If there’s one thing to know about Forest Service trucks and other rigs that are procured expressly for the purpose of traversing where the going is tough, it’s that the people tasked with ordering equipment always get the best stuff. This 1992 Dodge W250 has retired from its days as a Forest Service taskmaster, but its options list reads like a who’s who of off-road friendly gear. The seller reports that he uses it like a daily driver at the moment with zero issues, and the 360 V8 and NP435 4-speed combo make it even cooler. Find it here on craigslist for $8,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the find. When I was in my early teens, my Dad got me a summer job with the New York State Bridge Authority to mow traffic islands, paint jersey barriers, and push a broom around road salt shelters. It was a blast. Anyhow, I learned pretty quickly that the superintendent knew a thing or two about trucks, since he always ordered the best equipment when it came time for his state-appropriated new ride, going straight to the positraction rear end, the biggest motor he could get, and a decent radio. This Dodge’s list of equipment makes me think a Forest Service employee operated with the same mindset, starting with the V8 and stick-shift combo.
Other equipment worth noting includes an NP205 transfer case, Dana 60 rear-end with a 4.10 gear ratio, and a Dana 44 axle up front. In addition, the tires are almost-new Kenda Klever MTs and the intermediate steering shaft has been replaced. This is one of those relatively bomb-proof rigs that shouldn’t ask too much of its owner other than getting the occasional oil change. In 1992, this 360 was good for a healthy 190 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 292 lb-ft of torque. Even better, if you poke around the engine bay, you’ll find a set of Dixie horns installed by the seller, which seems quite appropo for a truck like this.
That truck bed looks like it could haul an excavator bucket, your neighbor’s side-by-side, and more if put to the task. The license plate is perhaps my favorite detail and I wish it could go with the truck. Overall, this looks like the kind of rig none of us actually need but we’d all enjoy driving for a year or two if it did end up in our possession. The faded green Forest Service paint is absolutely essential to preserve, however, so use caution if it’s going to a climate where the sun beats down it all day. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the find.
Fun write-up Jeff. I too enjoy seeing trucks which are work-first. My equivalent would be oil field trucks. You know, the truck where “maintenance” might include, every week or two, sweeping out from the floorboard the accumulated dried mud and gravel.
Very purposeful old Dodge. I hate saying old since these were new when I started selling them. Lots of torque multiplication for that 360 to do its thing.
Flat bed trucks like this are really popular where I live seller has it priced about what I can get for it locally if I were selling it. Good old work truck and will out work and probably out last the stuff they build today.
Nice truck for 8k, surprised it’s not gone already!
Jeff, Thanks for finding us truck nuts another great vehicle.. For 8 grand the buyer will gain a dependable weekend / hobby farm workhorse that with a little TLC will last him a lifetime. Other than slowing down the surface rust on the hood, about the only other thing I would is add some marker/stop/turn lights to the headache rack, and possibly some more original looking wheels?? Work, show, and cruise this great truck!!