Hello
10-11-2010, 10:40 AM
#1
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Location: Birmingham, AL
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Hello
Hello folks,
My name is John Troyer; long time MOPAR lover, first time rebuilder. Currently live in Birmingham, AL, wife, kid(s) (one due shortly) so this project is looking at being long term. Not wanting to restore back to original, but to have an original, unique, truck when I am done.
I have an '82 Dodge Ram W150 4x4 that I am looking at rebuilding. My current plan consists of striping it all the way down to the frame and rebuilding from there. I want to put a 383 in it (still looking for one to rebuild); currently it has a 318 which is what I will rebuild if I can't find a 383. I know that with a 383 it will need a bit of rebuilding on the front suspension and a few modifcations to make it fit. Will also need to redo all the interior and to finish it off a new paint job. Thinking I am going to stick with black. I am also considering exhaust stacks like you would see on the little red express trucks.
With that said here are a few current pictures and I am welcoming any advice and/or suggestions.
John
My name is John Troyer; long time MOPAR lover, first time rebuilder. Currently live in Birmingham, AL, wife, kid(s) (one due shortly) so this project is looking at being long term. Not wanting to restore back to original, but to have an original, unique, truck when I am done.
I have an '82 Dodge Ram W150 4x4 that I am looking at rebuilding. My current plan consists of striping it all the way down to the frame and rebuilding from there. I want to put a 383 in it (still looking for one to rebuild); currently it has a 318 which is what I will rebuild if I can't find a 383. I know that with a 383 it will need a bit of rebuilding on the front suspension and a few modifcations to make it fit. Will also need to redo all the interior and to finish it off a new paint job. Thinking I am going to stick with black. I am also considering exhaust stacks like you would see on the little red express trucks.
With that said here are a few current pictures and I am welcoming any advice and/or suggestions.
John
10-11-2010, 10:56 AM
#2
Mopar Lover
John -
Welcome aboard! Sounds like a nice project and you have a lot of your ducks in line already.
Only question is: what will be the general purpose of the truck? That will really determine if the 318 or 383 will be a better choice. (And of course, what it will take to make YOU happiest
)
Archer
Welcome aboard! Sounds like a nice project and you have a lot of your ducks in line already.
Only question is: what will be the general purpose of the truck? That will really determine if the 318 or 383 will be a better choice. (And of course, what it will take to make YOU happiest
)Archer
10-11-2010, 12:25 PM
#4
Mopar Lover
Welcome to the forum. If you can't find a 383, consider a 440. They may be easier to find. Old motor home engines make a good starting point and you can build up from there.
10-11-2010, 01:22 PM
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Thanks for the great welcome.
Archer:
The general purpose of the truck is just that general. I am one that believes a truck is for hauling and towing and general use. So while it will be probably driven a few days a week for traveling to work, if I get a boat I want to be able to pull it, if something needs to be hauled from point A to point B I want to hual it, or if someone is stuck I want to be able to pull them out. (not to be confused with a mudding truck).
Fivepoint:
That is a good idea to check motor homes. I had not thought of that. I really want to just get a good block and start from the bottom up on that as well. It will probably cost me more in the long run, but I sternly believe if it is something you build you will enjoy it that much more, not to mention the knowledge you gain just doing it.
The reason I am thinking 383 is because it is not a 440. I like the idea of a big block in a truck, figuring a good dose of HP and torque can be attained. Then of course there is always the uniqueness that I would have with the 383.
John
Archer:
The general purpose of the truck is just that general. I am one that believes a truck is for hauling and towing and general use. So while it will be probably driven a few days a week for traveling to work, if I get a boat I want to be able to pull it, if something needs to be hauled from point A to point B I want to hual it, or if someone is stuck I want to be able to pull them out. (not to be confused with a mudding truck).
Fivepoint:
That is a good idea to check motor homes. I had not thought of that. I really want to just get a good block and start from the bottom up on that as well. It will probably cost me more in the long run, but I sternly believe if it is something you build you will enjoy it that much more, not to mention the knowledge you gain just doing it.
The reason I am thinking 383 is because it is not a 440. I like the idea of a big block in a truck, figuring a good dose of HP and torque can be attained. Then of course there is always the uniqueness that I would have with the 383.
John
10-11-2010, 03:22 PM
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Welcome to the show, like the truck man.
Don't rule out a crate motor either.
http://www.precisionengine.com/rebui...nes/index.html
Don't rule out a crate motor either.
http://www.precisionengine.com/rebui...nes/index.html
Last edited by Polaradude; 10-11-2010 at 03:24 PM.
10-12-2010, 03:20 AM
#8
Admin
Welcome!
Many Dodge trucks came with BB motos up til 78/79 so to get ont to fit into your truck will take no modifying with the frames were kept the same. All you need are a set of BB motor mounts, the proper size radiator, rear sump oil pan, BB transmission and t-case.
Trust me, that little 318 can produce a good amount of power when built right and can handle a lot of abuse.
Many Dodge trucks came with BB motos up til 78/79 so to get ont to fit into your truck will take no modifying with the frames were kept the same. All you need are a set of BB motor mounts, the proper size radiator, rear sump oil pan, BB transmission and t-case.
Trust me, that little 318 can produce a good amount of power when built right and can handle a lot of abuse.
10-13-2010, 05:19 AM
#9
Mopar Lover
Hey John.... Welcome to the forum.... Make sure you vote for the Mopar of the Month..... That is going to be one very nice truck.... Keep us posted on your progress.....
10-13-2010, 07:07 AM
#10
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welcome, cool truck!
speaking of dodge trucks, dig this:
http://www.knfilters.com/images/press/cherry-bomb2.jpg
it was basically restored with the idea of making it really nasty
speaking of dodge trucks, dig this:
http://www.knfilters.com/images/press/cherry-bomb2.jpg
it was basically restored with the idea of making it really nasty
