Former emergency services and rescue vehicles can often represent a tempting alternative for those seeking a classic. Although many don’t lead the easiest lives, they are typically maintained to a high standard to maximize the reliability that is essential when times turn bad. This 1978 Dodge Ramcharger is a perfect example of the breed, although it appears to have hibernated for a while. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here at Hibid in Goldston, North Carolina. Frantic action has pushed the price to $6,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mike U for spotting this beauty.
There seems to be some confusion on the seller’s behalf because they list this Ramcharger as a 1977 model. However, the VIN confirms it rolled off the line in 1978. It is unclear how long it has occupied its current location, but the suggestions are that we won’t measure the period in days or weeks. This classic isn’t perfect, with its Silver and Black paint wearing a selection of scratches and marks consistent with a vehicle of this type that has worked to earn a living. The panels have accumulated bumps and bruises, but addressing these before performing a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward. I’m not prepared to make a definitive call on rust because while the exterior looks promising, the Dodge’s underside has accumulated mud that makes assessing the floors impossible. However, the presence of nothing beyond surface corrosion on the frame and in other locations could allow potential buyers to be quietly optimistic. The heavy-duty front bumper, spotlights, and Warn winch are all practical additions, as are the larger wheels.
This Dodge’s interior isn’t pristine, but a thorough cleaning would leave it serviceable if the buyer chooses preservation over restoration. The seatcovers are worn and torn, the door trims are battered, and the floors feature neither a carpet set nor rubber mats. However, the dash and pad are in good order, and the wheel is crack-free. There is a selection of additional switches that would have served various functions in this Ramcharger’s rescue days, and it may require an auto electrician to trace the associated wiring and remove everything carefully if the buyer wishes to return the interior to a stock and electrically reliable state. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, although the factory radio should relieve boredom on long journeys.
This is a warning to readers because I am about to use an expression that will cause some of you to grit your teeth! The seller states that this Dodge’s 318ci V8 ran when parked. However, they don’t indicate when this was. The V8 sent 150hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Dodge offered more potent powerplant options for 1978 Ramcharger buyers, but many found the 318 offered an acceptable compromise between performance and economy. The engine bay reveals more of the wiring mentioned in the previous paragraph, and the rat’s nest of cables is why I recommended handing this classic to an auto electrician. Revival may not be difficult or expensive if this vehicle was in good mechanical health when it entered hibernation.
Dodge produced the First Generation Ramcharger from 1974 until 1980. It offered potential buyers an alternative to vehicles like the Ford Bronco, with its larger physical dimensions and a broader selection of available engines appealing to many. This 1978 model shows promise, and the fifty-two bids submitted confirm that people like what they see. Do you feel the same, or will you pass on this gem? You may need to act fast if you plan to throw your hat into the ring because this auction is rapidly drawing to a close.
T-case lever so far from the driver in these vintage Dodge 4x4s 🤔
that’s because these early ones were full time 4×4 so you only need that stick to go from high range to low range or to “lock” the output to both axles equally.
that’s why there are no hub locks.
not a bad looker and every retired municipality utility vehicles like this that ever rolled through my shop was well worth what the buyer spent.
my personal favorite of these ram chargers has always been the 1st year for the cut down doors. they made a much batter look when you popped the top.
These early transfer cases required the vehicle to be stopped to change its configuration, so since it didn’t have to be easily accessible while driving the vehicle, the position of the t-case lever was put where it was least in the way. And mechanical t-cases of recent years still require the vehicle to be stopped to change it into dedicated 4-Low. This Ramcharger looks like a really great one to work with as the big-big bucks to make it what it is have been spent for you and are not reflected in the asking price. — I have no idea why anyone would buy this workhorse and then try to change it back into a riding pony. Just make sure the wiring is all in good working order (not shorting-out) and use all of it – like using a circuit for roof-mounted forward flood lights, and other circuits for other civilian uses, etc, etc. Give it a new non-rescue paint job and spruce up the interior a bit, and you’d have a great well-built 4×4 wagon. — Btw: An undercarriage packed in hardened mud usually means the frame is in excellent condition as mud protects the steel from any further rust beyond surface rust. Removing the mud and resealing the steel will bring it back to another 50+ years of work and fun. Some lucky high bidder is going to love having this rig.
A special ordered truck or car could come out a year later, due to special modifications. I bought a 73 Chevy 3+3, new, but did not receive it until 74′.
also if they are reading production date on the tag, they might be accounting for the model year change over later in the year.
the guy i bought my newest 1st gen ram from insisted the title was wrong after reading the door tag which said 9-89 for production date
grr
might NOT be…
If the manufacturing date on the plate shows it was made in ’78, then it is either a late 78 model – or if it was made in summer of ’78, then it would be the ’79 model year. — So — there was NO ’77 models (as the seller states it is) with a manufacture date in ’78.
I love this truck! Rare to find one so clean. If the price doesn’t range out too much further somebody bought it right.
Clean is a subjective term. For the type of vehicle it is it’s clean. For a fire department type of vehicle it’s pretty rough. Maybe they didn’t have or take the time to cosmetically maintain it like most fire departments. But in general for a Ramcharger it’s year it clean enough.
Indeed it is David. While it might need a thorough cleaning in terms of being in disorder. My reference was to the lack of or what appears to be very little rust. But based on you’re last statement we at least partially agree.
Not to split hairs, just clarifying 😂
You have to remember too, if you ordered it with a 4 speed, that stick needs to be over and out of the way as well. Id love to have one of these with a 4 speed. Back in the late 80s early 90s I plowed snow with one of these. It was litterally stuck in low range. Nothing stopped it.
I’m 1980 my father in law bought 150 1975 Ramchargers from the Alyeska Pipeline service company. Interior dam near perfect, all good glass good tires, good upholstery. I bought one untouched for $1,500 with 34 thousand original miles. He repainted them with cheap paint shop probably $99.95 back then and added larger rims and tires and charged $2500. Oh those were the days
If I had all my older 4×4 that I had through my life I’d retire with todays inflated prices.
I had an ‘87 with a fuel injected 360. That was the best truck I ever owned. Fuel economy was miserable so I sold it. I regret that now.
mopar never did figure out how to make that 360 not be a glutton for fuel.
but it sure could pull for a small block.
They had that longer stroke as the 225 6.
67k? Interior and engine/bay all show atleast 167k