5 DODGE W100 POWER WAGON FLAWS AND SOLUTIONS | Dodge Power Wagon

[@NightWrencher]

How did I do on this one? Did I miss anything?

[@NightWrencher]

I also moved my key into the dash to eliminate the box that the stock ignition uses that gets in the way when you add the clutch pedal. I've put everything on relays and have not had a single problem with the wiring on my truck.

[@NightWrencher]

One more thing, the government used the 70s trucks almost exclusively so they are litterally everywhere if you look hard enough. The plastic grille era I dont think is as collectible but idk.

[@stevenmc56]

They were good trucks but they had there problems .

[@brianwilson7408]

Worst thing I've seen is only with the full time/AWD models (small wheel lug pattern). Too many problems to list. If you were lucky enough to get a part time 4WD one with a 205 T case and the 5 x 5.5 lug axles, they're tough as hell. Also, the electronic ignition module was troublesome. It would die without warning, so most people I know kept a spare in the glove box. Great trucks though, I've been through a lot with them.

[@percyroy-wt3vl]

I just bought a 1977 Dodge W100 Power Wagon...The tires I bought lifted the truck quite a bit.. I'll pass it down to my son when he's 18, he'll be the coolest kid on the block with a Dodge.

[@NightWrencher]

He sure will 👍

[@patobrien7009]

I've had my 73 W200 for 45 years. The one thing that bothers me the most is the lousy drum brakes on the front. Can't wait to change it out for discs.

[@NightWrencher]

On our 74 we swapped our whole axle with one out of an 80 from the junkyard. Came with disks and locking hubs. If you can find a CAD axle at the junkyard you can take everything besides the housing and swap the knuckles as well.

[@P.R.Shriram]

I replaced a fulltime 4x4 79 powerwagon's front knuckles (hubs, spindles, rotors, etc.) for CAD era knuckles-hubs to retain fulltime 4x4 and reduce risk of bearing failure from live spindles with larger tires. Works great!

[@jmilo5693]

Thinking of getting a lifted 1974 W100. That's how I came across your video. Your presentation was seemless. There were no ahs and pauses with a ton of knowledge about vehicles and this one in particular. No music and no funny business, you did good! One thing I would add... maybe slow down your speech just a little bit. Thanks for a great video!

[@NightWrencher]

I found that the faster I talk, the less I have to edit when I'm on my computer 😂 check out my videos from last year and youll see a big difference in how I make them and how I tend to speak on camera.

[@rustyjeep2469]

Nice! I love these trucks but don’t see much info on them out there. Nothing like there is for the Fords or Chevy’s.

[@NightWrencher]

Theyre just as good as any chevy or ford because they use pretty much the same parts. The 2wd trucks are more popular because you can lower them for cheap. The 4wd trucks arent as popular but theyre still pretty pleantiful.

[@P.R.Shriram]

Ramchargercentral.com has loads of info

[@thesprucemill6632]

@@NightWrencher how exactly do u lower them for cheap? I havnt been able to find drop spindles or lowered springs. Outside of swapping to van lower control arms and fabbing bags in, nothing seems available...on the cheap anyway.

[@NightWrencher]

Van control arms, cut out spring bucket and make it deeper, weld it back together. The rear you can just do an axle flip.

[@thesprucemill6632]

@@NightWrencher so u cut the spring pockets out off the van arms? They are already deeper...?

[@larrytate5605]

good video, nice truck, you are very smart on these trucks,....thanx for posting.

[@NightWrencher]

Thank you! I'll have a few videos dedicated to these trucks soon

[@BigRedtheGinger]

This is pretty interesting stuff. I'm actually about to buy a 79 W150 Power Wagon from a friend, 4 speed, 360, regular cab long bed. Turns out, it's also a former US Forestry/Department of Agriculture truck. While I probably won't put a lift on it, the wiring stands out to me.

[@danielstickney2400]

Bulkhead connector problems are often caused by corrosion in the primary wire between the alternator and the bulkhead connector. Corrosion increases the resistance in the wire causing things to overheat. I had a 1977 W150 and the ignition kept cutting out because the last foot to 18 inches of the primary wire was totally green under the insulation. The ignition box wasn't getting enough current because of the corroded wire and kept overheating. Replacing the engine harness fixed that. Good luck finding a replacement, though; that was almost 30 years ago and you can't even find these trucks in junkyards around here now. Replacing the primary wire between the Alternator and the bulkhead connector or even the whole engine harness is a quick and easy fix that doesn't require you to tear the whole cab apart but it won't help if the bulkhead connector is already melted or the wire is corroded inside the cab too. I've seen that too. You used to be able to get replacement bulkhead connector terminals but that was 20 years ago.

[@NightWrencher]

I just end up rewiring everything from scratch because if it happens the first time, itll happen again

[@cleadeslcrobinsonjr5321]

I have a 1975 Ramcharger and I do have those problems. I need help getting those fix. What shop do you know can help me solve this issues. Thank you very much. Stay safe and be blessed.

[@NightWrencher]

Thats pretty hard to find because a lot of shops dont know too much about these old trucks. Best bet is to find someone that knows these trucks pretty well and but the parts you need online

[@MsPokemonsoulsilver]

can you make a video on how you swapped over your fuse panel? i have a w200 with tons of wiring problems and melted fuses.

[@NightWrencher]

Its kind of hard to do because I rewired pretty much everything. Even the headlights and turn signals are custom wiring

[@migs375]

@@NightWrencher you should still do a video on this, you explain things very well.

[@swere1240]

what do you do about cab or bed mounts my dads got a i think 73 shortbed adventurer with the 318 but it seems like where the cab and the bed meet its almost sagging down and it makes the doors hard to close and u can feel it moving when u drive it. its a cool truck and hes put alot of work into it like rebuilt transfer case all new brakes u joints and other stuff too i cant think of and hes getting a bit old now and id like to fix that for him but dont know where to start

[@NightWrencher]

The bed mounts directly to the frame so there is not much that you can do there. The cab and core support have rubber mounts. You can buy a set of mounts made of polyurathane that will line everything up again. If your doors are still out of whack after installing the mounts, the hinges may be worn out and out of adjustment

[@chargerbelgium]

Thanks for this in dept video on the 4x4's. I wonder if you can easily convert a '75 W100 manual to automatic trans?

[@NightWrencher]

Its all bolt on but it needs a alot of parts to be swapped. Steering column, shift linkage, trans, transfercase and drive shaft lengths might need to be changed

[@leotomma3494]

Stay with the manual, instead put in a NV 4500 tyranny, you'll be a lot happier

[@tylergrassrootsfabricpots6921]

Great video, I have an all original 73 w100 w/ 318 My wiring bulkhead plastic is falling apart ive been trying to think about how i can remedy this. i thank you very much make me excited to try and fix it.

[@ForneyRider]

Had a 77 w150, now have a 79 w200. Lots of rust and electrical issues. W200 has crossover steering already. Added 5.5in lift and 37in tires.

[@NightWrencher]

I just finished my crossover steering too. I'll be doing like a 1.5 inch body lift to expose the frame more to weld on rock sliders. The rest will be a suspension lift on 37s also

[@fightswithspirits915]

What's with the 100s that have locker shifter inside with no visible locker hubs on the front wheels?

[@NightWrencher]

Those are locked in the front all the time but wont get traction until the shifter is engaged In 4wd. Theyre open diffs so you wont have issue steering even though the hubs are always locked.

[@fightswithspirits915]

@@NightWrencher Thank you. I'm looking to buy a 76 but not sure if it's wise. I need it to get me over Nevada muddy/snowy roads this winter.

[@NightWrencher]

I believe a 76 is fulltime 4x4 so essentially AWD. If you keep the front hubs greased and dont go overboard on tire size you should be ok

[@davechapinski9383]

Fantastic review, I'm still running a 79 W200 Power Wagon,no wire issues but helps to learn.steering changed to borgeson but that's it.PW is still used as a commercial plow unit.Original 360 and trans including axles.i have subscribed

[@NightWrencher]

Very nice, I just picked up 2 more 70s dodge trucks and plan to build a club cab on the channel.

[@williamarnett9064]

Great information. I have a 72 and I’m upgrading several things. Make more videos on these trucks

[@NightWrencher]

I've got a few of them that I'll be putting out more videos for so no worries on that!

[@RobertRauen]

Is that a 89-84 Toyota pickup gauge cluster??

[@NightWrencher]

89-95 but yes 👍

[@cintrymodetrplethalove552]

I'm about to buy one that has been sitting for years. I have to find a motor and figure out how to check transmission. I've never worked this much on a older vehicle. And as much advice you can do on this truck will be great.

[@codywhitmire8850]

I'm having a issue with my 77w200 power wagon. The steering shaft coupler is messed up and I can't seem to find the part to replace it

[@NightWrencher]

I don't know if they still make that coupler. Is your rag joint up towards the firewall or down by the steering gear?

[@codywhitmire8850]

It is towards the bottom where the gear box is.

[@NightWrencher]

I think I have one thats still good if you want it. Its used but still good

[@codywhitmire8850]

Possibly how much ya asking for it.

[@NightWrencher]

Just pay for shipping and I'll ship it to you. Send me an email, its on my contact page on the channel

[@stephenwest798]

I always clean the bulkhead connection with copper bore cleaner for rifles and then contact cleaner and then coat the contacts with dielectric grease. Get rid of those amp gauges and just run a voltmeter. I prefer the one-ton axles for off roading; however, I have a 77 w150 with fulltime four-wheel drive so there is no splitter in the front axle which is great.

[@davidetchellsetchells4692]

Never had any trouble with my Dodge trucks or cars, but I leave them origional, I don't alter anything and maintain them on schedule. Engine and transmissions on them are bombproof, all have Dana 60 rears, can't kill em. I have had a few amp meters smoke out, usually because of loose or corroded terminals and fixed that easily, the only weak spot I've found is the solid state voltage regulator so I keep a backup in the glove box and spare brushes for the alternator. That's it!

[@grandillusion4258]

The only issue I ever had with my 73' W200 was constantly snapping the rear universal joint, so I always carried a couple of spares. Could usually swap is out in 15 minutes on the side of the road, or, as in most cases, at 2:15 AM, -10 Degrees, 50 mph wind, in three feet of snow, while clearing a neighbors long ass driveway. It had the snow package and, uncommon, had the split rim 16.5" rims.

[@tylerbuckley4661]

Mine also has a Eddlebrock racing carburetor the only problem is the gearing 3/11s on front side rear is 4/10s so if i go into four wheel drive i would drop the tranny so no 4x4ing gor me but it works great out of four wheel drive

[@blueduster74]

What’s funny is my bulkhead connectors were in perfect shape. But under the dash had been hacked several times. It was stolen once then he had a couple different alarms. The Borgeson shaft is a great upgrade on these trucks. Crossover is my next thing. No sway bar is not a big deal. Never had an issue with my brakes. But it’s all getting replaced after sitting a couple years after we moved across the country. Never had any steering issues.

[@lanemendenhall7469]

I love 1st gens, I have a 76 w100 power wagon club cab that I'm putting a 92 w250 cummins chassis with power train and drive train

[@NightWrencher]

Very nice. Everything should pretty much bolt on the new frame and youll be able to the old rust prone one. If I remeber right the diesel frames are a hair thicker than the gasoline frames and they have the front reinforced where the engine sits. Good choice.

[@lanemendenhall7469]

@@NightWrencher yeah it should be pretty easy, I'm planning on building the fuck out of everything and make 600 plus whp

[@NightWrencher]

With a big enough turbo you can do it. The problem is gonna be the trans. The stock or even upgraded unit wont hold up to 1000lbs of torque for too long. My buddy races one and he can only do 1/8th miles because of the rev limit, anything passed the 1/8th and he runs out of breath with the 4 speed auto. regearing doesn't really help because he loses too much acceleration. I'll see if I can find a video of his races.

[@lanemendenhall7469]

@@NightWrencher mines going to more of a overlanding/ off-road build so I'm not concerned about speed. And I'm doing a built nv4500 trans and billet transfer case. It'll spend most of it's time in 4low or in 2wd doing the speed limit

[@NightWrencher]

Really cool, but do you really need 600whp if youre using it as an over landing rig? Lol

[@musica3638]

Hello Will you ever consider build some like your truck for some one also ? Is my dream truck I'm not a mechanic and is hard to find someone who can build your dream car if you can make it possible or know somewhere they'll do it please please let me know I'm in north california and already have a w 100 4x4 1974 Please and tanks

[@NightWrencher]

I'll make a video explaining this in more detail but I don't really like to work on other peoples cars/trucks. I would much rather make videos and teach you how to build your own things for free than be paid to build it for you.

[@musica3638]

Did you buy the motor mount? Or you fabricate those ?

[@NightWrencher]

I reused half the stock truck motor mount and bought some generic ones on ebay.

[@scottbrown321]

I have one in great shape, that I will sell soon when I retire and move.

[@fredflintstone6163]

Have owned 77 d 200 4. 4 since 1990 s good truck

[@fever4174]

I’m thinking about buying one of these soon, do you mind listing issues that I should look for before paying for it?

[@NightWrencher]

The biggest issue on the pre '81 trucks is rust. Especially in the cab corners and the roof drip rails. The newer '81-'93 have a coating that helps prevent rust. Also check the bulkhead connector for melted wires.

[@fever4174]

@@NightWrencher sounds good it has some rust around the bed but nothing serious or integral. Thank you so much :)

[@JerseycatsFishing]

@@fever4174 if there is a spot to see what's under the carpets near the door jam take a look there too, I found quite a few that had rusty areas ther due to the weep hole on the door dripping down and keeping the carpet soaked, this is caused by the window seals dry rotting and falling apart letting water drain down and sit in the bottom of the door and slowly drain into the carpet

[@tylerbuckley4661]

My 71 power wagon D100 has had no problems so far but i do not have the w100 318 mine is a 440

[@jkwfo]

the earlier 72 3s and 4s had the better steering gear. north to south instead of east to west , much better to deal with when extremely lifted

[@johnlieske8908]

In the 70s Dodge / Chrysler had major quality control issues

[@beep_beep_beep]

Dont shim the front axle. Castor angle is more important than pinion angle. Be safe and leave the pinion in a not ideal angle. It doesnt matter since you have locking hubs and the front axle isnt engaged until you lock the hubs off-road and are going slow.

[@bradleyhannah8713]

get rid of the amp guage put in the borgeson joint.

[@ek6648]

Hi im thinking about getting a 76 W200. It seems like a fine truck no issues. But how fast does it degrade? I think ill mostly use it in the weekends for groceries and driving around for fun so its not thousands of kilometres ill drive. So how much can i trust on it? I love them but if it costs like 1000 euro to repair it yearly its not fun anymore. I know they need more love and care then a modern car but dont want it to rip my wallet.

[@NightWrencher]

Honestly, if you can find a few original replacements for the electronics such as the voltage regulator, timing module, etc. You'll never have any issues. The differentials are trouble free and aside from just keeping the suspension greased up, you wont be stranded. For 1000 euro you could buy used spares of every electronic component and have a stock pile of parts that will last you years.

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

Liked and subbed 👍🇨🇦

[@lordterra1377]

318s typically have low compression heads which is why the engines last so long. Swap the heads, do hedders and a dual exhuast and you will have plenty of power without the price tag of a 340 and get better mileage than a 360.

[@phantomsgarage3695]

Great helpful video man, Just never stick your head or shoulder under the wheel well in between the wheel and the fender. Just aint a very good idea (Not accusing anyone just stay safe) Im sure you already know that though lol.

[@NightWrencher]

Lol thanks man, I appreciate it

[@BALrider1Steve]

Wrong on the 318 it’s got power and with a 2 barrel it’s fuel economic I daily drive my 72 no issues roast tires on dry pave

[@NightWrencher]

All 150whp of raw power 😎 an '85 toyota corolla can roast tires, thats not really an outstanding metric 🤷‍♂️

[@cdanist]

Well ive decided to sell mine if anybody is interested was restoring it.. But dont have time to finish.. 1976 w100 440 4wd stepside if anyone is interested.

[@NightWrencher]

Very nice, big block 4x4s are pretty rare 👍

[@tylerbuckley4661]

Plus my anti theft is better than any alarms

[@rustresurrection3267]

First fatal flaw is that LS

[@NightWrencher]

I don't think the LS came factory on the W100s 🤔

[@georgecass8529]

This guy doesn't have a clue

[@blueduster74]

Disappointed to see the LS. 😢

[@NightWrencher]

I didnt actually mean to put an LS in my truck. The old 318 was tired and smoking. The 3 speed trans was shot. I wanted to go 5 speed while keeping the 4x4 on the passenger side. Originally was going to take my r150 apart, change out the input shaft and bellhousing with one out if an AX15. While I was at the junkyard looking for a 360 magnum, I realized the LS came factory with aluminum heads, dry intake, coil packs, 6 bolt mains, etc. So I got a 5.3 instead and the rest is history. I wanted a big block but transmission options are severly limited on that unfortunately.

[@blueduster74]

@@NightWrencher 10 yrs ago it was that or a magnum 360. I did a magnum 360 in 2011. NV4500 and Dana 300 before that in 08. Swapped all the axles, hubs and etc from a junked 83 W-150. With a small Hughes cam, M1 dual plane and 650 Edelbrock AVS (1826 off road) it makes 271/343 to the wheels. Old refurbished and ceramic coated Thorley Tri-Ys and the Hooker 2.25” exhaust. Eventually I’ll put a Hemi in it. Much easier to do now.

[@NightWrencher]

For me it was more about cost. I wanted a 360 magnum but I also wanted aluminum heads. My 73 charger has a big block in it and I did get heads for it. My truck was meant to be a toy that could tow but now its much more than that at almost 600 at the wheels.

[@tylerbuckley4661]

What dodge does not leak lol its a dodge