OK, is it worth it.

I have the opportunity to buy an 85 power ram half ton 4x4 from a buddy. Its got a good running 318 and the 4 speed is in good shape. Its got a busted steering gear and broke pittman arm. Body is in ok shape. Would be a fun project truck. He wants $500 for it. How hard is it to find parts and whatnot. I'd like to do some minor engine work like a new intake manifold and carb, exhaust, sheet metal and suspension lift, probably 5". I dont want to dump a ton of money into it, it would just be a toy.

 

I've got an 86 3/4 ton -

5-6" lift kit will run you about a grand, plus install if i remember right. Get springs for the back, not blocks.
steering gear will cost you about $200 for a remanufactured piece from Schuck's
drop pitman arm is about a hundred
spend the extra money and get the truck version carb - either the Truck Avenger if you like Holley or Edelbrock's equivalent. It's a major bugger to have the thing stall on hills. I've yet to find a paved road steep enough to get it to stall, but off-road you will.
I'd recommend Hooker Competition headers - 1 5/8" primary into a 2 1/2" collector (or similar sized from a different manufacturer)

Parts aren't too hard to come by, but sometimes you have to order stuff and wait a day or two from the local parts stores just because it's not a Chevy or Ford so they don't stock the stuff.

 

PS. If it's in decent shape mechanically except the steering stuff, jump on it at $500. I would.

 

yeah, mechanically, its in great shape. the only issues are the steering gear and the emergency brake gets stuck. other than that, the only problem is that its ugly. I dont mind ugly.

 

if the E-brake sticks, it just needs to be lubed (it should have rear drums i think?). Darn good deal for 500.