Dodge Ramchargers Any Good?

[79Mustang]

In my other post I asked about just about every other truck besides a dodge. I found a pretty nice 1983 Dodge Ramcharger for $1500. Are they any good? How's the engine/transmission/transfer case hold up? Did they come with a 318 or 360 engine? Are they a pain to work on? Are parts expensive for them? What kinds of things should I look for when I go and look at it? Thanks for the help guys!

 

[bowtieman55]

In my other post I asked about just about every other truck besides a dodge. I found a pretty nice 1983 Dodge Ramcharger for $1500. Are they any good? YES
How's the engine/transmission/transfer case hold up? MY DAD'S '87 HAD WELL OVER 200,000 ON HIS WHEN HE SOLD IT
Did they come with a 318 or 360 engine? THEY COULD BE HAD WITH EITHER ENGINE
Are they a pain to work on? NO
Are parts expensive for them? NOT REALLY
What kinds of things should I look for when I go and look at it? LOOK FOR THE BASICS...RUST, EXCESSIVE LEAKS, ETC. Thanks for the help guys!

Good luck! Take alot of pics of it, also. They (most 80s models IIRC) came with a Dana 44 up front, a 9 1/4 rear, and a NP203 t-case. Hopefully, someone more knowledgable will chime in. I definitely plan to get a older Ramcharger one day. Also, check out http://ramchargercentral.com/. Lots of Dodge enthusiasts

 

[Bushwhacker]

Give Duane, (CLRacer) on here a shout. I bet he could tell you anything you need to know.

 

[chromerunner]

NOOOOOOOO Xj man XJ!





but they were a decent little vehicle ive heard

 

[79Mustang]

NOOOOOOOO Xj man XJ!
but they were a decent little vehicle ive heard

I'm pretty sure that's what i'm gonna get. I have a friend with an 88XJ 4 Door, 4X4, 5-Speed. It runs/drives damn good! He only wants $1000 for it. I'll let you guys know what I decide to do.

 

[NCJeepin]

those rigs are awesome.... be sure to check the tranny very closely.. other then that enjoy a fun, safe huge heavy assed rig!!!

 

[Ricky B]

My buddies got a ramcharger on 35's with a rear locker, he's pretty impressed with it so far, If it were me i'd go ramcharger over an xj any day no questions asked: you get a v8, axles are stronger than most half ton axles, and you def wont have to worry about not fitting into one

 

[drkelly]

I'd stick with the XJ idea. Get one with the 4.0 FI engine and auto OD tranny. That Ramcharger most likely has a carb and a 3spd non OD tranny. I'd estimate that you'll get 50% to 100% better fuel mileage with the XJ and it will outwheel the Ramcharger with mild mods.

Edit: The low range with a 203 sucks too.

 

[RufusTheRam]

RC's are very solid trucks, especially post 80. excellent drivetrains stock. i believe they had the 208 by 83, but i'm not positive.

 

[bowtieman55]

I wasn't sure when they started using the 208s. Could have been as early as '83. I know my dad's 87 W150 had a 208

 

[CLRracer]

83 will have a 318 or 360 carbed, 727 transmission and a 208 t case. Axles are D44 front and Chrysler 9.25 rear with probably 3.23 gears. I wheel an 89, and I wouldnt trade it for anything.

Duane

 

[firephill]

As ricky said before, I am enjoying having a dodge. Even though ive had some things go wrong (relays) not too much has been trouble. Just add a locker and a winch and you will be set to go