While there are some automotive trends and preferences I don’t understand, the appeal of a single cab, short-box pickups is one I take zero issues with. These are great-looking trucks, regardless of the manufacturer. The 1986 Dodge Power Ram seen here wears sharp colors with a new set of wheels and slightly oversized tires, giving it a great stance. Bought new in Colorado by the female first owner, it remained in single ownership for 29 years before moving to Montana with an older owner. It remains incredibly straight and rust-free, with a healthy 318 under the hood. The seller says it’s one of the “…nicest, tightest trucks…” he’s ever come across, and there’s little reason to doubt that claim based on the pictures. Find it here on eBay with bids to $11,000 and no reserve.
The seller notes that the cosmetics are a strong point, with some paint fade on the hood the truck’s most obvious flaw. Given where it’s resided, it should come as no surprise there’s very little rust to report. The chrome bumpers still look quite sharp, as is the lettering on the bed gate. There’s evidence of a minor repair on a lower sill from where a previous owner ran over a gas station post. Even cooler is that the seller notes you can still make out the original paint stampings and stencils on the frame – how many Rams are left with that kind of originality? I’m guessing that tow hitch wasn’t used too often, based on how tidy it remains.
The interior is in time-warp condition, with the door panels, dash, and bench seat all in perfect shape. The red carpeting is mint as well, and there should be little doubt that the previous owners didn’t enter the cabin with muddy boots too often. The seller notes the air conditioning works well and that the inside is clean enough that his wife occasionally steals it for a drive. There is a tear noted underneath the seat cover but the original seat foam is holding up well and no springs appear to be broken. Even the steering wheel still looks like new, and the wear to the brake and gas pedals seem to support the claims of gentle use.
Underhood continues the clean theme, with nicely faded-but-matching paint on the firewall and under the hood, and an air cleaner assembly that hasn’t started to rust. Other exposed components like the brake booster similarly still show nice paint with no visible rust, just small details you only find in a vehicle that’s been stored indoors and otherwise loved. The seller notes over $5,000 in receipts accompany the truck and include a wide range of repairs, from brakes and shocks to belts and hoses and a new rear main seal. 4WD works as designed, leaving few, if any, concerns regarding the mechanical health of this survivor Ram pickup. If you can find a better one selling at no reserve, buy it.
Geomechs, are you holding out on us?!!? I get the Sweetgrass connections across the border, but dang! This is another great looking truck from up that way and with all the photos you post for us I’m thinking it must be the Land of Shangri-La for trucks!! What else are you hiding up there? 😎😁
Great looking truck, though I prefer the ’75-’80 version to the ’81-’93. Biggest thing to watch out for on this vintage is axle gears. they perform best overall with 3.55s, but the wisdom of the day was to eke out the most highway mpg possible, so many were straddled with 3.21 or even worse, 2.94 ratios. if ordered right, this one should have the 3.55s. New owner will be getting a mint condition truck here.
My Uncle had an 86 like this, bought one year old and totaled by a friend before it turned 3. Beautiful truck. It was maroon and gold with a chrome grill and roll bar. I still daydream about it because it was awesome looking, but he claims the 318 motor was a dog and he was glad it was totaled. The bank paid it off and he bought a New 89 Chevy Cheyenne. I still have the Ram hood ornament from it in my workshop.
I always wanted a regular cab short bed with a small v8. Then I got over it.
This makes me want one again, this one.
Lovely truck!
While not particularly fond of Dodge pickups, this is one that could change my mind; it’s a beauty. I have no experience with a 318 but I would think it would provide adequate performance. The two-tone paint looks sharp and the interior looks really good. I like the aftermarket wheels and it has the desirable short bed. There’s a like to like here so I can see this pickup selling for a good price. It would be difficult to find a nicer one.
I had a 86 D250 long bed for many years. I used it for towing my stock ca rand any other car I came across. I sold it in 2008 , the paint was washing off as it seemed many 80s vehicles with light blue or green paint did , and it had one section of rot just on one rear wheel lip, not bad for Connecticut truck . I replaced it with a 2000 Ram 2500 which promptly rusted away .
Great little Truck.
Has been cared for.
Should bring a good dollar
I like the 1988 up before that they had carburetors
Reminds me of my 1986 Ramcharger.
It was my first new vehicle purchase at the young age of 26. It was a two tone blue Royal SE with the 360. Miss that truck. Wish I had never sold it.
I had two Ramchargers .
One was new. Loved them both but rust ate them.
Is this truck for sale? If so how much?