I didn't know the 78 ram charger still had the full vert top and big block from the factory. I'll still take the k5.
CK5
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78 ram charger vs bronco vs blazer
- Thread starter wazzabie
- Start date
urbex
1/2 ton status
Scouts were full vert top through the end in 1980 as well. I had actually spent some time looking for a Ramcharger or Scout before I bought the K5 for this reason. Scouts have skyrocketed in price much like squarebodies, and Ramchargers are virtually non existent around here any more. The few I found were either complete rust buckets, or completely thrashed trucks that people still wanted clean squarebody money for, then I'd still have to replace the drivetrain because it costs a small fortune to build Mopar engines and I wouldn't want the full time 4WD case.
I know a guy that would sell his running and driving 440 trailduster for 2500. Does have some rust.
Last time I talked to him he was having trouble with the ignition switch. He works at Napa (25 years now) and said that he ordered every version (brand name) that he could get his hands on and they all are wrong. So I believe him. He is done fussing with it. Honestly I would buy it if I could.
Last time I talked to him he was having trouble with the ignition switch. He works at Napa (25 years now) and said that he ordered every version (brand name) that he could get his hands on and they all are wrong. So I believe him. He is done fussing with it. Honestly I would buy it if I could.
The full top 440 Traildusters are neat but it sucks that they left full window frame on the doors.
ironic that dodge attempts to sell the full vert feature over the k5 half vert.
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
All three are badass.
I did not know it was “full vert”. Also Interesting that the ramcharger had the flip up hatch on the top vs window, and step bumper. Both of those seem to be big wants for the k5’s (ie truck tailgate swap, but then lose ability to be weather proof with factory top). Have to say the ramcharger is growing on me. Never really see them anymore. Agreed that all 3 are badass, they dont make them like they use to. Such an awesome concept and more functional that a jeep. Wish they would bring it back, everybody and their mom loves the removable top and doors on jeeps, but lot complain about lack of storage capacity.
Couldnt bring myself to buy a dodge though. It would probably be a pretty easy bolt in swap for a 12V though since that was available in the same body style in late 80’s/early 90’s
Couldnt bring myself to buy a dodge though. It would probably be a pretty easy bolt in swap for a 12V though since that was available in the same body style in late 80’s/early 90’s
GM should have offered the k5 with a big block ad th400
I had a roommate with a ramcharger. Just a 318 I think but it was a fun truck. I am really not a ford guy but in the early days of these trucks they were on to something. 9 inch rear with a D44 front on coils is far superior to GM's offering.
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
Fixed it.
The early K5 blazers had the flip up rear window hatch but GM went away with it in 73. Would have been nice for GM to have given an option for flip hatch or roll down window. With the soft top the rear tailgates I think were truck tailgates.
rampage
3/4 ton status
Two issues with the hatch on first gens: they’re heavy and the fiberglass frame cracks.
I think this is what kept the tailgate posts the same between truck and Blazer through the end of square bodies.
The rear hatch on my '72 K5 almost took my head off more than once when the poorly designed hinge latches decided to not lock in firmly..
If you bumped the hatch up trying to get something in the bed ,after it had "locked" they would release sometimes and the hatch is heavy enough to do some damage to the skull and brain !..
I had a '71 CST also,and both trucks hatches were cracked and "flexy",I was always worried the window would break ,you had to open them with both hands,using only one hand on one side would flex it badly..
I think the Ramchargers with the 440V8 and Torque Flight or manual transmissions had GM and Ford beat in many areas back in the day..
The fire department in my town had 2 of them,one was the fire chiefs vehicle and the other was an off road rescue unit..
Sadly few exist around here now,they all rotted to death..and more were sold in my area probably than Bronco's ,Chevy & GMC Blazers and Jimmy's were the most popular though..
I recall a friend buying a decent Ramcharger,several years ago..
When he told us what he'd bought,we all said "pay someone to haul it home with a ramp truck",when he insisted he'd be ahead of the game trying to sneak it home by driving it with attached plates!..
He didn't listen,and decided to try driving it home 40 miles,after it sat several years ,and when he got it to a nearby gas station to fill it up for the ride home,the engine refused to crank after he filled the tank..
Someone tried helping him by jump starting it thinking the battery was dead,but it turned out the 318 had a sump full of muck in with the oil ,and it was just about seized--he did say the lifters started clattering just before he made it to the gas station....if he had just had it towed ,the engine could have been saved by pulling the pan off and cleaning the bottom end up probably..
He got a ride home and returned with a junky home made car trailer he had,made of old pallet racking,and a friends borrowed 3/4 ton pickup...
He managed to push the Ramcharger up onto the trailer using the pickup,and tried towing it home..about 30 miles up the highway,the Ramcharger's rear tire broke thru the mesh decking on the trailer ,and was dragging on the ground..
He pulled over,saw what had happened--at that point he should have just called a wrecker...but he chained the Ramcharger to a guard rail and pulled the trailer forward until it's rear tires were on the pavement..then he chained the Ramcharger's front end to the trailer,leaving only the front wheels on the rear of the trailer!..
..why he thought this would work,I cant say..He only had about 5 more highway miles to go,thought he'd make it if he went slow enough..and the last thing he wanted was a state cop to come along and see this mess!..
Well,one did anyways !
...he got it up to about 35 mph,after several semi trucks flew by at 70 mph and nearly creamed the whole "train"...the Ramcharger started to swerve side to side wildly,and the trailer "wagged" the rear of the pickup bad enough to make it slide off onto the shoulder and both the trailer & Ramcharger rolled into the ditch..luckily the trailer ball came off,so the pickup didn't get totaled too..
Then the state cops come after several passers by called in an "accident"...
He had it towed to the junkyard I hung at ,and after picking it up with the loader,we all agreed it was a parts truck at this point..would have been way too much work to repair all the damage..dam shame ,because it was pretty nice shape underneath,no rot at all..
T
tenderfoot
Guest
Had a friend that had a trailduster. It was a beast with that 440.
Too bad GM didn't offer that close ratio NP 4 speed instead of only the SM465 with its wide gear spacing...
There was a Clean dodge here for sale recently. I thought about buying it and just converting it to chevy. It was pre-smog 75’ too. . Super clean. I just can’t do that everytime I see something I want.
. Super clean. I just can’t do that everytime I see something I want.
RubberFloorMat
1/2 ton status
I love em all, the blazer is the nicest all around and you can actually find parts. Plus didn’t rust as bad as the scouts and mopar did
I miss my 73' Scout. It was a project truck like all the rest have been, but I did a lot of cool fab and body work on that rig. had the factory steel half top for it with the behind the seat bed wall. another project that had to eventually go due to no funds. but I'd love another Scout. with GM drive train.
