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TurbododgePirate
02-04-2008, 06:14 PM
Hey, I just put a deposit on a 1985 D150 short bed with a 318 and auto. Not a whole lot of rust either. I plan to drop it about 3-4 inches, paint it, and have some fun. How about you....

moparzrule
02-04-2008, 08:27 PM
Had a 77 power wagon, looks the same as a 78'. Sold it awhile back, put thousands into it, didn't have a spec of rust anymore. Too many headaches, electrical and the nice new rebuilt 360 I put it cracked a head and leaked coolant into the cylinder. After it sat for a few weeks the bore rusted and that cylinder lost compression. I pulled the engine, sold the chassis, took the block to the machine shop and had them bore it .060 over to clear up the rust pitting. Now it's ready to go in our 78' D300 dump truck as a torque monster.

1966 dart wagon
02-04-2008, 08:42 PM
gotta love dodge trucks :thumb: i wish i had a full size, o well my dakota does alright besides the horrible gas mileage AND no power:lol:

GLHS592
02-04-2008, 08:53 PM
I've always had a soft spot for the old square body style 1972-1990 (I hated the 1991-1993 grill) trucks. I own two of them. I have a 1985 D-100 and a 1990 D-350. I've never figured out the difference between the D-100 and the D-150.

ShelGame
02-04-2008, 11:31 PM
I want a pre-'80 Ramcharger or Trailduster as a tow vehicle. I'd prefer to find one without an engine and put a Magnum 360 in it. Anything later than '80, though, and I think they screwed up the front end and interior. Love the convertible top, too...

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-05-2008, 10:08 AM
get some pics of that man!!!

i got a 90 that i used to drive up until i got my tona... but i couldnt afford gas for it anymore.... which is why i got the tona.

i used to get around 15 mixed city/highway, but mostly city, if i calculated right.. which really aint that bad for a full size truck, but the tona get a lot better!!!


mines is the reg. cab long bed with the 318 auto with o/d.

i love that truck, and i miss driving it sometimes......


but yea, hope you enjoy it, and if you wanna talk about it, or get help for it, i recommend you visit www.dodgetruckworld.com (http://www.dodgetruckworld.com)

it is a free online forum. great people there, and lots of help.


Alex

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-05-2008, 10:15 AM
I've never figured out the difference between the D-100 and the D-150.

there is none, its jsut because chevy and ford had the f-150 and the C150, or whatever it was called, so people thought dodge was weaker because it was 100.... so they jsut renamed it 150. the D#50 is 2wd, and the W#50 is 4wd, or the power rams are 4wd.

the 150 and 1500 trucks are the same as well.....



Alex

Birddog
02-05-2008, 10:59 PM
D100 and D150 were sold side by side from 78 to 80. Like Alex said, no real difference between them. Ford did an F100 and F150 like that.

It's a real shame that those trucks didn't sell like the Chevys or Fords. They were much better looking(excepting the 91-93 grille:yuck:) and had bulletproof drivelines.

moparzrule
02-05-2008, 11:08 PM
I dunno whats so bad about the 91-93 grille, very much resembles the 77-78 grille IMHO.

GLHS592
02-05-2008, 11:24 PM
D100 and D150 were sold side by side from 78 to 80.

They sold them to at least 1985. Mine is a D-100.


I dunno whats so bad about the 91-93 grille, very much resembles the 77-78 grille IMHO.

I just think they are hideous. My favorite is the stacked headlight 1979-1980 grill.

moparzrule
02-05-2008, 11:29 PM
Oh, well, I had a 77 so I like that style LOL. To each their own.

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-06-2008, 12:30 PM
i got a 90 and just love everything about it... except for the one fender with a dent in it.....but it STILL looks good with it:lol



i jsut love how strong they are really!!!


Alex

Birddog
02-06-2008, 12:35 PM
They sold them to at least 1985. Mine is a D-100.


You're right, they ran 100/150 till 93. I think I confused them with Fjord.. Oops!

TurbododgePirate
02-06-2008, 12:50 PM
Well, next week I am going to get the title for my 1985 D150. Then I need to get dakota drop spindles, and drop hangers and shackels for it. YEA!!!!!! May have to get drop springs too.

Subliminal
02-06-2008, 01:34 PM
Dodge makes a nice diesel engine, but the trucks...I love the ford!

That should spark up this thread a bit. ;)

GLHS592
02-06-2008, 02:10 PM
Dodge makes a nice diesel engine, but the trucks...I love the ford!

Hmm...didn't know that. I thought Cummins made the diesel engine. As for the truck itself, I'd rather have a GM than a Phord.

TurbododgePirate
02-06-2008, 02:18 PM
Well, the shocks i need to get from beltech are for a 99-01 silverado... so am I building a hybrid? 85 D150 with 87 dakota drop spindles and 99 silverado shocks??

GLHS592
02-06-2008, 03:42 PM
Well, the shocks i need to get from beltech are for a 99-01 silverado... so am I building a hybrid? 85 D150 with 87 dakota drop spindles and 99 silverado shocks??

Is that all it is or do you have to modify it all to work? I have heard of this mod but have never actually seen it.

moparzrule
02-06-2008, 03:46 PM
There is a popular conversion for a super duty ford to put a cummins in it. I saw 2 P-pumped 24 valves that were twin turbo in F350's at a local dyno tuning session for diesels, very sweet. The one was putting down 550 RWHP and something like 1100 ft/lbs, and I think the other was like 650 RWHP.

TurbododgePirate
02-06-2008, 03:58 PM
Is that all it is or do you have to modify it all to work? I have heard of this mod but have never actually seen it.

Well, for the front you need the Dakota drop spindles, the tie rod needs to be reamed out form the top for the ram tie rod end, and there are some other minor clearances to be made. I think I will need to get 2" drop springs as well to get all of the drop that I want for the front.

For the rear it will be shackles and hangers to get it to the drop I want. No flipping the axle yet. I would like to add airbags in the back as well to improve towing abilities.

Once the suspension goes on it will be on to paint.....

Then I can finally sink some money into letting the 318 breathe.

Scottmon
02-07-2008, 10:08 AM
I still have a hankerin' for a '78 LRT:

http://www.moparmuscleofcentralpa.net/images/1978%20Little%20Red%20Express%20Truck2.JPG

I remember looking at a '78 new in the showroom when I was a sophomore in high school (like I really had a chance to buy it then, LOL). I always liked the '78s better that the '79s, guess it was the grille styling and the fact it didn't have any emissions controls. :D

They're soooooo gaudy I think the wife would die if I brought one home, LOL!

Subliminal
02-07-2008, 11:48 AM
Hmm...didn't know that. I thought Cummins made the diesel engine. As for the truck itself, I'd rather have a GM than a Phord.

GM trucks, eh? Never really liked them. The creature comforts are there, but they just really aren't very rugged.

I worked construction for 8 years up in Alaska, and drove all sorts of trucks, the fords were always my favorite, dodge was second and GMs were usually broken. ;)

BLUEBALL
02-07-2008, 02:58 PM
Use to sport the ole 93 Ramcharger 4x2 all the time. Now she sits til someone wants to buy her. 198,xxx miles and only put radiator,water pump and maintenance in it. Trans replaced just because i could. Last/best year made:nod:

TurbododgePirate
02-07-2008, 09:33 PM
Use to sport the ole 93 Ramcharger 4x2 all the time. Now she sits til someone wants to buy her. 198,xxx miles and only put radiator,water pump and maintenance in it. Trans replaced just because i could. Last/best year made:nod:

You ought to put it on ramchagercentral.com

Want to part it out? I like the grille those had better than the 85 I am getting :) And I need a drivers front fender.

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-08-2008, 09:11 AM
You ought to put it on ramchagercentral.com

Want to part it out? I like the grille those had better than the 85 I am getting :) And I need a drivers front fender.

you also might want to put it out on http://www.dodgetruckworld.com


great site there!!!



TurbododgePirate, i have a driver side front fender i could sell you, i have a wrecked 93 R/C at my house, but the front end is gone.


im going to try to get some pics up



Alex

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-08-2008, 09:22 AM
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/showownerpic.asp?u=13424&n=342380&pos=1&album=26740
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/showownerpic.asp?u=13424&n=342379&album=26740
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/showownerpic.asp?u=13424&n=342378&album=26740
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/showownerpic.asp?u=13424&n=342376&album=26740
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/showownerpic.asp?u=13424&n=342375&album=26740


thats a 93 R/C that was my brothers friend... but i bought it from him because i wanted some parts off of it, and that is what is left. if you see anything you like, let me know.



Alex

2.5L_Turbo_Sundance
02-08-2008, 09:26 AM
ok,. that didnt work... i will try something else.....


My Parts RamCharger (http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/mygallery.asp?id=13424&album=26740)


jsut click on the images that interest you.



and if you want to see my truck

My Truck (http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/mygallery.asp?id=13424)

and you can also go through my albums....


Alex

forcedfedmopar
02-09-2008, 11:18 PM
heres my pick em up.
Cut 3/4 ton springs front, flipped 68 b-body Rear end, flush door handles, removed rain gutters, 3rd brake lamp instead of cargo light, smaller mirriors, filled body seams, roll pan, no-chrome, tubbed 6 inches,euro spec head lights, bla bla bla pictures tell the story. Turbos coming soon?;


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/ds.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/tengine.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/440.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/face.jpg

http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/?action=view&current=---.jpg

-jeff

moparzrule
02-10-2008, 07:23 AM
Nice pretty nice.

TurbododgePirate
02-10-2008, 12:53 PM
heres my pick em up.
Cut 3/4 ton springs front, flipped 68 b-body Rear end, flush door handles, removed rain gutters, 3rd brake lamp instead of cargo light, smaller mirriors, filled body seams, roll pan, no-chrome, tubbed 6 inches,euro spec head lights, bla bla bla pictures tell the story. Turbos coming soon?;


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/ds.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/tengine.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/440.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/face.jpg

http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/forcedfedmopar/?action=view&current=---.jpg

-jeff


Jeff, AWESOME!!!! I really love the body colored grille and front bumper. Can you tell me more about removing the rain gutters, and did you have to de-chrome the front bumper?? Also what mirrors did you use? I hate the ones that this truck is coming with. Thanks in advance!!!

Oh, and can you tell me more about the door handles!!

TurbododgePirate
02-10-2008, 12:59 PM
What is the widest tire I can fit on this truck wihtout tubbing it? I got a great deal on a set of Dodge Super coupe wheels with beauty rings and center caps that are 15X8. I looked at some 245/60-15 tires, but I don't know how wide they really are. I am doing drop hangers, adn brackets in the back to get about 4" and Dakota drop spindles and 2" drop springs in the front to even it out. I want the same tire all the way around. Kind of a nascar truck look.

I know the 245/60-15 is 1.72 inches smaller in diameter, Tread width is approximately 8 inches, and they will fit nicely on a 8" rim. I just don't know if they will look right, and moe importantly if they will negatively effect steering.

forcedfedmopar
02-11-2008, 10:02 AM
Rain gutters were just cut off and welded up about 6-8inches at a time. door handles are off a mini-van. Mirriors are off of maybe a phord bronco? im not sure of the tire width/steering. i just wanted fat tires out back and skinnies up front, i dont care too much for cornering.

thanks for the comments

-jeff

Subliminal
02-11-2008, 11:08 AM
Jeff, that's a real purdy truck you got there!

forcedfedmopar
02-12-2008, 09:52 AM
thank you

GLHS592
02-12-2008, 10:35 AM
That is a beautiful truck! I am in the process of removing the drip rails. It is a real pain.

spoolinhard
02-12-2008, 11:56 AM
I have a 75 powerwagon club cab longbox. I had been searching for a "full figured" PW for some time. I have a 71 383 magnum that I am going to put in it.

briceturbosports
02-12-2008, 02:35 PM
have an 84 ramcharger for sale cheap crane box ft lock outs painted last 5 years needs one brake line fixed 750.00 obo with brake line fixed will pass pa insp

TurbododgePirate
02-12-2008, 04:39 PM
have an 84 ramcharger for sale cheap crane box ft lock outs painted last 5 years needs one brake line fixed 750.00 obo with brake line fixed will pass pa insp

Hoagie! You might want to try ramchargercentral.com Lots of nice people there.

mcsvt
02-12-2008, 04:53 PM
have an 84 ramcharger for sale cheap crane box ft lock outs painted last 5 years needs one brake line fixed 750.00 obo with brake line fixed will pass pa insp

Can you send me pictures and more info!!? 61beet@gmail.com

TurbododgePirate
02-12-2008, 06:15 PM
Can you send me pictures and more info!!? 61beet@gmail.com

Could make a nice tow vehicle for you Gary :)

mcsvt
02-12-2008, 06:26 PM
That's what I'm thinking as well... I don't think my XJ will be up to the task of long trailering trips.

briceturbosports
02-12-2008, 08:37 PM
Can you send me pictures and more info!!? 61beet@gmail.com

sent you a email :thumb:

TurbododgePirate
02-19-2008, 06:31 PM
Any news Gary? You need something to haul that Lancer!! If you need any help www.ramchargercentral.com seems to be a great place to visit.

mcsvt
02-19-2008, 06:41 PM
Greg and I are trying to work something out. Looks pretty sweet :D I'm waiting to see when he has time for me to stop by. Looks like I may need a trailer or dolly now...

briceturbosports
02-20-2008, 09:58 AM
Greg and I are trying to work something out. Looks pretty sweet :D I'm waiting to see when he has time for me to stop by. Looks like I may need a trailer or dolly now...

hey gary if you want to check it out saturday we are going to have the sv-td meeting on saturday here at my shop if you want to come by your more then welcome bruce will be here. i think he said you came to a couple of the del-val meetings let me know thanks greg :D

dds78910
02-20-2008, 11:31 AM
I want a pre-'80 Ramcharger or Trailduster as a tow vehicle. I'd prefer to find one without an engine and put a Magnum 360 in it. Anything later than '80, though, and I think they screwed up the front end and interior. Love the convertible top, too...

I have a 78 that I plan on doing the same thing wiith. It is on the back burner for now until the race car is done. The Ramcharger still runs good, just in bad need of some rust repair.

GLHS592
05-27-2008, 02:22 PM
Here's something I found for guys wanting to lower their older Rams:
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2288964&postcount=25
http://www.tennesspeed.net/gallery/data/500/lowering_kit_011.jpg

The kit is kind of expensive, but it includes EVERYTHING you need to lower your truck. Also, what else is there on the market that bolts on without modification? I e-mailed the guy to see if he is still making them. I'll let you know if he replies.

Also, does anybody have any factory rear wheel tubs? I'm going to tub my truck, but I can't find any junkyards willing to let me cut up a good bed to get the tubs.

TurbododgePirate
05-27-2008, 02:43 PM
Here's something I found for guys wanting to lower their older Rams:
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2288964&postcount=25
http://www.tennesspeed.net/gallery/data/500/lowering_kit_011.jpg

The kit is kind of expensive, but it includes EVERYTHING you need to lower your truck. Also, what else is there on the market that bolts on without modification? I e-mailed the guy to see if he is still making them. I'll let you know if he replies.

Also, does anybody have any factory rear wheel tubs? I'm going to tub my truck, but I can't find any junkyards willing to let me cut up a good bed to get the tubs.

Kevin,

Yeah, thats mid america customs. The guy just started making those kits. He was also supposed to make full interiors, but I haven't heard back from him lately.

GLHS592
05-27-2008, 09:44 PM
I take it you know him. One guy on that Dodge talk purchased a kit from him and said it was quality stuff. I figured he'd e-mail me back by now. Maybe he has quit building the kit.

TurbododgePirate
05-28-2008, 08:48 AM
I dunno. One of the guys (Maybe same guy) on dodge forums bought a kit and said it was awesome. I bought their axle flip kit and it is very good. I told them I would buy the whole interior, as I need one, but I have not heard anything yet.

GLHS592
05-28-2008, 05:59 PM
I got an e-mail back from the guy. I asked him if they are still making the kits.


Yes we are! shipping in the US is $90.00 for the complete kit 3 boxes in total thanks Eric

eric@midamericacustoms.com

TurbododgePirate
05-30-2008, 08:55 AM
I got an e-mail back from the guy. I asked him if they are still making the kits.



eric@midamericacustoms.com

Wait a minute... what kit is $90?

Clay
05-30-2008, 01:22 PM
shipping is $90.

That kit looks EXACTLY like the Chisholm Suspension kit Ive got on my 84.

GLHS592
05-30-2008, 05:43 PM
Yeah, the shipping is $90. Considering the kit has EVERYTHING (shocks, springs, hardware) you will need to lower your truck, it ain't a bad deal.

TurbododgePirate
05-31-2008, 10:29 AM
I agree. The price really isn't unreasonable either. However, I am doing a axle flip in the rear, and drop spindles in the front. A WHOLE lot less expensive.

GLHS592
05-31-2008, 11:12 AM
Do the drop spindles have any steering geometry issues? What shocks are you using?

TurbododgePirate
05-31-2008, 11:26 AM
Do the drop spindles have any steering geometry issues? What shocks are you using?

Belltech nitro drop shocks. And the spindles are sitting on a shelf right now, so no idea. They are the second gen Dakota drop spindles, and I have talked to a couple guys who say they work just fine.

GLHS592
05-31-2008, 11:49 AM
I've read so much conflicting information about dropping these trucks. Have you seen that 18 page thread on www.ramchargercentral.com? Wow! The rear is no problem, but the front is what I'm still deciding on. I'm leaning toward that kit with the 1.5" shorter coils.

Can you take pictures when you install the spindles? Don't you have to bore out the tie rod or ball joint hole in the spindles? Also, would you be able to give me a part number for the front and rear shocks? Are you talking about spindles for a 1992-1996 Dakota?

I'm almost to the point where I'm going to back half the truck and go with a 4-link. This rear end and tire combo, I recently traded for, looks like it will barely work with the factory stuff.

TurbododgePirate
06-02-2008, 08:51 AM
I've read so much conflicting information about dropping these trucks. Have you seen that 18 page thread on www.ramchargercentral.com? Wow! The rear is no problem, but the front is what I'm still deciding on. I'm leaning toward that kit with the 1.5" shorter coils.

Can you take pictures when you install the spindles? Don't you have to bore out the tie rod or ball joint hole in the spindles? Also, would you be able to give me a part number for the front and rear shocks? Are you talking about spindles for a 1992-1996 Dakota?

I'm almost to the point where I'm going to back half the truck and go with a 4-link. This rear end and tire combo, I recently traded for, looks like it will barely work with the factory stuff.

Yup, I have read the whole thread. A couple times. Now, as I have come to understand it, you can use a 87-90 dakota front spindle, but you will have to ream out the tie rod hole. If you use the 91-96 dakota drop spindle, the holes are the correct size already.

I don't know the part number off hand for the shocks. I know they are nitro drop shocks for chevy silverado. I am part of a thread over at dodgeforums.com in the ram/ first gen ram section.

Yup, I'll be taking plenty of pics as I go along.

GLHS592
06-02-2008, 05:58 PM
Yup, I have read the whole thread. A couple times. Now, as I have come to understand it, you can use a 87-90 dakota front spindle, but you will have to ream out the tie rod hole. If you use the 91-96 dakota drop spindle, the holes are the correct size already.

Are the holes the only difference in the 87-90 & 91-96 spindles?


I don't know the part number off hand for the shocks. I know they are nitro drop shocks for chevy silverado.

Would they be shocks for a 4"/6" drop?

TurbododgePirate
06-03-2008, 01:44 PM
Are the holes the only difference in the 87-90 & 91-96 spindles?



Would they be shocks for a 4"/6" drop?

I have been told that the holes are the only difference.

The front shocks are for a 4" drop, the rears are air shocks. The travel distance doesn't change much because I am flipping the axle.

GLHS592
06-03-2008, 09:18 PM
I've been researching the 4"/6" drop for my truck today. That $919 kit is awful pricey. I looked at the thread on www.dodgeforums.com. Here is what I've found may be the best bet:
1. Flip the rear using
2. Use stock length rear shocks.
3. Lower the front with 1992-1996 Dakota 2" lowering spindles and 1994-2001 Ram 3" (will lower a 1st gen. Ram 2") lowering springs.
4. Use Chevy Silverado 4" lowering shocks up front

Where did you get your lowering spindles for $170/pair? What year Silverado are those shocks made for? Do I need to buy longer tie rod ends?

TurbododgePirate
06-04-2008, 10:32 AM
I've been researching the 4"/6" drop for my truck today. That $919 kit is awful pricey. I looked at the thread on www.dodgeforums.com. Here is what I've found may be the best bet:
1. Flip the rear using
2. Use stock length rear shocks.
3. Lower the front with 1992-1996 Dakota 2" lowering spindles and 1994-2001 Ram 3" (will lower a 1st gen. Ram 2") lowering springs.
4. Use Chevy Silverado 4" lowering shocks up front

Where did you get your lowering spindles for $170/pair? What year Silverado are those shocks made for? Do I need to buy longer tie rod ends?

The spindles, I got lucky. I did a google search for dakota Belltech drop spindles forsale, and just happened on a set.

I don't know about the tie rod ends yet. I am waiting for a good weekend to do the swap. The common thought was that I would need a longer adjusting sleeve, but not the tie rod.

On my post on page 2 of the thread you mentioned I have the shocks listed:

Belltech Nitro-Active Monotube Shock Absorbers $37.95-49.95 Front for a 1999-01 Silverado (same as dodge)

Belltech Nitro-Drop Twintube Shock Absorbers $37.95-39.95 Front for a 1999-01 Silverado (same as dodge)

Now, when I ordered mine, they were going out of stock, and introducing a new line. I would check out amazon.com they have a amazing amount of car parts on there. If you find a place to get 1994-2001 Ram 3" (will lower a 1st gen. Ram 2") lowering springs I would really appreciate knowing about it. Also you know to avoid anything AIM (Spindles/springs/anything) like the plague.

TurbododgePirate
06-16-2008, 05:34 PM
Kevin,

I am not sure that I will be using the nitro drop shocks now. I am not sure I am going to go THAT low. If you want them, let me know, I got a pretty good deal on them.

GLHS592
06-16-2008, 06:20 PM
I'll probably be interested in the fronts. Since I'm relocating the spring hangers inboard in the rear, I will have to find something else for the rears.

TurbododgePirate
06-17-2008, 03:04 PM
I'll probably be interested in the fronts. Since I'm relocating the spring hangers inboard in the rear, I will have to find something else for the rears.

Are you going to box the frame in the rear and just move everything in? I'll let you know when I am 100% on selling the fronts.

GLHS592
06-17-2008, 05:20 PM
Yes. I will have to relocate the cross members to do that. I have thought about a 4 link.