I am looking for some technical suggestion here. Just purchased an '87 Ramcharger with what sounds like the very common 318/auto transmission combination. Just looking for information from those who know more than I (and there are plenty of you) the pros-cons of going to a manual transmission...and which would be a decent choice for this application? The truck is absolutely stock aside from 31" tires...and it is 4wd.
I'm really looking forward to looking through all of the posts...and it's nice to see a forum for Ramchargers!
Thanks,
Jeff

 

Hi, just wanted to let you know that not all 318 engines are compatable with a manual trans, due to the crank shaft not having a recess for the pilot shaft bearing.
This may not be the case with the model you have, but I ran into it with late '70s and early '80s models.

b. hinton

 

can the 318 in a 1988 ramcharger recieve a manual 5 speed from a dodge pickup?

 

The 318 I had in my 83 Ram van had a manual OD4 transmission (A-833) so that one at least was compatible. If you are going from an auto to a manual you will need to install a flywheel and remove the torque converter with the auto trans. You can find more about the different transmissions from www.allpar.com there is also a driveline forum on these boards.

This is the LA series page which covers your year. http://www.allpar.com/mopar/318.html

AllPar Page for RC general info. http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ramcharger.html

Out of curiosity is your 87 carburated or does it have TBI? 87 was the year they started switching it out of trucks and vans. My early 87 (318 also) van was still carburated.