55K Original Miles: 1988 Dodge Ramcharger

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The Dodge Ramcharger has long been a sought-after squarebody, even if it gives up some ground to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer in most instances. However, the strong bidding for this example at the moment demonstrates the power of a low-mileage example, as this truck has just 55,000 miles on the clock and bidding is currently at $9,000 with no reserve. This is a fairly basic example of the Ramcharger, but I suspect this sentiment is enhanced by the fact this is one of the very few trucks we’ve seen from this squarebody segment that isn’t riding on larger off-road tires; it looks surprisingly humble on standard rubber. Find the Ramcharger here on eBay and located in Spokane, Washington.

Not surprisingly, this truck hails from the Pacific Northwest, which is a safe haven for vintage rigs that have succumbed to the perils of rust in other parts of the country. The Ramcharger is equipped with a 5.2L V8 and an automatic transmission, but the real story here is the extremely clean body. This appears to be a very nicely preserved example but I can’t say that the previous owner did this intentionally; I suspect it’s more than the Dodge wasn’t used like a daily beater, which is why it has low miles and still presents as well as it does. It also seems likely it was garaged most of the time. The chrome bumpers are in excellent shape as are the glass and hubcaps.

The interior is stunning for a truck of this vintage, especially considering the light tan color. This is easily the best part of this rig, with gorgeous tan cloth on the bucket seats, an untracked dashboard, and spotless carpets. This is truly impressive, especially since this Ramcharger – even with its low mileage – wasn’t set aside and never used. The previous owner did put some real miles on the truck, so to see the interior still look this mint is a testament to how careful they were with this daily driver Ramcharger. The seller reports the seat foam and headliner are both in excellent condition, which are features that can perish even in a low-mileage vehicle.

The seller reports that the Dodge fires right up with ease and that there is no evidence of blow-by or leaks at the moment. The automatic transmission and four-wheel drive work as they should and really, there’s not much else that can go wrong with one of these. This Ramcharger would look amazing with a set of slightly larger wheels and tires, and while I will be the first one to resist modifying a bone-stock truck like this, upgraded tires do make a huge visual difference on old 4x4s. More aggressive rubber and leave the rest alone; that’s what I would do. What about you?

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Comments

  1. Lothar... of the Hill People

    What a beautiful, low-mileage truck!
    Good write-up, Jeff, although I’ll respectfully disagree on changing out the wheels and tires. I think its great as it sits.
    My friend had one, same vintage, and it was pretty straightforward and very reliable. If it had 4 wheel drive, he’d probably still own it.
    This would be nice for a person who wants 4 x 4 capability, needs to haul some people or things occasionally, doesn’t live in a brine state like Wisconsin and doesn’t travel too far each year (because of low MPG’s).
    Does the spotlight indicate past utility / cop use or is this a situation where sometimes a spotlight is just a spotlight? (Yes, I just made reference to Freud on BarnFinds.)

    Like 5
  2. Glenn Hilpert

    Could have been an X-emergency type, although the spotlight may have been an option at the the time when ordered. What is the Black colored item located below the spotlight on top of the drivers fender? another antenna type?

    Like 4
  3. Robert Levins

    I love these Ramchargers but here in Southern California where gas has the ability to reach $6.0+ gallon at the whim of the gas companies, it absolutely won’t work in almost any application. Other than car/truck shows, driving it around town can easily cost 40 bucks or more. Staggering. How some people can afford a big vehicle similar to this Ramcharger on a regular basis is mind boggling. Gasoline bills the size of some mortgages/ rent payments. This one should sell relatively quickly. I hope the new owner survives the gas pumps. Nice article. Good luck.

    Like 1
  4. JLHudson

    not an AMC.

    Like 0

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