Better Than Ford & Chevy? The First Gen Dodge Ram is a HIGHLY Undervalued Classic!

[@joeystrains.9316]

I'm a Chevy man, but the square body dodge truck is truly undervalued as working trucks and classics. The slant six is one of my favorite engines. I regret selling mine.

[@johnnygordon9311]

They are good just parts are getting hard far harder than ford or Chevy

[@Joshtheweatherman]

@@johnnygordon9311 I have no issues getting parts for my 1982 D250.

[@chadparsons1972]

I'm a Dodge guy, but I like all the square body trucks. Square bodies where the last good trucks.

[@TheMKEWERBY]

Same here! But I prefer a Cummins. Any year. It doesn't matter.

[@kskeel1124]

I've got a 93 D250 regular cab, long bed, 4X4 with the 360ci gas engine and auto transmission. Its low mileage 100k and I've had to do very little to it in the 6-7 years I've owned it, $3,000-$4,000 Including a welded aluminum radiator, Brakes and tires...

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

Guys. It’s a 40 year old, economy truck. No, the door pulls are not leather. No, they were not going to redesign the dash for lower trim models. We were ok with block-off plates. No, it’s not fast, it’s perfectly capable. No, they did not redesign it every four years. That’s actually a plus.

[@rightlanehog3151]

😁

[@vrubiera]

One of the best truck ever made 100% classic!

[@sntstafford]

The father of a friend of mine purchased a brand new 1976 half-ton 2 wheel-drive short box Dodge in the day; base, base, base version with the buzzin’ half-dozen and a 3-on-the-tree. His father used that truck as a commuter and a wood hauler (they lived in the middle-of-nowhere Perry County, PA and had only a massive wood cook stove as their heat source) until around 2001. I can remember that truck being loaded so heavy with fresh cut, soaking wet green wood that the leaf springs would reverse; we would climb on the tailgate, legs dangling off the back, as his father would slowly drive out of the woods and down the dirts roads to home to unload. Brings back memories.

[@Moparornocar74]

The two blanking plates above the HVAC controls were actually for the 4x4 info lights

[@nathanspalink5438]

My friend from high school had this same truck with same color combo and the 318. Also had a matching topper. We drove that thing everywhere in the mid 90s it's probably long gone by now but it was very nice back then. Love these trucks!

[@ericnotmetcalf3768]

My favorite interior out of the big 3 from the era.

[@guylr7390]

I know you’re at altitude but I think the Slant needs a check up. It looks to have the lean burn system which were problematic and pulled timing for emissions. With a standard distributor and ignition box it may run a lot better. Plus you can find the two barrel Super Six intakes at salvage yards and that will give it a noticeable boost.

[@barrycuda3769]

I wonder if you could advise me , I live in New Zealand and I have the opportunity to buy a 2 barrel 225 slant motor out of 1986 Dodge Ram . I want it for repowering my old 1966 Valiant , Iv'e been trying to get info on the power output of the 1986 motor , but haven't come up with much yet .I understand that the factory HP ratings changed from gross to net or whatever , and that may have something to do with the newer motor being quoted as 95 horsepower, which is offputting considering the old one is rated at 145 hp . I also suspect that the later one's power may be affected by the lean burn ignition , and catylitic converter .I'm hoping that if I installed my points distributor , and not having a cat converter , the power might be as respectable as the original motor ? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[@guylr7390]

@@barrycuda3769 Hi Barry. The net horsepower on the 1bbl 225 was 105 but only about 95 in the California versions. Adding the 2bbl carb gives you another 5 so it would be 110. I’d probably stick with the electronic ignition and just adjust it for 30-35 degrees of total advance wherever it runs best. If you have oxygenated fuel in NZ then the best thing to do if you can afford it would be to convert to a fuel injection system. That will solve the hard start problems when hot and boost power and fuel economy some too. A hotter street cam and good valve job will get you to a real 125-130hp which will make it feel like the base 273 that the Valiants with here in 1966.

[@barrycuda3769]

@@guylr7390 In this case I just want to install a replacement engine and not modify it , except for maybe the distributor ,I've heard that the lean burn is troublesome. Iv'e been trying to understand the difference between gross and net horsepower, and someone in the comments of an article gave the net versus gross HP figures quoted in the owners manual for his 1971 C10 Chevy. 307 CI ' 200HP gross/130 HP net. 350 CI 250HP gross/ 190HP net. 396CI 300HP gross/240 HP net. So based on that I suppose I could assume that a Slant 6 rated at 110HP net would have at least as much power as the old 1966 engine?maybe more? .I know of a guy who owns a 1960 Plymouth Valiant 2 door sedan , and he repowered it with a never been used 1987 Slant 225 2 barrel , and he reckons it's about 190HP gross , I hope he,s correct. The Dodge Ram truck with the motor I,m thinking of buying was used by the US government in Antarctica , so it's hard to say if it originated in California or not. On the subject of 273 ci Valiants, we had 273's in our '66 Valiants, (which are more like your '65 model)they were popular but not produced in large numbers, and very sought after and valuable now. Thanks for your help.

[@guylr7390]

@@barrycuda3769 Once you pull off the Lean Burn computer and carb the Slant is pretty much just a Slant. Adding the two barrel intake and carb will get you to the 110-115 net hp. The 225 Slants were rated at 145hp gross. The Super 6 with two barrel was rated at 155 gross. The only Slants I know of rated at 190 gross were the factory 170ci Hyper Pack kitted engines of 1960-61.

[@barrycuda3769]

@@guylr7390 This '86 engine is a 2 barrel and I assume , has the lean burn setup, If I were to ditch the lean burn , can I still use it's 2 barrel carb , or would I have to get another 2 barrel? Actually the guy with the '87 motor said that his 2 barrel carb was damaged being shipped , so he put on an old single barrel carb and manifold ' and old points distributor , and he reckons it runs strong , so that sounds good enough to me , I just don't want less power than I'm used to with 1barrel 225 slants.Thanks again.

[@_CAT-lg4sr]

Got an '82 D150 Custom w/ 225cid & the NP435 trans. Bought it in '86 for $2500 w/ 48,520 mi. on the clock. No rust or dents. First thing I did was put on a Clifford intake, Holley 4bbl, Clifford headers and some other mods because the slants had issues with the exhaust manifolds getting cracks throughout the plenum and a piece actually fell out of mine. Dyno'd @ 178hp / 4200 RPM Still runs like a champ and gets 18mpg @ 70mph. Will keep it forever.

[@johnnie2388]

For weeks I was looking for a Chevy C10..only found rust buckets with either messed up motors or trannys (within my budget of course). I ended up finding a 84' Dodge Ram D150.. body, rockers, foot panels, floor boards, roof seal was all rust free. It checked everything on my list- square body, V8, short bed, 70s or 80s pickup truck, circle odometers, buckets seats. I couldn't find any difference between the two C10 or D150. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. 🇺🇸

[@hfc-u7l]

i notice that too. do both the squarebodies and d150s have wiring issues? Im looking for an old carbureted truck to replace my crappy 4runner. i just want a classic vehicle with smoker windows. I used to knock dodge, but then i saw that mason kid on youtube tear down a 10r80 after 30k miles and do a 5.0 timing job and they make dodges and squarebodies look good

[@inkydoug]

Long ago everyone I knew who had a 318 powered Dodge in this body style swore it was way less trouble than any other make.

[@Dankcatvacs]

My dads got one in his 94 dakota 310k those 318s are killer.

[@moboots]

Ya dude first gen rams are rock solid the issue nowadays is finding one thats not rusted like swiss cheese, which is even harder here in canada with winter road salt

[@johnnie2388]

@@moboots I completely agree. I just bought a 84' Dodge Ram D150 with zero rust for 8k here in Albuquerque N.M. it's been here in New Mexico its whole life, owned by a farmer. I couldn't be happier, felt like a found a gem.

[@bdd1469]

Lol. Ya, that's how fan boys work. I've maintained fleets of trucks for fan boys, mostly dodge and ford. They all loved to tell me how their brand was the best. I just agreed and kept charging them to replace all the parts they constantly needed.

[@mromatic17]

if you are a slant 6 fan uncle tony's garage he made a really good video called understanding the slant 6. He goes into crazy detail about how its so different from every other engine.

[@WaynePittenger]

The best things about this truck are the single cab and 8-foot bed unlike the modern 4-door suburban daddy pickups that never haul anything but little league gear.

[@scottvickery2057]

Amen!!

[@davidporter7051]

I hope you realize you are an Emo as you expressed in this post

[@MoparGuy-x1r]

​@@davidporter7051how's he emo when that's a true statement. My boss and his kid have matching 2021 megacab limited. They never haul anything with them and make a daily trip through the car wash

[@forterierocks]

My good friends dad owned Mueller Automotive and they had 2 1984 Rams with 225ci and auto trans, both trucks ran all the way into the early 2000's with 500,000+ kilometers on them.

[@Van_Liberty]

My very first car was a 1966 Dodge Dart with the same 225 ci. slant engine. Bought it for $200 and had to run a lamp cord from the solenoid in through the smoking glass window to start the car. Got many many miles out of it. Sold it on to my sister and she got a lot of use out of it. Not much power, but it ran and ran and ran...

[@jasonblack5409]

I had a few slant sixes. One was in a 1974 Dodge Dart. I ran it out of oil until it stalled and wouldn’t crank when I didn’t realize the oil line to the gauge was leaking under the hood. Let it sit overnight to cool, fixed the leak, filled it with oil, started right up and drove it with no permanent damage.

[@vr4787]

After almost 30 years since I last road in my grandpa’s 89 D150, I can still smell the interior of this thing in burgundy red and the 318 puffing away.

[@danatkinson6698]

Slant 6 with an np435 is a pulling son of a gun. Slant 6 with an A833 is an economical son of a gun

[@kuhndog-1196]

The 72-80 D/W series trucks are technically a third gen dodge truck. Now the 81-93 are the first gen dodge rams. I'm personally a 72-80 guy but I do love these first gen trucks too.

[@dalejones4322]

Awe man. You're selling it too quick. You could do all kinds of cool tests with it. Mpg, load the bed to max and see how it drives, max tow it, heck Ike it for kicks. Do a 0-60 then see if you can lightly mod it to improve power. Really neat old truck. Great video guys

[@evilcam]

This. It would only increase the value when it did go to auction as suddenly there would be a lot of interest in this specific truck, being it is the star of a build out and test series. Though the purpose of them buying this was to show us how the auction flip game works with an expert show Tommy and us how the sausage is made. Overbuilding it might kind of take away from the purity of that initial idea. Though I wholly agree they should still do ALL the tests they can, because that is only gonna make good vids and increase buzz for it even more, and still keep to the auction flip format. They should definitely make the next series about testing everything, then overbuilding the piss out of the next vehicle they buy at auction and flip.

[@dalejones4322]

@@evilcam I agree. When I said lightly mod it I was thinking of a different carburator and air filter. Maybe a different exhaust.

[@daviddavis4444]

Our neighbor bought the shortest wheel base Dodge Van, power steering, power brakes, automatic and a/c. Rear was empty, he insulated and made a horse shoe seating in the rear with a table that would go flat to make a bed. Their 5 kids and friends would pile in that thing with a boat behind it and it never failed.

[@sergiosolis4538]

I really like the simplicity of this truck. The 8 foot bed is a great asset. The 225 slant 6 is one of my favorite engines from Dodge.

[@democrat7441]

I had a mercury comet in 1990. Straight 6.

[@michaelnault5905]

My 82' Dodge PU slant six was factory painted blue. It had the creeper first gear. Mine would occasionally vapor lock in high heat. I bought it used and used it hard. If asked, it answered without complaint for many miles.

[@allenwiddows7631]

Yea for brown on tan! My folks’ 1977 Chevy C20 Silverado had that color scheme; 350 V-8 under the hood, that beast went everywhere…

[@floribertosousa2251]

Thanks for a great 👍 video. I had that exact same slant-6 engine in my 1978 Plymouth Volare 4 door sedan,..red exterior with red interior. Somewhat underpowered but a great "bulletproof" and reliable engine that never leaked oil. Keep up the great videos on old vehicles like this.

[@echase3rd]

I had a 78 Dodge Aspen coupe, slant 6, yellow exterior, tan interior.

[@distin71]

I had a slant 6 in a 1980 Dodge St. Regis.

[@geedee2420]

I had two darts and a 76 Aspen Coupe all with the 225cid... The Aspen had a four speed and was metallic brown with a tan interior... It also had thinned down orange and yellow stripes like the R/T's did... It wasn't fast but looked super cool! 😎

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

We run a lot of Ford 300s in oil field. At one time they used to use the dodge slant six but they are not a fan of running at a generally low RPM with natural gas as a fuel. But they would still run 2 to 3 years trouble free. But you definitely had to change them over to electronic ignition. And change the intake for the carburetor because they were definitely not made to be out in the weather.

[@j.clayton1206]

My grandpa had one of those with the big V8 and loaded with suede and a double din cassette player. I have many memories sitting between my dad and grandpa.

[@jameshowell7285]

This truck is making me miss my 1980 truck . My truck was blue with an automatic. After i put the 2 barrel on it smoked the rear tires with a few guys lifting up the rear a bit.

[@RichMander1]

A large part of the reason these aren’t around anymore is cash for clunkers. There were always a bunch in my local junkyard with tags on them during that time.

[@Freedomquest08]

Good point. C4C was an enemy from within attack on blue collar America that should never be forgotten.

[@furmanmackey5479]

I'll never forget the day I pulled into the driveway of my childhood home, after three years stationed in (West) Germany at the behest of Uncle Sam, for a visit with my parents and younger brother back in 1985. My Dad, a lifelong Chrysler hater and Ford devotee. had sworn that he would never own ANY Chrysler vehicle as long as he lived. So, when I pulled into the driveway and saw a Chrysler LaBaron AND a Dodge RAM D150 under the carport I put my car in reverse and backed up far enough to read the name and house number on the mailbox......Yep.....I was indeed at my parents' house. They had not moved away without telling me. Long story short, my Dad and Mother explained that Ford trucks, like the gutless '76 model Dad had purchased new that year, and the constantly broken Buick Riveria that they had also purchased new pushed them to their limit and made them rethink Chrysler products. Dad traded the Ford for the '85 RAM and drove it daily and as a farm truck till his health failed and he voluntarily turned in his driver's license in 2004. The LaBaron lasted until 2008 when the wheels basically fell off after numerous 1,0000+ mile road trips/vacations and use as a daily driver. They then traded the Chrysler for TWO cars, a new, loaded Buick, and a used four door Saturn. After the passing of both our parents my brother sold off the farming equipment along with the Buick and Saturn but still owns, and occasionally drives, the old RAM D150 with its 318cid engine and three speed automatic transmission. The truck was never pretty but it still runs good and gets the job done on demand.

[@timsimpson5129]

I love hearing stories like this, thank you for sharing.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I have an 87 D150 with the 360 V8. I must have a different transmission. First is very much a granny gear and I start in 2nd almost every time.

[@johnnie2388]

I have a 84' Dodge D150 with a 318. Ours definitely have the legendary 727 torqueflite transmission. We can't go wrong with the 727.👍🇺🇸

[@philliplyttle1005]

In 89 those center vents are actually a display system that tells you to check engine, fuel warning, tailgate open(ramcharger only) and the big display was a 4wd display for the w series

[@Dankcatvacs]

my dads just said maint .req.

[@AlvinBrinson]

My dad bought a new 1980 D100 when I was a kid. Short box step side, \6, manual steering, same 4 speed manual as in this truck. Very basic. Spent a lot of my childhood riding in that truck. The sound of that truck takes me back. I guarantee it towed a lot more than 2,000 pounds regularly. His truck put on over 300,000 miles before the \6 finally wore out.

[@ixlr8677]

couldent beat the ole slant. made a few aluminum blocks in early sixtys.

[@arlenhuber269]

They are slightly underpowered but I like the 300000 mile logativity. The square look is killer.

[@bettymaverick1098]

For safety I would install seats with headrests. I had an 83 Dodge 250 van without headrests, I was hit in the rear by a garbage truck(1993) and still have neck pains.

[@ChillkootMarkowee]

Man I was looking for those low back style seats for my 1980 Dodge B300 MaxiVan.

[@bradalbrecht8084]

Always love the older Dodge Ram...owned a 1980 D-150 stepside pickup 2whl drive,and 1990 D-150 ,and a 93 D-150. Oh and years ago bought a 51 Dodge Job Rated pickup in 1980.unfortunaly don't have them anymore..my current ride 2017 Jeep Renegade Limited 4x4..Brad frm Vernon British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦.thanks for bringing back some good memories

[@johnnie2388]

That's bad ass Brad you've owned all those trucks. Driving a 16' Jeep Wrangler, but just also bought a 84' Dodge Ram D150 short bed with 318. Its quite possibly the funniest vehicle I've driven & owned. John from Albuquerque N.M. 🇺🇸👍

[@cambrian7119]

Hi: Yes the slant six 30 degree angle made for a lower hood line, but unbeknownst to most buyers, it also sported Chryslers first attempt at Ram induction, whereby the long intake runners provided 15 more horse power than would a conventional type intake manifold. Then Chrysler came out first with 30 inch ram tubes on the Chrysle 300F in 1960, and in 63 15 inch ram tubes on their 426 wedge race cars. Michael Rzewuski

[@kellismith4329]

Those are monsterous intakes, they just ran on on the dyno awhile ago on nicks garage channel they run it first with a 4bbl intake, and then that huge two piece/ two carb system what a beast

[@scottstahlman2385]

My father had the van equipment of that. 60 gallon gas tank. We drove from the ny/PA border to Texarkana before we needed gas. 27mpg.

[@markusa5521]

I agree with this 100% the leaning Tower of power I've had several of these trucks put 300+ on them but the rust belt is not friendly to vehicles

[@philliplyttle1005]

My truck is a 1989 d100 2 door longbox, 318 tbi, 4 speed auto. Color is black and red pinstipes( I think that the d series is rwd and w series is 4wd)

[@kevinrichards3288]

1981 was the first year for the Dodge Ram pickups. That body design was produced up through 1993. Not many of those generation Rams on the roads anymore like there use to be back in those days.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

Proud owner of a 87’ D150 Longbed. Drove her from Tennessee to Florida when I bought her. Original owner bought her with AC, the large towing mirrors, the full gauge package, rear split window, and a lot of extra factory optional features. The trip took 12 hours, had a radiator cap fault, in Tennessee, fixed that, got into Alabama, then the drivers side rear tire blew out, we got back at 1AM. Surprisingly the original spare tire held up from Alabama to Florida. My D150 has dog dish caps as well, they really stand out with the black rims and Garter Blue paint we had her painted in. The paint took two full weeks for the paint shop to match correctly. We bought the truck as it has the same engine as our 71 Charger (318), but there’s a 16 year difference between the two.

[@TylerGamer765]

I remember my cousins first truck was a first gen green single cab with long bed 4x4. With th e v8. That thin was indescribable

[@richardbates2367]

I used to own a 1974 d100 two tone light and dark mint green with green and black interior green front bench seat I don't think was original since the jump seats in the back were black and the door panels were green but the dash and the bottom of the dash the metal part were black not green.. no headliner 2wd long bed rounded corners metal frame wood flatbed red Farmall tractor paint frame with caution tape across the back, and the truck had manual brakes, and steering when I got it there was a early 68-69 poly 318 Holley single barrel carb, automatic transmission torqueflite would have been the original I'm not sure what one was in it, and I had jc Whitney what I referred to as the dragster exhaust and with the particular engine that one had the am only radio was that talking while this truck was running was useless they were a glass pack muffler and two and 1/2 inch exhaust and angled right out under the middle of the door it was loud the neighbors hated that truck,I miss it I want to find me a dodge d200 or maybe a w200-250 not likely anyway, 75 dodge club cab long bed In decent repairable shape they have the dash redesigned version from the 72-74 trucks

[@lucasbrusseau6999]

That one has the 2/60 air conditioner. Popular back in the day. 2 windows down, 60mph.

[@ChillkootMarkowee]

​@@rightlanehog3151 yeah all my vehicles either never had A/C or the A/C was broken!

[@ChillkootMarkowee]

Hahahahaha nice one!!

[@victorhamilton9097]

Father-in-law had one, much more deluxe than this one. It had the 318 and was used for many years as the farm truck. He swears it is the nicest vehicle he has ever owned. (and he's 90) I loved driving it as well. The visibility was amazing.

[@angusandleigh]

...the 'fake vents' above the radio is a blanking plate on the 2WD models, if you had the 4x4 the larger 'vent' would be your transfer case information graphic...and I think (if I remember correctly) the one to the right of that plate was for diesel engine information...like the glow plug light etc...

[@williamsouthworth5275]

I had a 1977 D150 318 2 barrel, loved that thing! Could not kill it! Wished I had never let it go...

[@blueB0wser]

I started fixing up one of these with my dad recently. It's a surprisingly dependable truck so far. I'll also note that at 10:35, the middle panel you touched, that's a messaging panel. I believe that'd be where the check engine light and all that stuff would be. Lastly, your video is edited just like an actual TV show, which is pretty cool.

[@MickPsyphon]

My first truck was a '75 Dodge D150 Adventurer. Got it from a wrecking yard for $500; and aside from fixing it up to pass inspection for the vehicle registration, the only additional money I put into it was for fuel, wiper fluid & blades, tires, oil changes and a radio (it didn't have one when I got it). Good work horse! It had the 6-cyl 225 with 100 HP. When I decided to get a car, I tried to drive the truck into the ground, but no matter what I did, it just kept going. The last I saw of it was when I picked up a VW Beetle that was sawed in half, put it in the bed of the truck and drove it back to the wrecking yard. Along with everything that was in the bed + the truck itself, they gave me $950. After I got '76 Pontiac Ventura, I kept seeing D150's that looked exactly like mine was... always wondered if someone else bought it for the road.

[@hfc-u7l]

jokes aside, what was the 0-60 unloaded? my 95 f150 with a 300 has 11-12 sec

[@kevinmcguire3715]

My1980 d150 w 360 is rusting out from the inside just above the drivers side windshield above the drip rail .It has been kept dry and inland from the California coast all its career. By the way 1960 d100 had a flathead 6 still . I had one in 1970-71. I had a 62 d100 step side w/225 slant and granny style 4 speed .I switched the 3.9 rear for a 3.1 and dragged my 392 Hemi flat bottom v driveboat all over Calif. Now that was a good truck. I have had multiple 80's slant 6's and they are weak .The Hydraulic lifters can be changed out with a new cam and still click noisily on some . If your state permits it build a late 60's version for your later truck .The pre 68 or so crank snout wont fit later flywheels and flexplates.

[@WheresHerb]

I miss the window vents and the kick panel vents.

[@MoparGuy-x1r]

Ill always cherish these first gen rams. My father bought a new 1990 two tone blue club cab. It was pretty with the dark/ light/ dark blue combo and one tough ass running 360 in it. 4 speed 4:10 gears posi

[@scottenser464]

Classic commercial in the 80s where they drop on from 15 ft above a sound stage floor to show how rugged they where .

[@mymusicaccount1456]

I currently own a Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 straight 6 and an F150 with a 300 straight 6. Maybe I should keep my eyes peeled for an old dodge!

[@cameronholden8874]

Check the throttle cable and linkage. I suspect some stretch or slack. Your foot to the floor may be be translating to wide open throttle at the carb. Adjust accordingly. You might find some additional 'free' power.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

I still use a 84 d100 slant 4 speed on my acreage. It doesn't stop

[@cwqrpportable]

Then get new brakes

[@Welcometofacsistube]

@@cwqrpportable nice. That's exactly something my mother would retort. Ii love a dry sense of humor

[@cwqrpportable]

@@Welcometofacsistube Any time!

[@blackbettythemudmower]

In my 89 theres also a vent on the passenger side floor for wind to come in

[@mr.gutwrench]

At 0:37 you said "We're going to fix it up". Maybe add electric power steering from a Toyota, and fuel injection from a Jeep 4.0, and A/C from a Dodge, wait, it's going to auction Sept. 10. Nevermind sorry I brought it up.

[@fernrucci4934]

You Must do a mpg run that will be interesting.

[@DLeeJ]

A buddy in HS had a square body Ram 2500 that was a total piece of S but never seemed to die

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

That's when they made a truck to be a truck. I love those old trucks.

[@stanludorf2311]

It has double-digit horsepower, tows 2000lbs, has zero creature comforts, and being 2wd will get stuck on wet grass. Any modern CUV, let alone truck, is better in every way than this thing at everything besides bed capacity

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

@@stanludorf2311 The bed capacity is everything. I've had a few of those two wheel drive old trucks and I got around pretty good in the northeast with some weight in the bed and good tires.

[@crish02]

Except the most important thing on my list reliability. This newer trucks are designed to go bad faster so you can buy a newer one every so often

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

These were good trucks. Watching you two with your tongue and cheek comments shows how spoiled people have become when it comes to trucks these days and expectations. GM, Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth all had their versions of this type of basic truck back in the day, and they were everywhere. The luxurization (yes, I made that word up) of trucks started around the time this truck was built, and today we have $90,000 trucks people are scared to scratch because of how much they cost. It would be nice if they'd go back to making a decent simple truck for people not looking to get all those features that drive up the price. They could still make the luxury versions too for those who want them.

[@scottbecker3563]

I had that same engine in my 74 Duster...

[@rightlanehog3151]

We had the same engine in our 73 Duster, 75 Fury and 80 Diplomat though the last one had the 2 barrel carb.

[@jerryfarmer5989]

One thing hardly ever brought up about the old Dodge trucks is you can't reach the dash without leaning forward to anything. Another thing it's about impossible to find the wearing items like the glove box lid. And since 1979-80 used a 4 headlight system having a mint grill is a gold mine.

[@ChillkootMarkowee]

79 - 80 had two grill options. Two round lights or four square lights. My 80 Dodge Van has the two round lights.

[@krisw8597]

I keep saying, get an old truck! There’s nothing like it out there. I can tell you, between my 21 ZR2, and my 69 C10, the C10 is the fav. There’s something about just driving one around, sure it’s not modern by any means but, there’s a sense of oneness with it that you can’t find in a newer truck. Yes 8 foot beds aren’t that desirable, however they are meant to work. I love mine with the 8 foot bed, hauls plywood with ease or whatever I can throw into it. The ZR2 has a shorty bed, 5 foot ain’t much to work with… Plus an old engine is so easy to keep running, literally you can find parts anywhere… My 350 is a workhorse for sure, but the inline 6 is just as good. Regardless, I recommend getting an old truck any day, keep it maintained and it will run forever, plus you can fix it for yourself. No electronics to break, simple by design and just plain works…..

[@fathaar]

8ft bed is the only way

[@joshuafernau896]

My son and I just rebuilt a ‘85 prospector with 360. Almost burning tires set the advance to 15 deg. It’s pretty hot now with a 4 bbl!

[@jr8216]

The cheese grater above the hvac controls are either a cubby hole or a message center in later years of this body style or 4wd indicator. Love these old rams, I have several

[@hachiroku8677]

Cool. I have a Greenlight 1/64 scale model of a Dodge RAM from 1982 with that exact color scheme. I never knew they came with a standard straight-six 225 engine and fake air vents. Thanks for posting.

[@timwortman5341]

My first car was a '77 Plymouth Volare with a slant 6 225. Sounded like an old sowing machine but that was a very solid motor. The transmission on the other hand was the reason I had to get rid of it. I miss that car.

[@kevinmcguire3715]

Thats unusual .The 904 behind a slant usually lasts well. We have had about a dozen in the extended family since the early sixties. Of course if it is beaten like a stepchild or someone was hungover at the factory that day of assembly or inspection of machining, they like any other can fail.

[@blahblah4125]

I found a d250 80k miles with a 360LA and a 4-speed manual for sale. It's been for sale for many weeks from an old farmer far out from the city. Its super clean becuase he always kept a capmer top on it so bed is not dented and still shiny. I think it would be a cool project and I might buy it.

[@davidetchellsetchells4692]

I had the D150 custom with the super slant, it had the 2 barrel carter bbd carb, and the A833 transmission, with a Dana 60 rear diff. It got 50 mpg on flat ground at 60 mph. It never broke down and always ran flawlessly for years and years, I worked it hard at high elevation as a flooring installer with heavy loads, steep grades between 7000 feet elevation to 2 miles high! It never m8ssed a beat and always got the job done even on nasty 4×4 roads, I was smooth and comfortable to drive and likely the best all around truck ive ever owned and it always looked cool. Again I'm regretting letting it go, but I've owned so man trucks of all brands, still this one is my favorite.

[@johnkirby6216]

That truck needs a 2 barrel carburetor and intake I put one on a slant 6 it really gave it more power

[@jeffrutledge1789]

I’ve got the exact same truck. Mine is an 83 Blue with air conditioning.

[@C_71]

I have a 1978 D150 with an LA 360! It runs great, burns rubber on command, and is a clean truck that was ordered to California and stayed west most of its life until I bought it a few years ago!

[@danatkinson6698]

55mph is an efficient speed. Anything over 65 and aero really hurts efficiency.

[@Stackali]

not really with modern vehicles in the past 20 or so years. except for EVs and hybrids, their efficiency is hurt by higher speed.

[@bostonareapilot3911]

Drag increases as the square of speed. Nothing magic about 55.

[@danatkinson6698]

@@bostonareapilot3911 55 becomes magical when gearing comes into play

[@fredkemp1444]

Nice old truck. I love driving old trucks. No desire whatsoever for a new one. Showing my age I guess.

[@Joyboy13257]

As someone with two first gen Rams (one which I daily), they suck for aftermarket support

[@reedjones6405]

I had a Dodge Aspen station wagon that got me through college. Slant Six and the overdrive 4 speed manual transmission. At 55 mph, often had to drop into 3rd gear on hills. I would love to have a truck like that.

[@garyjubar5733]

Back in the 60s a friend of mine bought a Plymouth Valiant that had the 225 in it. He put a set of headers on it, along with a 4 barrel carb and that thing would fly. Good times.

[@TheSoundMan1]

FYI above the heater control the small window to the left was for 4 wheel drive engaged an the bigger window on the right was the message console center for check engine or brakes malfunction, etc.

[@thecaptain3773]

They're up there with the Ford 300, and 250 Gm in terms of reliability and power. The 318 and 360's of that era were crap due to the plastic Carter carbs that would leak and cause fires.

[@scottgraham1153]

The Grates above the heater controls on my 88 W100 are for the 4x4 indicator lights. My truck is the first year TBI base model 318/5.2 4 speed with Granny low Non A/c. Original 96,000miles. My W100 is a very basic reliable trucking . I got lucky my has a few small dings dents and scratches with a some faded paint Other than very mild surface rust on the under Carriage, the body is Straight and she never fails to fire up and go when I need it.

[@jmc88480]

The dodges of this era used e-coating and had fairly thick metal, which made them better than fords and chevys in terms of rust.

[@diegosilang4823]

Unless backed with statistic, your statement is just a "survivor bias". The RAM is fairly well taken care off, driven with low miles and located in a favorable climate. No matter how awesome the rustproofing and metal thickness, any trucks are no match with the rust belt and owner's neglect unless made from pure stainless material! The modern F-150 aluminum body, while more resistant to rust, aluminum body will corrode as bad as steel when exposed to salt and certain elements.

[@jmc88480]

@@diegosilang4823, would it help to inform you that I have lived in Missouri for the last 40 years, and literally watched all different brands of this era rust away? Sure, the salt gets them all eventually, but the Dodges were the best of the big three from that era. The Chevys were probably the worst, although the Fords almost seemed to be manufactured with rust already above the rear wheels. Generally speaking, the Dodges kept their rockers, cab corners, and bedsides longer than the other two. You also rarely found them with loose beds, floppy bedsides, or rust holes in the bed. There were simply less of them made, which accounts for the smaller number of them still on the road, coupled with the fact that they were marketed as inexpensive workhorses, and fewer of them got the "life in grandpa's garage" treatment.

[@jmc88480]

@working_country ___ Yeah, that's simply not true. They may have been butchered prematurely when their overdrive automatic transmissions went out, but not from rust. Keep in mind that Dodge had not come out with a truly new body style in 20 years by the early 90's, and sold very few trucks until 1994. Anyone who was of age at the time can recall that they were never plentiful. The lack of them compared to other brands had nothing to do with rust.

[@bldontmatter5319]

@@jmc88480 idk what you're talking about. Dodges have rusted horribly, and it's due to using scrap for the bodies. Chevy/toyota frames rot, and Ford rocker panels rot due to design. Get with the picture

[@jmc88480]

@@bldontmatter5319, that's interesting. Please show us evidence that Chrysler used inferior steel on these trucks.

[@brettryan3298]

A 2,000 pound towing limit on a half ton. A base Toyota Tacoma with the 2.7L 4 banger has a 3,500 pound towing limit. Amazing how far things have come.

[@bldontmatter5319]

Dude. Old school cars were meant for towing. The old ford/Chevy town cars would tow 7000+ lbs. Trucks weren't built for towing back then. Nice try

[@brettryan3298]

@@bldontmatter5319 Yes many a half ton truck from the 70's and 80's were as I've towed many a boat, camper, and work trailer back then with a Chevy half ton. One truck had a 300cid engine and the truck after that had a 350cid engine and a 4 speed auto tranny with overdrive. So you are telling me that I can't do something that I already did. Nice try gas lighting buddy. I bet that you can't use a hammer either.

[@girthbrooks5078]

Still see a lot of them running around here in nc

[@bdd1469]

You can tell he was born after these trucks were no longer being built, and he doesn't live in the rust belt. The reason there are none left is NOT because they rusted worse than the competition. I remember a friends dad buying a 77 chevy that was completely rotted out by 1980. The reason there are none left is because they were used and abused by every landscape and snow plowing company in the country for well over two decades. I know companies that ran nothing but square body dodges until the 94 body style came out. They sold off the old trucks to buy the new body style and several sold their new fleet and replaced it with worn out old square body trucks , or switched brands after just one or two seasons. In the winter of 94 I had one customer that brought 5 new Dodges in to have the frames straightened and reinforced so the passenger door would open again after plowing with them for less than one season. I was a die hard Chevy guy throughout this period and still am when talking about this era truck. But even I will admit the square dodge was one hell of a work truck minus the lean burn BS. Not much for creature comforts, which I found odd for Chrysler, but still a great truck.

[@ericcrockett479]

Classic 6cyl, if you down shift they don't really go faster they just get louder

[@bldontmatter5319]

It's an i6. It's top end is limited because it's putting out everything it has at 2000 rpm lmao.

[@the.hard.truth123]

Wonder how it would compare to the ford i 300 I have an f150 83 with the 300

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

8:47 I don’t know about that… I go the speed limit-sometimes, usually, five over-and other drivers pass me like I’m standing still.

[@Grandamturbo]

Always was a first gen C10 guy myself, but I bought an 82 d150 work truck and fell in love. Now I just need a 61-66 Ford to complete the big three lol

[@ronaldharris6569]

Tourqe is better than horsepower in work situations. That old slant six is a reliable beast of an engine

[@mtower235]

Uh huh I grew up with them and don’t miss them at all

[@Joshtheweatherman]

I have an 82 D250 with the 318. I'm a Ford guy at heart, but man I love that truck. It's the simplest truck I've ever laid my hands on. I don't care about the newer American trucks, but all of the old ones were good. Chevy C and K Series, Dodge D and W Series, Ford F-Series, all of them were very good. If I had to choose, it would be any of them.

[@shaneschartel1593]

I have the 92 with the 12 valve. Been in trucks my whole life. I swear this truck is bulletproof.

[@darwinskeeper421]

I'm guessing that this transmission is a Dodge 4 speed overdrive. It is essentially a Mopar A833 4 speed manual transmission but with the third gear being 1:1 and the 4th gear being an overdrive. There have been 3 speed overdrive transmissions since before world war II in which the vehicle came with a 3 speed manual transmission with a secondary gear box, called an overdrive mounted behind the gearbox. Common ones were the Borg Warner R10 and R11 overdrives. These were activated by selecting a control of some sort. In theory the overdrive could be selected with every gear, BUT you usually shifted through the three forward gears and then selected the overdrive. Its kind of like the Mitsubishi twin stick I had in my 1984 Plymouth Colt.

[@brandocal-risian2720]

I have a 1985 dodge d150 with the same motor and transmission, the thing is great, but i gotta adjust the timing it is backed up 4 degrees.

[@tonybates1537]

My '89 D-150 has a 360 in it. Wasn't standard, but was available as an option.

[@SgtAl]

Not sure if it's still available but MOPAR used to sell an 11 sec hop up kit for that 225 slant 6.

[@alcyr5655]

Had a '84 225/6, 4spd. But it had propane conversion. Insanely cheap to run, but definitely under powered on propane. Never left me stranded, but when propane went from 30 cents a liter to a dollar. And she was getting pretty clapped out, rust, needed front end rebuilt, new clutch, and brake caliper. Ended parting it out. My '80 Powerwagon has reverse colour scheme. 360, 4bbl, with the granny 1st gear. Plain Jane long box Clubcab, 4" lift and 35's. It gets way more looks and thumbs up than my '18 Powerwagon. Sadly about the same fuel mileage.

[@nuttfarmgarage6434]

My father was a logger and bought a new 1979 Dodge 4x4, 360 auto, with a snowplow for about $10,000. It was the worst pile of junk! It slipped a wrist pin on one of the cylinders at 3500 miles, had a new engine installed. The steering gearbox was missing bolts, allowing it to flop back and forth on the frame. He traded it for a new 1983 F-150, it was in such poor condition, the dealer sent it right to the scrap yard. Not a good time to buy a Dodge.

[@jameshakes6842]

My dad is an original owner of the 82 225 and we still have it and I'm in my early 30s and must not be a healthy engine because ether not at our at half throttle easy up to 40 decently quick and 30 mpg no way and the steering wheel is as big as the original the wood makes it thicker obviously but slow to Accelerate not to how you all were explaining italso how many times did yall think it dint crank or turned off sence it goes very quiet and barely rocks when warmed up at idel my dad and when I drove it after getting my license we both majority of the time would crank then Rev so that we knew it was on MAN I LOVE THAT TRUCK