Keeping up with the number of Mitsubishi-branded products that made their way stateside as Dodge vehicles can be a challenge. Fortunately, survivor standouts like this claimed 22,000 mile 1984 Ram 50 make it easier to spot the best values on the market. Said to be a single female-owned example, this Ram 50 is essentially a Mitsubishi L200 underneath, but all you’ll likely notice is the preserved condition. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $2K and the reserve unmet.
Our own Scotty G. owns a spicier version of this plain-jane Ram 50 with special body-side graphics and wheels. This is the simple man’s (or woman’s, in this case) Dodge Ram, with a long bed, hubcaps and no body-side adornments. For the next owner, not having to fight the tin worm with this example is perhaps the most appealing quality of this captive import. Any guesses as to what that tow attachment was used for?
When we see low mileage claims of older vehicles, it’s easy to quickly point to the likelihood of a rolled odometer. However, this interior looks every bit of the 22,000 original miles suggested by the seller. The carpets, dash panel and bench seat all look fantastic, if not stark. The door jambs also look quite clean with matching paint and door catches still showing shiny brass surfaces.
The Mitsubishi-built 2.6L four will provide just over 100 b.h.p., and is good for near 140 lb.-ft. of torque. Those aren’t bad numbers for a light truck like this Dodge, and given how fresh the motor likely is, most of the horses are still with the vehicle. We like these simple pickups, especially in survivor form like this. The auction closes on Saturday and the little Dodge is hiding out somewhere in Oregon.
Oh man, this is painfully desirable. Nice find, Jeff! I want it but can’t have it which is the painful part.
I strongly agree with you! Awesome little truck! I think that maybe the hitch was probably a way to put most of the weight on the rear axle take some off the front! I am also retired trucker and think like one too! LOL
Utilitarian. I guess you could leave the flashers on and bop to that beat.
Must have been one interesting lady!
My guess is that the rear ball extension is to put the trailer tongue out from under the tailgate when down.
Would love to have it if it were a TD
Sure would work for me, however,,,being the ultimate skeptic,( I think it’s a well kept 122K by looking underneath, which for a 35 year old truck, is not a lot per year) would parts be a problem? I can see it now,,,” Um, hi, I’m looking for a water pump for an ’84 Dodge D-50″? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EoAHdwGBvU
The rear bumper was done purely for aesthetic reasons as an homage to the mid 70’s. Had one of these for awhile and that power train is hard to kill, that’s for sure! Hauled an awful lot of firewood and landscape tools around in one of these, it rusted out long before it died.
“The rear bumper was done purely for aesthetic reasons as an homage to the mid 70’s”
huh?
Surprised you didn’t catch that, almost everyone makes comments about the early 5 mph bumpers on the cars featured here.
I would look for evidence of a camper of some sorts being installed at some point. I have seen trucks equipped with a slide in, in bed camper that had a rear bumper extension such as this. It seems fairly odd on this truck, but perhaps it was equipped with a “shell” type camper, not the heavier, fully finished out slide in campers seen on full size trucks. In any case, I would put the rear bumper back to a more aesthetically pleasing position tucked in closer to the truck.
I really wish they would make a small, utilitarian truck like this these days. Looking at the new Ranger – and it’s bloated with a sticker comparable to a new XLT F150. The last small truck I had was a 2011 Ranger – and I bought it with less than 5K on the clock for under $15K. I really like this one – probably good that it’s on the far end of the country.
We have CAFE standards and the “chicken tax” to blame for the disappearance of compact pickups like this from the US market:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagons/
Somebody buy this immediately. I’ve had one for about 20 years and I refuse to sell it. This is a lot better preserved than mine, and deserves a good home. So
do it; never mind the price. And I agree with joebazots about someone building a truck like this instead of the crap that’s out there.
used to own one. double overhead cam if I remember correctly speedo went to 120 mph and I had it buried once seriously.
Rear bumper/hitch was probably optimized for turning radius when towing a Hobie Cat or sailboat under 2,000 pounds.
Awesome condition! These used to rust out at an early age.
the engine is an 2.0l….. not a 2.6……
I had a 1987 in pretty good shape, loved it, but had to sell it. I agree with the people that say, smaller pickups like this should still be built, but with lower prices.
lipstick aint even smudged…
I’d say the extra area is for a bait bow’n hitch is 4 her lill bass boat.
Want a date, mam – I know a great trout stream, I’ll bring the pic-a-nick basket.
How interesting, just found the picture of the truck in Yahoo images. Thought , damn it sure looks like my truck. clicked on barn finds and it brought me here….
I’ll be damned that is my truck..bought it about two years ago off. of eBay. Only thing Ive changed thus far is the plugs, cap, ignition wires and rotor as well as the shocks (Coil overs).best darn purchase I’ve ever made…just one drawback…people are always trying to buy it from me.
… including me! Let me know if you’re ever thinking of selling it in the future, Ray, I’d be very interested.
Scotty,
I will keep you in mind if the time comes that I want to part ways with this little beauty. she’s a sweet little ride, may I ask where are you located