80's Dodge Chevy or Ford?

[fslc94]

If you go Chevy or GMC, I have a very nice 5.3 LS completely gone through and redone except bottom end it was outstanding condition. Brian Tooley everything with ARP bolts the whole works. With a brand new Holley x max computer system with LCD display screen. 460le redone as well. Ready to go

 

[harrycalahan]

Appearance wise like you, I like that gen Dodge. We had an 81 D150 with the 318 for years. Always enjoyed driving that. I liked the dash layout and steering wheel size/feel better than that of the fords/chivys. That truck would float down the road. Once the torqueflite finally got pumped up 🤣. Mpg’s werent terrible either. Just keep a spare ignition module and voltage regulator in the glove box.

 

[basstracker89]

I have been the 86 F150 had an odd fuel system. It was first year of fuel injection?? I ask bc I have a lead on a nice 86 F150 with a 302 done by Jasper. Any worries with the 86 fuel system?

I had one. The stock system was a Bosch. Only thing I ever needed to do was clean the fuel system every 100k miles. That 302 ran great. But not enough for a 4X4 truck in my opinion. Mine was a 4X2. The trans was good also. It was an overdrive auto. Never had a problem with it

 

[Kman]

Ok - I’m in the mood for a new toy and I want a late 70’s or 80’s truck to tinker with. I do not prefer lowered hot rods - not my thing, but they can be done tastefully at times.

On straight appearances: I think the first gen Rams look best, then Ford, then Chevy.

As far as engines and drive trains: is the 318 a good motor - easy to get parts for like the ford and Chevy options? What about other stuff, like instruments and gauges, seals, door parts, stuff like that - easy to find?318 vs 302 vs 305…. (I know the 318 is considered underpowered, but from what I am reading, that is easily remedied with after market upgrades).

If you came across a nice d/w150, would you have hesitation and why?

Go with a Chevy or Ford. Tons of available parts, videos and advice online. Get the factory repair manual for a great resource with pictures and part numbers. I'm doing a 1975 f100 and love being able to work on it myself. Don't even start with a budget and just don't keep track of the $. I'm going through every system, removing or replacing rusted parts and eventually a professional paint job. My engine is a fuel injected 302 from a 1986 f150. Runs awesome, but these engines only make somewhere around 180hp I believe.

 

[EugenFJR]

I have read the 86 F150 had an odd fuel system. It was first year of fuel injection?? I ask bc I have a lead on a nice 86 F150 with a 302 done by Jasper. Any worries with the 86 fuel system?

I'm going to say get a Alfa Romeo Spider when they come out...

 

[DinkyDau]

I built an 81 4X4 square body and put a 454 big block in it with a deep dish TB400 behind it..kept it for years. Best Chevy Pu I ever owned

 

[browndalton]

Do a Jeep. Way more fun. Parts are not a problem, I know from experience.

 

[DinkyDau]

View attachment 8695891
Do a Jeep. Way more fun. Parts are not a problem, I know from experience.

He has a nice one already

 

[Ken Ford]

I’d jump on a nice one anyway all day.

Plenty of motor parts as nothing much changed for years except the nomenclature 5.9 from 360 etc.
Tied with Ford for the strongest rear end. Solid transmission good power and repairs are not needed very often if treated well.

 

[mo mauser]

I voted K10 because I've traditionally been a GM guy when it comes to older vehicles. However, I recently bought an 1987 W150. I been looking for a k10 for a few years, but they have been overpriced, junk, or both. Parts are cheap and plentiful to rebuild them, but boy do they rust. I like the fords as well but couldn't find one in 4x4.

Thus, I bought my W150 in Nov of last year. If y'all are interested I might start a new thread on it. I learned to drive in my dad's D150 slant 6 four speed. My grandfather always had dodges being familiar with them while working for the State. He had a newer D150 with V6. I'm no expert on all things Dodge but I worked on both those trucks. I think the key weakness of the Dodges is electrical. This is mainly the lean burn system and the fusible links. Dad cut all of that out of his and rewired it. Granddad's truck had a parasitic draw that as long as you drove it weekly was fine but on the 8th day the battery would be dead. Fyi, Dodge seems to have galvanized the crap out of these trucks and the paint commonly peels off. The place to watch for rust is the roof brow. I understand there was an issue with the seam sealer used and moisture would get past the sealer making them rust.