I'm just getting started working on my 88 Dodge 318, plans are to pull the motor and tranny and completely rebuilding, then on to the cosmetics of the body and interior.
I have been contemplating as to what to do with the motor; A) Just rebuild the 318 and add some performance parts. B) Keep the 318 block and build on with 360 heads. C) Junk the mortor and tranny, buy a crate cummins and tranny to suit. (any thoughts on these ideas?)
The body is in good shape, needs paint badly, the only bad spots are over the rear wheels on the bed, rusted through, (would it be better to remove and replace the bannels, or weld a plate over it and bondo?)
Been thinking of putting bucket seats in, thinking it will be more comfortable than the bench, and plan on building a console from the dash to the back of the cab.
I've been having trouble finding aftermarket parts for this truck, well other than stock parts. If anyone knows of good web site please let me know.

 

You have the same issues as most.
Not much in the aftermarket,these are mostly do it yourself trucks,but there are a few places for some stuff.
I am on a budget so working over the 318 in my truck is the present plans as well.
Fix the rust the right way,cut out the bad and replace with new.

 

if you just cover the rust up it will keep rusting.you will need to cut the rust out.good luck

 

I don't know much about the motor and tranny but check out my thread in 1st gen called "lifting and finishing the dodge" and you'll see just how much time you can put into one of these and remember the only rust I have is under what I call the rain rim it goes in front and down around the doors and keeps the rain off the windshield. I have a 87 d150 5.2l 318 v8 3sp auto tranny

 

for repairing the rusted areas id go it based on your skill. if you are good at bondo then cut out the rust, weld a rough shaped piece of steel behind, and fill it. if you are a clean welder then go to millsupply or something and weld in the pre-fab panels. for the fenders, i would consider looking at a wrecker if they are bad.

there is no aftermarket for these damned things.

 

thanks for the advice with the rust, i've also thought about completely replacing the bed with a "Lil Red Express" step side bed, just a thought, lol...
As far as the motor work i'm also on a budget, so i do believe just overhauling the 318 for now,,, then looking into a Cummins later on in life. Really Really wanting a diesle. The aftermarket for these trucks are in slim pickin's but i've gotten a lot of ideas from looking at other brands and earlier models of trucks,,, i think i should be able to fabricate several of the parts i am wanting to add. time wont be a major issue, i've got other vehicles to drive,, but i don't want this to be a 10 year project, if you know what i mean.. lol

 

id just put the money away and wait for a diesel rather than building that 'teen. maybe keep yours eyes out for a mildly modified 318 to stick in. but the moeny youll start spending could go towards a new motor

 

Does that engine run and how good is the tranny because if you decide to junk or get rid of both and there still good i can take them off your hands because im lookin for a LA318 and a tranny to put in my 87 Dakota

 

I'm almost done rebuilding mine heres a pic, Though I'm having trouble lining up the hood, and still looking for a new passanger side headlight casing thing

 

hey twitcher yur talking about headlight doors the best place that I found them was ezbodyparts.com everyone else wanted $50 ea. but they were like $26, but the more you order from them the less the shipping is (new) painted or chr. check out my thread " lifting and finishing the dodge" I just put in my rear slider I wish i had pics (b4 and after) man what a diff.