fluids; i.e. engine oil and filter, transmission fluid and filter, coolant (50/50 antifreeze and distilled water), brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

[ma0641]

Plymouth Voyager parts also interchange.

[jenniepepsi]

Will do TxGreaseMonkey! I already did an oil and filter change and air filter. Ill get the others done too!

[smearcase]

Bigger question might be - why were all those parts replaced and by whom?
Do you know the accident history of the vehicle? I don't believe (could be wrong) that insurance company repairs utilize recycled parts which these sound like they might be. How did you determine that the tires came from a Town and Country?

[jenniepepsi]

Just a guess based on the hub cap. Lol.

It was done by a private dealership, coronado's auto sales and repair. He buys auction vehicles, fixes them and sells them. I don't know the cars history.

[smearcase]

I would suggest that when you have the work done, that greasemonkey suggested having done, take it to a good mechanic (maybe an inspection station, if you have those in your jurisdiction), and ask the mechanic to give it a good safety inspection. Be certain to tell them that you not looking to make a new car out of it but want to make sure that major items are in good condition. Such as airbags, brakes, steering and suspension. Not trying to alarm you, just trying to keep you safe.

[jenniepepsi]

Thank you smearcase :) I will do that. I do know a trusted mechanic that can look it over for me. My dad was a mechanic for the navy for 20 years. And loves working on cars. We just live a bit far from them so ill have him look it over when we go see them again.

[smearcase]

Tell him that an old Navy Seabee said Ahoy.

[jenniepepsi]

Lol OK :)