Looking like an official vehicle for a state park or similar agency, this 1987 Dodge Ramcharger AW-100 appears solid and clean, other than a few small dings or wrinkles on the sides. I wish I only had a few small dings or wrinkles. Ramchargers seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately, maybe as some folks are getting tired of seeing so many Broncos and Blazers.
This Ramcharger sure looks good in the photos, but there seems to be some wrinkling on the sides and there aren’t any closeup photos of those areas or really of anything other than one showing the gauges. Dings and dents are better than rust and being in Oregon, I’m hoping this one is as close to being rust-free as a lot of Oregon vehicles are, but we don’t know for sure. They say that this is a one-owner 4×4.
The second-generation Ramcharger was made from 1981 to 1993 for the U.S. market, and longer in Mexico as is often the case. The black stenciled-looking DODGE RAM lettering on the tailgate is an interesting touch. There was a rear-wheel drive model available as with a lot of other trucks and SUVs of the era, but most of us would probably want the option of having power to all four wheels when we want it.
As with the exterior, the interior looks good but we don’t really see too much of it. The seller did include a closeup of the gauges showing 60,997 miles, but there are no rear seat photos, no underside photos, and worst of all, no engine photos. They did include one from the passenger side so we can see the seats at least. The driver’s seat appears to be in rough shape. Not being an LE model, this one gets vinyl seats but at least they’re bucket seats.
Here’s where I normally put an engine photo, but here is the rear cargo area. The engine in this Ramcharger is Dodge’s 318-cu.in. OHV V8 with 143 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque and it sends power through an automatic transmission and transfer case to all four wheels as needed. It has a new fuel pump, new carb rebuild, new brakes, and master cylinder, and even the AC and cruise control work. They have it listed here on eBay in Grants Pass, Oregon, there is a $9,000 buy-it-now price and a single bid of $5,000. Hagerty is at $22,300 for a #3 good condition Ramcharger and I’m wondering how this one is still for sale?
Simple and purposefull look. That 318 will get you there and back without complaining. Nice rig.
Auction just ended with RNM, and only one $5k bid. Looks like a solid truck.
Thanks, Matt! Someone must have made an offer that the seller couldn’t refuse. Even at $9,000 that was a deal.
It was smart to put on a reserve, it’s too nice to let it go for $5,000.
Steve R
A full sized monster with a low horsepower V8, automatic transmission feeding all four wheels and I’m guessing highway gears(3:08s maybe?)this beast is pulling down single digit MPGs
The trouble with a 40-mpg car is that everyone thinks they want one but few people want to drive one.
I do, but the way I drive it doesn’t get to 40mpg. I didn’t buy one of the last manual VTEC Hondas with total gray-mouse looks to *not* do redline pulls in 2nd and 3rd on every onramp. But I digress…
This Ramcharger would make a meh daily driver all around. Comfort-wise it’s no ’80s Grand Wagoneer or modern big SUV. As a weekend toy it comes into its’ own.
lol!
Scotty, you mention that these “seem to be coming out of the woodwork” these days. Hmmm? Could the recent sale on Barn Finds of a 1974 RC going for $43k have anything to do with it? Just wondering. I was impressed by that sale, for sure….