Jason Sherrill's Mighty Blog

How to Replace Radiator on 2001 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3L

A semi-common problem on Dodge Caravan mini-vans is that the brackets that hold the transmission oil cooler in place break loose from the rivets that hold the bracket to the cooler. When this occurs, the brackets and transmission oil cooler move freely against the radiator and this can cause a leak in the radiator. This happened on my 2001 Dodge Caravan so I had to repair the transmission oil cooler & replace the radiator.

The two videos below will show how to replace the radiator on a 2001 Dodge Caravan Sport and also show a the results of how I repaired the broken rivets on the transmission cooler.

Tools & parts that you will need to perform the repairs:

(1) Radiator for Dodge Caravan (I paid about $112 from Amazon w/ free shipping)

(1) Upper radiator hose for Dodge Caravan

(1) Lower radiator hose for Dodge Caravan

(4) Stainless steel hose clamps approximately 2”

(1) 10mm socket

(1) 10mm wrench (ratcheting wrench makes life easier)

(1) 13mm socket

(1) 8mm socket or wrench to remove headlight bolts

(1) Small pry bar to remove plastic body panels (or this specialty tool is probably even easier)

Optional Stuff

(1) Tube of Dielectric grease

(1) Tube of anti-seize compound

Transmission Cooler Bracket Repair Tools

(1) Riveter (Got one from Amazon or $24)

(4) Aluminum 1/8” x 1/4” rivets; (1) 3/16” x 1/4” rivet; (4) 1/8” washers; (3) 3/16” washers (this assortment from Amazon will give you the rivets you need)

Video Part 1 of 2

How to change struts on Dodge Caravan using Monroe Quick Strut

Replacing struts can be an expensive maintenance item for most cars. I had called several shops and got prices between $600 and $900 to replace the front struts on my 2001 Dodge Caravan Sport. 

Using Monroe’s Quick Struts, you can pick up the a pair of struts for under $250 and with the right tools, do the job yourself in about an hour. I created this video to show the average person how to DIY these Monroe Quick Struts on a Dodge Caravan. I’m doing the driver’s side (aka, left side) in this video.

Watch the video

I had all of the tools that I needed to do this job and got most of the parts from Amazon.com. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this job easier. Note that these are parts for a 2001 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3L.

Those are the essential parts that you’ll need. While you’ve got everything apart though, it’s a good time to check your tie rod ends, as well as your CV axle. If your CV boots have any tears, holes or are leaking fluids, then replace the whole CV axle. It’s an easy job when you have everything apart and adds about 20 minutes to the total job.

If you decide that you need or want to replace your CV half shaft drive axle, now is the time to do it since you have everything apart already. You can pick these up at your local Napa for around $50 for a refurbished one, or for about $60 from Amazon.

Bloody Strawberry Sundae & Cheesecake Topping Recipe

I’ve posted my strawberry sundae topping recipe out to the web at http://allrecipes.com/PersonalRecipe/62281952/Bloody-Strawberry-Sundae-or-Cheesecake-Topping/Detail.aspx

But it is also available here:


Ingredients

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 cup bakers sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon of Blood Orange Bitters
  • 2 Tablespoons of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

  1. In a small sauce pan, combine the vanilla, bitters and water. Add the strawberries and sugar (I like to mix the strawberries and sugar before adding, but it’s not mandatory). Over medium low heat, heat the mixture until the strawberries are soft and a slight boil starts, stirring often.
  2. Reduce the to low heat and simmer for five minutes. If you’re using frozen strawberries and the mixture is too thin, you can add your cornstarch to thicken it.
  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the fridge before topping your ice cream or cheesecake.                 

Smoked Venison Hind Quarter Recipe (a whole hind quarter)

Smoked Venison Recipe (a whole hind quarter)

Last weekend, I smoked an 18 lb venison hind quarter for my friend, Larry. I tried a small chunk after smoking it and thought it was quite tasty. I then froze it and gave the remaining 17.5 lbs to Larry. Today Larry told me that he whacked it in half and served it at a card party. Not only did Larry say that it was scrumptious, but one of his guests said, “That is the best venison I’ve ever had!” So, for anyone else who might want to try it, here’s what I did.

Ingredients

  • Venison hind quarter, 12 to 20 lbs, trimmed, but with some fat left on
  • 16 oz package of uncooked bacon
  • 2 tsp of ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of Chipotle chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp of ground sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp of ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Hungarian paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Morton Tender Quick (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar

Mix all of the rub ingredients above together in a small bowl or a shaker. Sprinkle all over the top of the venison and then, using your hands, rub it firmly into the surface of the meat.

Now lay strips of bacon across the entire top surface of the venison. Make sure each bacon slice overlaps the previous one slightly. Since venison is so lean, this will help to keep the moisture in the venison, add a little flavor and keep the outer skin of the venison from becoming too tough. Use wooden toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.

Now let the venison sit on the counter for about an hour to reach room temperature.

Load 3 to 4 oz of hickory wood into your smoker’s wood box. Smoke it to the following schedule

  1. 140 degrees - 1 hour
  2. 150 degrees - 1 hour
  3. 160 degrees - 1 hour
  4. 165 degrees - 4 hours
  5. 180 - 2 hours
  6. 200 - until the internal core reaches 165 degrees

I use a Cookshack Amerique electric smoker with the temp probe set to put the smoker into hold mode when it reaches 165 degrees. I smoked this piece of venison for 30 hours. It was juicy and tender inside, but nicely smoke-sealed on the outside.

Hint: I use the Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer to keep an eye on my smoker and food temperature while sitting inside the house.