How to decode a 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The WMI forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides crucial information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing location and type. For instance, the WMI for a 1998 Dodge Ram-Van would indicate that it was manufactured by FCA Canada Inc., located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This particular van falls under the “Truck” vehicle type category. Such specific data encoded in the WMI helps in distinguishing one vehicle make and model from another, enhancing traceability and identification across the globe.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Dodge Ram Van

WMI: 2B7

Model Years Covered: 1981, 1983-2002
Example VIN: 2B7HB11Z4WK112243
Manufacturer Name: FCA Canada Inc.
Vehicle Type: Truck
City: Windsor
State or Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1998 Dodge Ram Van:

Known VDS for a 1998 Dodge Ram Van
HB11Z	LB31Z	KB31Z	HB11X	HB11Y	JB21Y

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Dodge Ram Van Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
K	Windsor	Ontario	United States	Pillette Road Assembly	2B7HB11Z4WK112243

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Dodge Ram Van

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Dodge Ram Van’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 1998 Dodge Ram Van’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Dodge Ram Van is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Dodge Ram Van, typically near the where the dashboard meets the windshield which can be viewed from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area; there is often a sticker or plate with the VIN number where the door latches when it is closed.
The VIN for your Dodge Ram Van may also be found on the engine block, so you might want to check there. It’s usually on a metal plate or stamped directly onto the engine.
Look at the frame underneath the vehicle. The VIN for some 1998 Dodge Ram Vans may be stamped on the chassis under the front hood or even under the vehicle near the driver’s side.
Check your vehicle registration documents or insurance card, as the VIN of your Dodge Ram Van will be printed on these documents.

What info can a 1998 Dodge Ram Van VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating that the vehicle is from 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class: The Body Class is specified as a Cargo Van, which could give insight into the vehicle’s intended use and design, potentially indicating its suitability for transporting goods or equipment.
Engine Type: The vehicle is equipped with a V-Shaped, 8-cylinder engine, boasting a displacement of 5.2 liters or 5200.0 cubic centimeters, possibly indicating a powerful engine configuration suitable for heavy loads.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may provide information on the expected fuel efficiency and environmental impact, potentially giving a glimpse into its operating costs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 2F, the vehicle has a GVWR ranging from 7,001 to 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg), indicating its carrying capacity, possibly suggesting its suitability for specific types of loads or towing capabilities.
Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was manufactured in Windsor at the Pillette Road Assembly plant, possibly indicating the quality and origin of the vehicle, providing insight into its production location and potential manufacturing standards.
Vehicle Type and Series: Identified as a Truck under the series “L Series” with a trim level of 2500, hinting at the vehicle’s robustness and suitability for various tasks, potentially indicating its suitability for heavy-duty use.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Dodge Ram Van

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Cargo Van
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	5200.0
Displacement (CI)	317.32346929260
Displacement (L)	5.2
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)
Model	Ram Van
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Sales Code:ELF
Plant City	Windsor
Plant Company Name	Pillette Road assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ontario
Series2	L Series
Trim	2500
Vehicle Descriptor	2B7JB21Y*WK
Vehicle Type	Truck
Sample_VIN	2B7JB21Y4WK109776