Finally found a dodge truck forum

[bill3911]

New here, I have a 1985 Ram 150 four wheel drive, 318 4 speed manual, does anyone know where I can get parts to rehab it, still runs great but is showing its age. Also looking to get the 2011 5500 when it becomes available, anyone have any words of wisdom to pass along has to how I should fit the truck out? This will be my first "big truck" and not sure what to get on it.

Thanks

[RapidTransit]

Hi Bill! Glad you found us!! I love that old 318...that engine had been around so long they pretty much worked all the kinks out.

What do you plan to use your 5500 for? Are you going to have it upfitted?

[bill3911]

Would like to get it rebuilt and do a restoration, but way beyond my skill level. For the 5500, some type of flat bed and set it up for trailer towing. It won't be a commercial application just for private use, but have no idea where to start, but plenty of time, I am waiting on the 2011 to come out in April if I read the trade reports correctly.

[mrjordan2u]

You should check out Texas Ranch Hand Bumpers if you want to protect your truck from everything. I have their bull nose bumper on the front of my truck and that thing as a destroyer! I love it. not as pretty as FAB FOURS but strong as hell.


I've totalled two cars (dodge calliber, Chevy malibu) with this thing and Barely scratched my own paint. I also have Rancho 9000 XL Adjustable shocks which make my truck ride nice and smooth no matter where I go, great for towning too.

Just a few ideas I'd get for my DREAM 5500!

[plumbstraight]

Hi Bill,
Mine is an 08 I just picked up new.
I fabbed a 12X8ft flatbed on it. I put a 14t hoist under it also. If you are going to just put a bed on it that will be nice as it won't be quite as high as mine is and you will still have plenty of tire clearance.
I fixed mine up with a 5th wheel for pulling my smaller camp trailer, I have a 21 and a 30 that I use. I also equipped it with a receiver hitch. The one thing I will say about Dodge is that they didn't take into consideration of having a receiver hitch fabbed on the back of the frame as the fueltank is right at the end of the frame. Either guard your tank or have someone watching for you when you back into a trailer to couple up. That plastic tank is just asking for it.
I did something that I know will raise some eyebrows. I put the 5th wheel receiver right at the end of the bed. I wouldn't reccomend it this way for heavy loads, but as they arfe pulled by pickups I figured as strong as I build beds this truck will not know the difference. I pulled from Anchorage to Valdez and you wouldn't have known it was back there, truly. It also gives me the room for a motorcycle, 650quad, generator, 100gal fuel tank and a grub box. So far this has worked out well for me.

One other thing I might point out about having a 5500, it is a commercial vehicle regardless personal use. Legally you have to stop at scales, have a class B commercial license and the insurance companies will love you.

I am headed to Az to pick up a 26ft searay. Will see how it pulls that. I just bought a tuner so will see how the mileage works out.