1986 Dodge Power Ram

My 1986 318 4 speed Power Ram. Just cruising around our ranch in South Texas with my brother. I love this truck

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1986
• Dodge
• Power
• Ram
• speed
• 4x4
• 318

[XxWINxX94]

Hello, I;m debating about getting one of these trucks, Same year, engine and everything, but I'm concerned about power. Wikipedia lists this truck as having only 140hp, which seems quite low for a pick-up. My primary use for the truck would be everyday driving, and occasional off roading/4x4ing. Would you reccomend this truck for those, or is it a little under-powered?

Thanks!

[starchief59]

@XxWINxX94 I don't think they were rated quite that low but 80s and 90s pick ups had very low hp numbers, crappy economy and low compression ratios.

With a cam swap, some headers, and a 4 barrel swap you could live it with it as a daily driver.

I would say that it is under powered but so is anything from that era. It's basically the same 318 Dodge had been making since 66? So they do have some potential if you rebuild them with some good parts.

[XxWINxX94]

@starchief59 From my understanding the engine is the same 318, they didn't change that until like 1992 when the whole truck changed. However, emissions control laws/acts were supposed to play a huge role in the under-poweredness of these trucks. Thanks for your response.

[starchief59]

@XxWINxX94 YUP

[Basebal4life92]

@starchief59 yeah I know. I'm tempted to for the power and I want a louder engine. But my slant doesn't smoke or burn oil. It starts first try everytime. And it's a pretty solid engine. Runs great. Just has no power. Plus I get 18mpg city! But once I have money I'll think about it. But I sure as hell ain't gonna get rid of the slant if I swap it out!

[starchief59]

@Basebal4life92 Yeah those slants don't make too much power but they will last for just about ever

[starchief59]

@peacher213 Because I love that old ass farm truck...

[starchief59]

@peterbiltxr379 Yes they do! I have an auto in my '76. It's OK but there's nothing than bangin through gears in an old truck

I need to get a video of my 76 up

[mechwiz6000]

i have an 86 w150 with a 360 ci and 600 cfm holley 4 barel carb and i drive it every day on road and off road and its got all the power in the world its a little slow on passing on the highway in 3rd but drop it to 2nd and stop it your past them like nothing all round its an awsome vehicle

[starchief59]

@Basebal4life92 I'll put some new videos of it up soon. It still runs great just smokes a little. I'll do some slight hill climbs with it

Swap in a 318. Cheap and easy swap

[Basebal4life92]

@starchief59 yeah money is what kept me from think it out any further. I'm just gonna try and build up my slant a little. It's hard to find parts for it though. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it. You should make another video when your done.

[starchief59]

@Basebal4life92 IT would definitely be sweet. I'm just not sure if I want to spend that much time and money on it. I've still got my '59 Pontiac sitting in the drive way and a list of stuff I need on my 62. The Dodge isn't at the top of my list

The Dodge will need that 318 built here pretty soon. Looks like it might be my first engine build