1978 Dodge Ramcharger
1978 Dodge Ram Charger Description:
1978 was the last year for the legendary 440 in the Dodge Ramcharger. David: 303.947.0444
Even though this big block had been down rated to 225 horse power, the torque was still off the charts. The Ramcharger was probably the most rugged and uncomfortable of the offerings by Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford. Super short wheel base, combined with heavy springing made this a REAL truck. As a result, their sales were minuscule compared to their competitors – but to the fans of and those in the know, the Ramcharger is legendary. About the Truck: Big block 440, super heavy duty suspension, regular gas, heavy duty cooling, Royal SE, two-tone paint, roll bar, tachometer, AM/FM CB, additional volt and vacuum gauges, inside hood release, skid plates, dealer option tote box, tilt wheel, cruise, plus more. All this alone makes this an absolute one of a kind truck. Add on the condition, the level of restoration, it’s a ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRUCK. For example, when the vehicle went through it’s complete restoration, we had to restore the wheels. The wheels were cut apart, chromed, and re welded back together just like they did at the factory. This is an example of the level of effort that went into this truck. Being a Dodge dealer, I had availability to parts that nobody else did so even the weather strips that were under the removable top were replaced with NOS units. This is also the last year for theremovabletop Ramcharger.
What’s wrong with the truck: Slightly loose tilt (barely), tachometer is not correct for this year model, A/C is add on but original to 1978 (works perfectly with additional condenser fan). Stitching pattern on back seat incorrect for Royal SE, and finally back glass and left outside mirror some idiot scraped with a piece of metal (pictured). The AM/FM CB was added on by me out of an NOS box. It came with leads for four speakers, and this year Ramcharger only had two so I placed two more NOS speakers on detachable wiring in the very back. The fan shroud has a small a chunk missing out of the top of it, but it’s completely functional. Locking chrome strip around large removable top windows worn (pictured). Minor chips as this truck has been extensively driven since it’s restoration and is our favorite snow vehicle. The console was restored at time of complete restoration but has since been sat on and re-cracked at the top. There’s a small dent on the lower part of the fender in the lighter color two-tone (pictured), it’s an easy repair, however I consider this a badge of honor as I got it 4-wheeling on a particularly nasty trail. This truck not only shows, it actually goes. It’s an absolute beast. This Ramcharger is a once in a lifetime find.
These undercarriage shots were taken on an in-ground lift. You can see from the shots that all of the four wheel drive componentry has been either serviced or rebuilt. Most notably the front axle has been rebuilt and includes all new ball joints. This is a lifetime Colorado car and the lack of rust or rust through on the original floorboards and original rockers is apparent. Also note the original red oxide primer is still visible on the bottom of the vehicle. These series of photographs also demonstrate the optional skid plates on the transfer case and gasoline tank. If you look closely, there are 3/4 ton springs up front giving this vehicle the necessary GVWR to run on then available regular fuel. Unique to this package is that the Ram Charger, even when new, had a slight nose up attitude and pretty much heavy duty everything. In the previous photographs you will notice the heavy duty cooling system with overflow tank and seven blade fan. The full-time four wheel drive transfer case, which includes a differential from front to rear, was also gone through. All of the internally lubricated pieces (except engine) have synthetic lifetime fluids. As a testament to the originality and low rust nature of these normally high rust vehicles, note that 80 percent of the exhaust system is original from the factory.
RECENT UPDATES: Fresh carb rebuild last October, new high torque starter and fresh starter cables, replaced tie rod ends and trackbar from steering gear to spindle.
As with all NGDCARS offerings and unlike most collector vehicles, this car is completely drivable. Many collector cars are just shiny, pretty things, this one is beautiful and is fully capable of being driven and enjoyed.
David: 303.947.0444
