Hello All, I Recently bought my first Dodge truck. A 1990 W150 5.9L 360 with an NP435(TR4040?), and I'm quickly falling in love with it. This being my first winter in South Dakota, I needed a 4X4 to get around in this cruddy weather, My ford Explorer Sport is worthless in winter weather, actually it's worthless in any weather. So I picked this gem up for $500, She runs great, and I believe in Granny and 4-low she would pull Kansas to the Carolinas, a real work horse.

I believe I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time here on the forums, gathering y'alls infinite knowledge, I have already spent hours here trying to learn more about this truck. The only serious problem she has right now (Aside from the rust) is the high pressure power steering hose leaks, which is an easy fix. Oh and one of my tailpipes fell off yesterday, and my tailgate quit latching closed.The Tranny has a pretty good growl in 1st through 3rd, but goes away in 4th, Is this normal? If not what repairs would be necessary? I haven't crawled under it and checked fluids yet. I had at first considered swapping the tranny for a 5 speed manual with overdrive, but she really seems to handle highway speeds just fine. any suggestions, comments. or experienced knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Some starter questions, I would like to give it more Pep, faster pick-up, and better acceleration response. From what I gather here is to do a carb swap from injection, is that correct? And if so what are your suggestions? What other performance enhancements would you recommend? I would at some point like to install a Tachometer also. Thanks for all your assistance in advance!

Here is the build sheet:
ADAA Light Group
AKB Colombia Equipment Group
APC Center Band Two Tone Paint
ASHA Voyager Spring Special Package
BARP 90 Amp Alternator
BGKS 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
BKGS 11x2.5 Rear Drum Brakes
CBAP Straight Back Bench Seat
CDEP DO NOT USE - See JWF in C6 Class
CGAS Open
CHES Deluxe Headliner
CKEP Front Seat Area Carpet
CTAS Front Lower Door Trim Panel
CURP Rear Compartment Storage Tray
DBBC All Manual Transmissions
DCD 4-Speed Manual TR4040 Transmission
DHHS Shift-on-the-Fly, 241 Transfer Case
DJCS 195MM Front Axle
DMD 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBS Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
EMG 5.9L V8 EFI LD Engine
GACS Tinted Glass Windows
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GFDA Rear Sliding Window
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GPBA Blind Spot,Pwr,Fold Pursuit Mrrs
GVAC All Vehicles W/O Power Mirrors
HAA Air Conditioning
JBBP Instrument Panel Woodgrain Bezel
JCDS 100 MPH Primary Speedometer
JFCS Fuel/Oil Press/Volt/Coolant Gauges
JHAA Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJFS Single Low Note Horn
JKAS Locking Glove Box
K17P Do Not Use
LAAP Seat Belt Alert-3rd Row
LBAP Map/Courtesy Lamp
LBCP Glove Box Lamp
LBDP Ash Tray Lamp
LDHP U/Hood, Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
MBBS Bright Front Bumper
MBD Argent Rear Bumper
MCAP Rear Body Color Applique
MFCS Dark Silver Metallic Grille
MGAA Ram's Head Badge
MHBS Bright Windshield Moldings
NAF High Altitude Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFEA 24 Gallon Fuel Tank
NMC Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
QW7 Bright White Clear Coat
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RAS AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCDP 4 Speakers
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCBS Perforated Steering Whl w/Red Stitch
SFAS Standard Duty Shock Absorbers
SGAS Rear Shock Absorbers
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBMS Tire Carrier Winch
TSCA P235/75R15 BSW All Season Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WJAP 15" Aluminum Wheels
WLBS Steel Spare Wheel
XBS Pickup Box
XFAS -35F Protection Anti-Freeze
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications