Modern Magnum Power: 1977 Dodge Ramcharger SE 4×4

Once upon a time, two-door sport utilities built on full-size truck frames were one of the more popular segments of the truck market.  GM, Ford, and Chrysler all offered versions of them, and they managed to soldier on until the last full-size Chevrolet Blazer was produced in 1994.  The segment is extinct today, but fans still clamor for these off-road wonders.  The 1977 Dodge Ramcharger SE seen here is a good example of the Dodge entry into that market along with the Plymouth Trailduster.  The Chrysler Corporation first started building these beasts in 1974.  Offered at first only with four-wheel drive, they were later made available with rear-wheel drive.  With demand dwindling, the last Ramcharger rolled off the assembly line in 1993.

This truck is one of the four-wheel drive models in SE trim.  It originally left the factory with Chrysler’s venerable 360 cubic inch V-8 with a two-barrel carburetor under the hood.  That engine has been removed to replace it with a more modern 5.2-liter (318 c.i.) Dodge Magnum V-8.  While we are not told what transmission it left the factory with, it is likely that the four-speed manual transmission in the truck now is original.  It has also been treated to a 2-inch body lift and a set of 33×12.5×15 tires on aluminum rims.

The truck has plenty of patina on its two-tone painted body.  According to the seller, the upper and lower portions were painted Medium Green, and the middle, separated by upper and lower body moldings in very good condition, is simply labeled as White.  There is rust in a few places around the body.  In the spots where rust through has occurred, mainly at the lower edge of panels, the seller has been very forthright in documenting the damage with multiple photographs.  To be fair, we have seen examples of these trucks where rust damage had gotten to the point that the vehicle was structurally unsound.  The damage on this truck is quite manageable.

One of the neat features of this truck is the removable steel roof.  The steel roof was an option.  These trucks came standard with a canvas top.  Having either a removable roof or a canvas top likely contributed to the floors rotting out of many of these vehicles.  There is some pitting in the floor seen in the photographs, but the entire tub was covered with a painted-on liner.  The front seats have been recovered and the dash, door panels, and glovebox are described as being in good condition.  As for the gauges, only the fuel gauge and the ammeter are not working presently.

A look at the rear seating area reveals just how spartan these vehicles are.  The woodgrain trim and a few other features are evidence that this is an SE model, but you would not mistake this truck for an Imperial.  These vehicles were designed to be put to use outdoors, and an interior that you could hose out is part of the cost of doing business.

Above is the previously mentioned late model Magnum 5.2 V-8 engine.  Looking closely, we can see that the truck has power steering and power brakes.  The air conditioning system was unfortunately removed with the engine switch.  Another curiosity to note is the cooling fan.  Perhaps it is the angle of the picture, but do the fan blades look to be cut shorter?

All and all, this is a neat vehicle you could have a lot of fun with if you didn’t require a 100-point restoration-level truck.  The rust damage is minimal, the engine is a later model with surely more horsepower, and the color scheme is very complimentary to the lines of this truck.  You can currently find this 1977 Dodge Ramcharger SE 4×4 for sale on eBay in Liberty Lake, Washington.  With just eight days left in the auction, this truck has accumulated 34 bids and is currently sitting at $5,100.

Have you ever owned a full-size Ramcharger, Trailduster, Jimmy, Blazer, or Bronco?  What was the experience like?  Would you purchase a similar style of vehicle today?  Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments.