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Dodge truck question
mrmike08075
Member Posts: 10,998 ✭✭✭
So Makaila has the opportunity to by an old dodge 4x4 to keep at her inherited property on MV
The last time we were up north a neighbor lady - widow offered to sell it to her - as she had just bought an orange suburu cross trek
It's a 1978 full size short bed regular cab fleet side...
4x4 with a manual transmission and power nothing...
Tan exterior with a tan interior - heat and ac...
No passenger side mirror - no passenger side visor...
Vinyl bench seat - am stereo - after market period correct under dash fm tuner...
Does not appear to have much rust - only surface rust and paint loss patina that I could see...
And it's a turbo diesel - but here is were i am at a loss...
It's not a Cummings inline 6 it's a mitsubishi 3.7 liter v6...
Apparently a 1 year only rarer than hens teeth mill.
The mileage is a documented 87,000 miles.
Needs an exhaust - has new brakes and new snow tires...
Offered price is $5,000.00
I think it's a sweet deal based on condition and records.
But the question mark is the engine - quality - reliability - parts avaioability...
Any thoughts - input - sage advice - expert opinions???
Mike
The last time we were up north a neighbor lady - widow offered to sell it to her - as she had just bought an orange suburu cross trek
It's a 1978 full size short bed regular cab fleet side...
4x4 with a manual transmission and power nothing...
Tan exterior with a tan interior - heat and ac...
No passenger side mirror - no passenger side visor...
Vinyl bench seat - am stereo - after market period correct under dash fm tuner...
Does not appear to have much rust - only surface rust and paint loss patina that I could see...
And it's a turbo diesel - but here is were i am at a loss...
It's not a Cummings inline 6 it's a mitsubishi 3.7 liter v6...
Apparently a 1 year only rarer than hens teeth mill.
The mileage is a documented 87,000 miles.
Needs an exhaust - has new brakes and new snow tires...
Offered price is $5,000.00
I think it's a sweet deal based on condition and records.
But the question mark is the engine - quality - reliability - parts avaioability...
Any thoughts - input - sage advice - expert opinions???
Mike
Comments
Somebody there might have your answer.
It may be hard to get parts for it unless you find an Ag equipment dealer that deals in Mitsubshi engines.
Cant say about the value. But 5K sounds a little steep for any base stock 78 Dodge truck.
It would be a cool vehicle to have as an extra vehicle, perhaps not for her use but as an odd ball collectible it sounds cool. There is some Dodge geek out there that would probably pay through the nose for that truck.
I remember them but don't know anyone that owned one. If I remember right they were pretty underpowered and never sold well. Don't get your hopes up on a collector paying big bucks for it. I've got a 77,000 mile original factory equipped 440 RamCharger SE. No factory numbers but I believe less than 100 were build during their 4 year run. It would be hard to get $3000 for it.Dave
One year production should give you the biggest clue.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Dependant on a mechanic of her choosing giving it the once over...
She likes to be different - and her judgment may be flawed - she is dating me.
Mike
Because the widow said we are nice people - a nice couple.
She wants to put antique / qq tags on it and will pay very little to ensure it.
She wants it serviced and detailed and plans on a new exhaust.
I have suggested clearcoating it to keep the vintage look.
I have suggested a trickle maintenance charger and a block blanket during winter...
And there is a block heater - plug in thing - I have never owned a vehicle with a block heater.
With front and rear lockers and almost ag profile winter tires it should do ok in the bad weather and snow.
She has no intention of taking it off of the island - and having it as a back up beater hobby vehicle.
Under those circumstances I think things will be ok - unless and until something goes wrong with the engine...
And there are a few other oddities...
And engine operation hours gauge.
Only the drivers side door has a key slot - lock.
There are orange lights paired with the headlights.
I appreciate your advice and thoughts.
There is something sexy about a woman who drives a vintage 4x4 trucks with a manual gearbox...
She wants to spend Christmas or new years holed up in the cabin with me away from everything.
Mike
There is something sexy about a woman who drives a vintage 4x4 trucks with a manual gearbox...
She wants to spend Christmas or new years holed up in the cabin with me away from everything.
Mike
That sounds nice!
Just noticed that..
Look again. It should have an Inline 6 cylinder 6DR5 4.0L engine..
Kobelco equipment is one company that I know that used the same engine.