Howdy from Pennsylvania - "88 Ram 50

[SFBullnose]

Hey Everyone,


I was poking around the forum last week and brought home a little blue Dodge today. The truck has been neglected, but it starts right up and wants to be driven. Manual rack! It's a blast to whip around.


After warm-up, there is a noticeable (if looking) puffing of white smoke from the tailpipe. It had been sitting for maybe 2+ months with low fuel in the tank. I'm hoping it's some residual water in the tank. After filling it up with high grade, the smoke decreased by at least 40%. I guess the head gasket is will not be too far away, when I crack it open for timing service. Weirdly, the temp gauge only goes from off gauge to the first mark after warm. Maybe it has a sensor with the wrong range.


Thanks for building a great resource! I hope to contribute once I start getting into it. The first order, of biz is new tires and brake job.


A few questions:
1. How are these trucks on the interstate?
2. Is there any serviceable component of the balance shaft? I have gathered that one of them is case fed.
3. Any of you all running oil pressure gauges?
4. repro floor pans recs ?




Thanks,
AJ

[xboxrox]

Hello & Welcome here AJ

I really like your truck; especially it's stance...

Please replace the engine coolant sensor ASAP ~ read my recent posts about me having done it...

These trucks are ok nice & small but do require plenty fixing; I don't think they were made to last long time, just to fill-in gaps of American manf of small trucks...

Basically (for me) the fixing & parts replacing never seems to end..!

Have Fun & Nice to See You Here
George

[Law Dog]

Welcome, Nothing a guy can’t replace on one of these trucks but finding parts can be a challenge but I like the hunt. I use car-parts.com to locate some hard to find parts.

[SFBullnose]

Hey George & Law Dog!

Nice to meet you both : ) I'm still doing so digging on what the POs have done. Good tip on the coolant sender and sensor! I just ordered a set.

Yes Car-parts.com is great! I've been working with Porsches lately, so the parts prices are good for the heart. But I really like how uncomplicated they are, simple and effective.