Hey everyone, Ive been lurking for a little while but this is my first post. Seems like there is a wealth of information and very knowledgeable people here.


Right know I own a 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab with a 5.7L/auto. There are two problems, its 2 wheel drive, and its an automatic. I knew that when I bought it 3 1/2 years ago but at the time it was a step up from my little old Ford Ranger. I like the truck alot but I have grown to hate the automatic transmission. I regret buying it mostly for that reason, I have always been a manual guy and figured I'd try the auto... Never again.

I have tossed around the idea of swapping the auto for an NV4500 and someday doing an SAS but that seems like it would be alot of money. Now I'm thinking of selling the Ram and buying a 4x4.

I really like the 88-98 Chevy/GMC trucks but Im not sure if I should buy one. They are very rare around here with a 5 speed, and most have over 200k miles. I've found a few of the 73-87 bodystyle which was always my favorite since I was about 13. Is anyone out there daily driving one of these older trucks? I dont care whether its a Chevy or not. If you dont mind I'd like to hear your thoughts about it and how you like it. I guess Im just looking for a little advice on a good platform to start with. I dont want anything crazy, just something I can drive everyday but play a little offroad when I want.


Sorry this got a little long but thanks for the help,

Joey

I used to have a 77 chevy 4x4 with a 4 speed I used as a DD. It wasnt too bad. Like most older trucks your gonna have more wind noise and wont be as quiet in the cab as newer turcks, and a few more creeks and groans. One thing for sure is theyre a lot easier to work on. Mileage wasnt too great, I got around 9-11 running a stock susp., 350 with an edelbrock 4bbl, but it was a truck and didnt care. If you do want a 88-98 5 speed could just keep an eye out on cragslist, auto trader, or shop around at car lots.

I appreciate the reply. I forgot to mention my current truck only gets 12mpg so as long as its not much worse I dont care. I was really thinking if I got the 73-87 I would definitely make sure I got an SM465 for the low gear. I figured that way I could have the granny low for offroad but use a higher axle ratio to keep cruising at 65-70mph at around 2500rpm. I dont mind the lack of creature comforts or a little more noise at all in the older trucks. I think it sort of gives them character. One reason I am considering buying one of these trucks is for the lower initial cost to buy one and how easy most repairs are.

Im not quite ready to make any moves yet, I'm waiting for work to pick up a little more and with a 6 month old boy money isn't exactly plentiful. I really just wanted to ask about this to help me make a decision when the time comes. Im still just a little upside down in the Dodge loan to do anything now so we'll see.

Thanks again,
Joey

I searched for about 2-1/2 years to find the one in my sig. They're out there. With the diesel, it gets about 18~20mpg if I'm not towing.

Recently, I had a late model rental fullsize and I have to admit that it was pretty nice compared to mine. You can get used to the creature comforts pretty quickly.

If you like the Ram, I wouldn't kill the SAS/NV4500 idea. You can pick up parts as you find them to spread the costs out a bit and even do the conversion in stages.

Get yerself a 73-91 crew chev, and do the cummins swap. Mileage, power, and room all in 1. Thats what I am going to be starting right soon. Hopefully with 41" radial rockers. And it will be my DD.

I remember when I was a pretty young child, my dad went out and bought a brand new 78 "big-10" 2wd 350-sm465. I can remember thinking "this truck is as nice as any car out there." At least as nice as any car I had ever seen at that time.

The truth is that these days they aren't as nice as even a cappy car. I have several 73-87 and I love all of them. I even DD the 79 K20 in the fall and winter sometimes for fun, but my wife would kill me if I expected her to drive our daughter around in it as a DD (we have an 06 Trailblazer for her.) I guess it depends on your age and family situation.

The thing is, we have my Ram, and my wife has a Firebird. I wanted to sell my Ram and get her an SUV to haul the baby around in and have more room for the dog and stuff when we travel. The problem is I damn sure dont want to be driving a Firebird around. I wont do it. She had that car before we were married, so it is pretty much her parents car right now and has about 2 years left to be paid off. Its in their name so I can't do much with it until we sit down and talk about it. I also have 2 years until mine is paid off.


Id like to get rid of my truck and her car and get her something like a Trailblazer or Jeep GC and then I want to get just a basic truck for myself. I dont need or really want anything fancy. Ive also always wanted a Jeep, but I want to have a bed to haul stuff so that idea is out.

i've got a 78 ford f150 as my DD. for me, the only thing i worry about is making sure i dont break stuff when i wheel. but when i do, i drive my dad's junker.

I really dont have any issue with a auto trans. The older dodge 4 speeds did suck though as they had a high 4th vs the direct gear and would drive you nuts with the up shift and down shift BS. The 5 and 6 speed versions are 100 times better. If you go with a chev get the port injected verson and not a TBI.