First off I love my Dakota (95 V8 5spd 4x4) but I have been put in a situation, I'm thinking of trading my dak for an 1985 Dodge Ramcharger that has a 6" lift with nice 35's. It has the 360 and a 727, I know it is ten years older and that the LA 360 is not as powerful as my magnum 5.2, it does have 50k less miles than my dakota. I guess were I'm stuck is we all know lifting a dakota is no easy task (sas) It also seems the amount of aftermarket parts avalible for the Ramcharger far out numbers that of the dakota, any advice, do any of you have experience with a Ramcharger or Trailduster, either way I'm MOPAR for life thanks.

 

I have about 4 friends with RamChargers. The only complaint is maybe gas mileage and power but even though the HP numbers are low they can handle themselves. They are solid and badass.

Parts are cheep and plentiful. Plenty of interior room to fit a 747 jet.

What I say it comes down to is, how much of a trade it is. Straight trade or some cash involved. And how well both performs, and decide which is best. Low mileage can help but if it was not taken care of it doesn't matter.

Test drive it, drive it hard to find its weak spots and see if it is better than yours.

A few key points to remember most people when lifting a truck and installing larger tires usually don't install lower gears to keep factory tire ratios. With lift kits it usually puts a little more stress on ball joints tie rod ends ect, to steering and suspension can wear out quicker.

 

Yes, excellent advice from Crazy and our friends that have them have only one complaint . . . gas mileage. Man, they do look good sitting on 35's and I do agree the Magnum motor is the best.

 

92 was the first year for the 5.2 Magnums and 93 was the last year of the Ram Chargers. 92-93 would be the best IMO to get a RC for the, more HP, MPG. In 93 the 5.9 Magnum came out, but I'm not to sure if the RC had it, if so that would be the best to find.