Ram Charger ?'s

[2X4TACOMA]

:confused: Alright so im looking into buying a 1984 Doge Ram Charger. i would like to know whats good on these vehicles and what is bad on these vehicles?
Im wondering things like is the 318 engine a good reliable engine and what about the transmission? If parts go out on this thing is it pretty easy to get new ones because it seems like there isnt many around as there used to be? how good and reliable is the 4wd in these trucks? if someone could answer my questions it would be very helpful and if you have one let me know how you like? thanks :confused:

thank you
kevin :D

[gmule]

This link should help

http://ramchargercentral.com/boards/index.php?board=118

[Elwenil]

I had an '84 Ramcharger, it was a pretty good truck. I'll post up what I know. One bad thing is the automatic hubs if it has them. Replace them with a nice set of Warns, and you are set. The Dana 44 is a good axle, since it's solid with no vacuum disconnect and has disc brakes with the large bolt pattern. The 318 engine isn't bulletproof but it is a good reliable engine with decent torque, but low on horsepower. With good maintenance it can last 100k+ easy. The transmission if it's an auto is the standard A-727 Torqueflite and is a good transmission so long as it hasn't been abused or overheated. The transfer case is a part-time 4WD NP208. The 208 is a good light duty transfer case with a nice low range, but it's aluminum and chain driven. The rear axle is a 9 1/4 corporate and that's all I'm going to say about it. A few things to watch for are the rear liftgate seal. Make sure it seals ok, or you will end up with exhaust in the cab. If the truck has high back bucket seats, make sure the latch on the bottom of the passenger side seat latches correctly, otherwise one slam on the brakes and you will need a new windshield. Be prepared for the 4x4 light on the dash to be a piece of crap that rarely works correctly, if at all. Install the before mentioned Warn hubs and unplug or ignore the light. Also mid frame and gas tank skid plates are a plus. Use the vent in the roof in the back. It will help keep you cool more than you would think while moving. Just my .02

[Mr. Mindless]

I've got one. it's pretty solid. the 9.25 is a horrid piece of crap though as frequently mentioned here. Mine is making a horrible howl and every time I drive the truck I'm waiting for it to seize on me.

I've still got the auto hubs but there's a set of Warn Premiums in the back for when they blow up.

I ran 35s on stock everything and went everywhere 'till I finished breaking an already broken front driveshaft, and then went almost everywhere in 2 wheel drive. it was fun.

I'd love to swap out that shitty 9.25" and wheel it more. maybe when my Dakota is "finished"
HA! finished....

[TheRamChargerMan]

Dang, I've runthe 9 1/4 for a long time, with no problems. Even run 39" tires & a locker.

I did crack both axle tubes wide open like a can of hungry jack biscuits one night tho...but can't blame the axle on that one.......

[CLRracer]

they're still beating that dead horse in this (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360853) thread. as far as the RC goes, its a good dependable truck. mine has 120k on it with only regular maintenance.

Duane

[WA-HCRC]

my peice of crap ramcharger is still runnin, the rearend clunks real good, havent had the valve covers off since i bought it (2 years ago) and it runs better than it ever has. mine is stock with 31" bfg mt's, warn premiums, and 2x4 bumpers tucked up real nice. 360/tf727/208. the reasons i think its a peice is because it doesnt fit down ANY trails around here, and it sinks in snow and mud cause its so dam heavy. plus, its ugly

[warlock4x4]

Buy it right away and take it anywhere you won't be sorry

[440_D50]

I have an 85 on 38's. It's a 360/727/208 combo, and have never really had any major problems that weren't my fault. The front axles are vacuum disconnect dana 44's on these trucks. I have never had a problem out of my 9.25 rear, and most had the sure-grip from the factory. The big problem that happens to these trucks and causes nightmares is the stupid dual pickup electronic distributors. The distributor goes bad, then it runs like crap. Just replace it from the get go with an old single pickup one. There's more, but these trucks are awesome, go anywhere within reason, and parts a plenty.

[Elwenil]

Just to prevent confusion, the 1984 Ramcharger has a normal Dana 44 up front, the vacuum disconnect started in '85. In my experience, the majority of 9 1/4 rears were open, maybe 1 in 10 had the limited slip. Also, I haven't seen a 318 with the dual pick up distributor, just the 360. California Emissions package may change this, though. And the single pickup distributor can cause nightmares too. There's a little tester you can make out of a cheap resistor from Radio Shack that can test them out, per instructions in the factory service manual.