Workhorse: 1978 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4

Full-sized sport utility trucks are a spectacular vehicle genre. Great parts availability, custom options, convertible tops, easy-care interiors, and sheer competence are driving market popularity – and prices. But unlike many niches of the vintage vehicle market, unrestored examples are still around. Here on eBay is a first-generation 1978 Dodge Ramcharger 4×4 for sale, with a single bidder at $15,000, reserve met. This truck is located in Marion, Kentucky. The seller indicates most of the paint is original, with some fading and hail dings on the hood. Since the floor pans and rockers were replaced, though, the paint below the trim is “more or less” new. On a utilitarian rig like this, I prefer unpainted wheels, but these will do. This truck’s removable roof, with a lift-up rear window, was an option in 1978.

The engine bay is all business, with a 5.9 liter motor that’s covered 108,421 miles. According to the VIN, this would have been the factory-supplied motor, paired with a 2 bbl carburetor. The owner has replaced it with a 4 bbl. The seller also reports that he changed the timing chain, gears, and valve seals recently; the motor does not smoke or burn oil and has never been out to his knowledge. The transmission and steering box leak a bit. The brake set-up is rear drums/front discs in working order. We’re told the exhaust was replaced twenty years ago and could use some repair.

The interior is original with wear on the seat covers, some warping in the gauge cluster, and other issues commensurate with mileage. Nonworking items include the air conditioning and the cruise control. The transmission is a three-speed column shift version of the TorqueFlite, and four-wheel drive is engaged with a floor shifter. The seller reports that the transmission shifts cleanly. The front rubber floor mat is new. The rear is original.

The front of this Ramcharger presents very nicely with a clean, straight grille and bumper. The windshield has a crack on the passenger’s side, barely visible in this photo. The owner changed out the shocks for “Monroe’s best”. It rides on brand new Goodyear tires. This rig is very usable as is, but offers plenty of scope for easy improvements. The price is right, so far, in a market that’s bid these trucks up. Try charging the AC, replace the windshield, strip the wheel paint, attend to the exhaust, and you’ll have added value already. What do you think, is this Ramcharger worth a light restoration?