1985 Dodge RamCharger 4X4 Debate

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Spence - 18 Jun 2005 05:40 GMT

I am looking at an 85 RamCharger for $3,000. the Truck looks good but the
owner states that he took a bearing of the front hub because of a rumbling
sound.

Then stated that he had to take it apart because the 4 wheel drive stayed
engaged always.

This vehicle is SHARP and I want to buy it but don't want to find out I have
to spend MEGA Dollars fixing the 4 wheel drive.

I would appreciate any Dodge owners expertise, or advise.

Thanks

SLM

Reply to this Message

SnoMan - 19 Jun 2005 07:36 GMT

> I am looking at an 85 RamCharger for $3,000. the Truck looks
> good but the
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> SLM

It is 20 years old and it is not unusual for some things to have been
repaired by now. Wheel bearing failure in a old 4x4 is not that rare
if they have not been properly serviced. Typically the seals in front
hubs go bad and grease dries out or water gets in and bearings fail.
My suggestion is if you buy it tear down the front axle hubs and
inspect all bearing and replace seals and repack with fresh grease. I
cannot comment on transfer case issue without knowing more about what
may have been wrong. If it really is clean and "cherry" the price
may not be too bad either though you did not comment on how many miles
are on it which can play a big factor in its value.

Reply to this Message

Spence - 19 Jun 2005 14:00 GMT

Snoman

I agree with what you said about the front hubs! Would the 4 wheel stay
engaged even though the bearings were dried out?

I have done some research on this vehicle and sounds like some type of Vacuum
system engages the 4 wheel drive. There is not manual hubs on the outside as
with the other older 4 wheel drives I have had or worked on in the past.

There is 187000 miles on the motor which is a 318, and it runs really well
without a miss at idle or acceleration.

I brought it home yesterday and found some type of drive gear about the size
of an outer bearing in the floorboard rapped in a towel.

he told me on the phone he had other parts to give me that I have not yet
gotten.

Thanks for your response

Spencer M.

Reply to this Message

SnoMan - 20 Jun 2005 20:36 GMT

> Snoman
>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> Spencer M.

CHysler used a vacum operated disconnect on front axle that you need
to check its operation. The front axle Ujoints will aways turn but the
differentail will disconnect when it 2wd. (If disconnected you will be
able to spin front drive shaft by hand when truck is in 2wd)

Reply to this Message

Nick - 27 Jun 2005 21:47 GMT

The '4WD actuator motor' on my '90 W150 PU rusted out and had to be
replaced. It is really just a diaphram and piston that slides a gear back
and forth. It is about 4" in diameter and is driven by vacuum from the
transmission. The 'motor' is around $225 from the dealer.

The issue with yours could be as simple as a vacuum leak on the hose that
pulls the piston toward the 2WD position. Mine failed in the 2WD position
for what that's worth.

Best of luck with it !

> > Snoman
> >
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
> differentail will disconnect when it 2wd. (If disconnected you will be
> able to spin front drive shaft by hand when truck is in 2wd)

Reply to this Message