My new '87 Ramcharger build thread

[rxinhed]

Good day all,

Thanks for reading through this post. I purchased the truck with the intent of building a multi-purpose truck to serve needs of the ranch, family camping, trailer hauler and sometimes driver.

To begin with, I ditched the broken bug deflector as the first mod. Then we had a week plus of windy rain and nothing happened.

When I got the RC home:

Today was the first sunny day in seemingly forever, I broke out the tools, and wrenched on my own junk for me. The first orders of business were: 1. removing the early 1990s tires and preparing for newer rubber, 2. inspecting springs, shocks, and sway bars to find the source of bump steer on the street, 3. inspect brake and axles, and 4. to rid the truck of the redneck rear bumper in prep for something more useful.

Here are some cluster pics to mull over.

Tires:

Steering and suspension:

Bumper and sliders:

In particular:
1. The very old tires are starting to delaminate along the sidewall and one sustained fatal damage while briefly on a tow dolly. The turbine wheels look pretty good, but with 6-lugs, won't be able to replace the 5-lug turbo wheels.
2. The shocks are all shot and leaking. Replace as needed.
3. The driver's side knuckle has a raised steering arm, but looks like it was meant for a 4" lift, not the 6" lift installed...cross-over steering likely will solve this.
4. The rear lift was performed with stacked blocks for a total of 7.5 inches over the axle and these will definitely be replaced with Superlift (or similar) 6" springs.
5. The front and rear sway bar links do not let the bars ride level, rear bar to be removed.
6. The rear bumper mounts were bent and no longer safe, allowing the bumper to flex when loaded with a trailer.
7. The so heavy I have to drag it around Iron Mule folding crane bumper will be a simple install and give me the ability to lift things to the roof or simply up. This bumper has a 1500 pound winch and is of heavy enough construction that I can probably add a swing out carrier system to both sides...tires and fuel.
8. Montero Gen I LWB sliders are a perfect length for a Ramcharger, thanks Ray!!

Just a beginning, but here we are.

Russell

 

[rxinhed]

The Ramcharger is an '87 LE model with 360, automatic and all the trimmings. The CAD front axle and 3.21 gear sets are not preferred, and will be eventually upgraded to 3/4-ton pieces.

As to supporting the rear bumper, I will have some modifications to the existing brackets to contain bolting connections along the bottom of the frame. There are cross members and the fuel tank in the way of bracketry over the top of the frame.

My first mod was completed this afternoon, replacing the ancient all terrain tires.

Then it was time to make dinner.

R-

 

[Sock Puppet]

Looks like a good start! I've spent a lot of time in RamChargers, and they are certainly capable rigs. It already looks much better, and i'm looking forward to watching your progress.

 

[redthies]

I love what you've done with the paint! It can take decades to get it just right! (I'm serious). Too bad the turbines are six bolt, they look right on that rig...

 

[ColoradoBill]

The rig is looking great!
One suggestion would be to a shackle flip on the rear and use the stock springs. It Makes for a smooth ride and a very flexy suspension.
Plus it is very inexpensive. All you need is a set of spring hangers from a donor Dodge truck and drill some holes.

 

[Funrover]

Have fun with it, those are great rigs. I wish my dad still had his.

 

[rxinhed]

@ Colorado Bill,

The shackle flip is a definite possibility. I wonder if the current rear springs are sagged, as on the jack stands, the springs are flat with all leaves touching. I am hunting now for a 3/4-ton Dodge 4x4 to scavenge the axles as you've done. On the last Dodge that I lifted, I used 4" Rancho front springs and 5"-ish Superlift rear springs. With a service body granted, the chassis was level. My buddy wanted the truck because of the rotating beacon and was relentless until I sold him the truck. He attended a Jeep run with the full size and showed them how a Dodge wheels...until the rear u-joint mount brake on the pinion shaft.



Based on my experience with the Superlift springs, I was very happy with the product. I plan on towing a travel trailer now and then, and thought I may go with the 3/4-ton springs for a little additional support with 1 additional leaf per pack and significantly more arch. The spring pack on a D300 I looked at today was impressive in the visual lift gain, but I know from experience with a '77 W300 that there is no flex to these packs.

Posts on RCCentral will guide me in the case of a shackle flips.

 

[redthies]

I saw a sweet silver/charcoal RC at the gas station today. It was really clean with nice turbine wheels. I was going to ask him if you could have the wheels, but he kinda looked like a toad and I was afraid!

 

[rxinhed]

The blade wheels are growing on me. I like these rims, in particular, because they have the steel seat for the acorn nuts. The turbine wheels use the mag nuts, and I think I've had my fill of those for awhile. :ylsmoke:

I appreciate the efforts, but don't need to take on a toadie. Your safety first!

 

[chilliwak]

Excellent:Wow1rogress on your Rancharger, Rexin! I cant wait to see that truck all finished and out 4 wheeling.:drool:

 

[rxinhed]

Rexin?

rxinhed = rocks in head....geologist who plays with cars and trucks

My license plate has also been confused with:

rx in head = brain surgeon or psychologist who can proscribe medicines

rex in head = I have no idea what? 'King' in head? where rex equals king?

Cool?

Russell :ylsmoke:

 

[colodak]

if it hasn't already been done, replace the steering shaft

 

[rxinhed]

Steering shaft was redone some time ago and is still tight.

 

[rxinhed]

Last trip to DMV, now all paperwork is straight and in my name.

 

[rxinhed]

My first work this month, save for putting in a battery, was to further Ryan as a tow beast. He needed a hitch:

I sourced a receiver hitch from a '90 Dodge 1-ton service truck. I'll be going back to the parts yard and grab the 4.10 geared Dana 60HD and the 11k pound rear springs for the free lift. I have some stacked blocks in the current rear suspension to do away with, afterall.