It’ll take a lot of power to turn those big wheels, but the seller of this 1988 Dodge Power Ram 50 4×4 Sports Cab says that a turbo has been added to the 2.6-liter engine and that gives it another 75 to 100 horsepower! That’s almost double the power, yowsa. They have this rebadged Mitsubishi 4×4 posted here on craigslist in Black Hawk, Colorado, and they’re asking $7,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mike F. for the tip!
If this rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max 4×4 Sports Cab were bone-stock, it would be a nice replacement for my too-small 1980 Dodge D-50 Sport pickup. 1988 is the first year that Dodge/Mitsubishi offered their version of the SuperCab, which they called the Sports Cab. It gives a nice amount of room behind the front seats, which isn’t really shown too well here. I’m guessing this body style may also offer a bit more legroom for the front seat passengers, or at least the driver: me. This example appears to be debaged, unfortunately.
A redesign in 1987 made the Mighty Max and Ram 50 an arguably better pickup, but they still couldn’t compete with Toyota and Nissan for sales numbers, for the most part. It’s a shame as they’re good vehicles, reliable, nimble, easy to drive, easy to park, and they offer basically the same features, including diesel engines. This example has a gas engine with an added turbo, so it isn’t a diesel. There isn’t really a good photo showing the rear cargo area, unfortunately, but you can see that the tailgate is dented, bummer. They say there’s minimal surface rust, a few little dings here and there, and the underside is hard to gauge, but they have included photos, so that’s nice.
I wish the seller had taken the time to clean and detail this truck before taking photos. They start off their listing with, “LAST CALL before winter, then delisting permanently.” But, seriously, take the time to make it look as good as it can look, then run the listing. I bet there’d be much more interest. Those matted seat covers, dirty rubber floor mats, and worn-out steering wheel cover don’t entice a lot of folks into wanting to make a trip east of Denver to see this rig. Maybe the optional four-speed automatic transmission isn’t helping either. The screen on the dash is probably a nice upgrade, but I’d just use my phone for a GPS anyway.
The engine is Mitsubishi’s 4G54, a 2.6-liter OHC inline-four, which was factory-rated at 109 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque when new. These engines have a cam chain, so no timing belt to change. Still, keep up on timing chain maintenance as always. The added turbo reportedly brings power close to 200 horsepower, and that’s a lot for this engine. That’s my biggest fear, and I’m assuming it’s scaring off most buyers who would rather have a stock engine. If it were a factory turbo, yes, without question. An aftermarket one, not so much, at least for me. Power is sent through the two-speed transfer case and four-speed automatic to all four wheels as needed, and they say you have to warm up the turbo and let it cool down after driving, so that’s another possible setback for a lot of buyers: ease of use, or a lack thereof. I don’t mean to rip on this truck so much; it really is cool, and it looks pretty nice. I really like this truck in its original form; the Sports Cab is rare, and 4WD is great, but I can do without the added turbo and the wheels. Otherwise… What are your thoughts on this modified 4×4 “Dodge” Ram 50?
I always wanted a Mitsubishi pickup from this generation. I would’ve been happy with a base model 4 cyl 2WD stickshift, like my Dads friend bought and let me drive. I loved it!!! This one is a mixed bag. That turbo is adding a strain on the entire drivetrain that wasn’t originally there. Including that automatic transmission. I got the same icky vibe as Scotty with the interior shot too. If I was hitchhiking and this truck stopped…….. I think I’d prefer to walk…. Thise seat covers….. Yikes!!! The body looks good. The oversize tires look cool, however again, extra strain on everything mechanical. . I’d wait for a nice stock one without a turbo and with a stick. I don’t know why Mitsubishi didn’t keep up with Toyota and Nissan in sales, I always thought that these and also the Isuzu pickups were all great trucks. I’m glad you wrote this up Scotty and I hope it goes to a good home.
You covered it Dave. A set of good All Terrain 235/75/15s would suit this Dodge/Mitsu fine. Can’t say I’ve seen a 4wd one with the autoloader. Was it a rare take w buyers ? Thanks for the write up SG.
I wanted a Didge D50 back in the day. I worked at the dealer when they were new!!
The Dodge D50 was a “must have” when it first came out – small – but not too small small – and versatile, especially with the manual transmission – heck I didn’t even know they made automatics in these! The Mitsubishi was the same vehicle – just different badging as noted in your post.
This is a nice truck but just not my “cup of tea” and I totally agree – if you really want to sell it at least make the effort and clean it up a little bit.
As always – an excellent write up and a unique find!
You folks are way too kind, thanks much! With a 5-speed manual and in bone-stock condition, this would be a perfect little weekend truck for me.