Looking at buying a 78 Power Ram 1500 w/360 4x4. Truck is slow shifting into 3rd gear, what would be the most likely reasons for this? Seller thinks it may be because it's been sitting for awhile

 

This is probably not from sitting. The kickdown band may need adjusted. The kickdown band is on in second gear and off in third gear. It could be a throttle linkage adjustment or it could take you inside the transmission to repair the problem. There are probably at least 7 or 8 different things that can cause this. Unless you are willing to repair the transmission I would find the problem before you buy.

 

Yeah my first thought was the kickdown band. I guess I could find a parts truck as well and swap in a different transmission too

 

The problems don't get any bigger than what a replacement won't fix. If it is a fair or better deal I don't see a problem. This could very well be a 5 minute adjustment or even a low trans fluid level. I would let him know of some of the possible causes like governor or front clutch malfunction or wear. If you can convince him you know something about the possible problem maybe you can get a better deal.

 

What do these trucks usually go for? He's asking $500 I'm guessing he's just cleaning out his yard
Also, does anyone swap in heavier axles on these trucks? I'm looking to turn this into a mud bogger. Done some searching but haven't found much

 

$500 is not bad. i have seen people who wanted $1000 for a truck that you could see was full of bondo and would cost at least another $1000 to put on the road.

 

that's pretty much what I usually see too lol.

40 year old truck, snow melted and I found it. Looks like it could run. $1000. NO LOWBALLERS