Well, it was time for the 79 D100 to go. It was pretty rusted out. So after 25 years I sold it for 1000.00 and bought a 92 150 with the 3.9 automatic with 90000 miles. A florida truck with no rust even over the rear wheels. Pretty much mint. I am not expecting much from the 3.9 and I assume it will suck just as much gas as the 318, but I don't tow much anyway.
What can you folks tell me about this 1st generation Ram and the 3.9. What can I expect?
Appreciate any info.

 

Nice truck. I have a 88 d100 with the 3.9 4 speed with O/D. It is not a magnum but has plenty of power. More than i thought it would. If not mistaken the hp is 125

 

Nice truck.

 

Thanks: Hope some guys check in with what can I expect. Do all the plenum's fail on these units, is the automatic transmission a 3 speed with and OD? Stuff like that would be good to know.

 

First, this:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/vindecoder.php

That should help you find out what you have and don't have on your new rig.


Re: the intake plenum gasket. You hear plenty about this, but AFAIK, it is only a problem on the '92 and up Magnum series engines with the "beer keg" style intake.

If your truck is so-equipped, there is a ton of information on this forum - and the rest of the interwebs - regarding the issue. Here are a few links to get you started:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...p?partid=27091 (check the links on this page for even more info)


HTH

 

EDIT: I for some reason was thinking of tooltime's 1988 when I wrote this, not mike's 1992. This does not apply to mike's truck.

The plenum issue is only apparent in magnums, so you are safe. I believe the first year for OD automatics was 1989, so you should have a three speed, with a straight 1:1 third gear.

 

Thanks so much for the info. Poking around it would see that all 3.9's in 1992 were Magnums. I will do the tests on the vacuum and the PCV to see how it is.

 

Oh crap. Sorry. I was looking at tooltime's post and thinking of yours. I was thinking yours was an 88. So I was completely wrong. It likely has overdrive and is a magnum. Lol. Sorry for the misinformation.

 

Now that it is here:
No owners manual.
PO DID 1 drain and fill on the automatic. Nice, but he put in synthetic. I would not have done that. Now I have a mix. Do I need to flush it all out?
PO put 20-40 oil in. That does not sound right to me. What does the 3.9 call for what is the capacity.
Rod fell out of the latch on the tailgate and the 3 Phillips heads are stripped on the inside. I got the rod back in the hole but I can't secure it. @&$@&$!
Rear window gasket leaks just like on my 79. Will a new gasket fix it?
Thanks.

 

Owners manual available here http://www.autobooksbishko.com/searc...k&category=All
While your there and can afford it pick up the service manual you will not regret it.
Rod clips may be available at the dealer, in 2008 they were $5.00 apiece at my local dealer.
This maybe an option http://www.ebay.com/bhp/tailgate-rod-clips
EDIT: Just found them here http://www.mopartruckparts.com/group-00.html
$10.00 pr.

Dave