1990 Dodge Ramcharger LE150 review from North America

Power Steering Hose 210000 miles

AC compressor 90000 miles

Water Pump every 75000 miles

Harmonic Balancer 220000 miles

Rear Main Seal 100000 miles

Rear Main Seal 220000 miles

Transfer Case 220000 miles

Timing Chain and Gear 220000 miles

Rear Hatch Gas lifts 200000 miles

Replaced Oil Pump at 220000 miles

Carpet Worn out about 180000 miles

Paint - Clear coat peeling at 17 years

Silver Paint oxidizing at 14 years

Steering coupler to Steering box every 70000

Headliner - 15 years

Transmission seals 120000

Throttle Body Fuel Injectors 175000.

Tough old truck

The upside - easy to work on. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Doesn't usually need much attention.

I converted the AC to "Enviro-safe" , a hydrocarbon based refrigerant replacement for R-12. It works

much better that R134. But need to keep the

evaporator clear for good airflow.

The steering on these vehicles is not at all precise. The design of the coupler that takes the

steering shaft from the steering wheel to the

power steering box is poor and needs to be

replaced often. I am going to swap out the

factory designed shaft assembly for one that uses

two sets of universal joints.

The engine and 4 speed transmission is very reliable. The transfer case is a common one used in most large SUVs and Pickups of this vintage.

Easy to find parts.

My 4 wheel drive - had open rear differentials.

I changed the rear differential to a Richmond power locker. This is great off road, but it makes

it tricky to drive on road as you can't power

around a corner without chirping the inside tire.

But on a muddy slope - wow. Much better than

limited slip. You don't get the hopping and

turning side ways with this type of rear end.

Lots of clearance off road. I have to replace

an after market step bumper with one that provides more ground clearance. The standard bumper is

best for ground clearance. The 150 4wd model has

much better springs and sits higher than 2wd models.

For anyone contemplating buying and refurbishing one of these trucks, you should look at the mileage and condition carefully before deciding.

If you are willing and able to do the maintenance and don't mind putting a little money into the

vehicle, it is a good way to get a tough off road

vehicle for little money. Given the age and lack of cosmetic appeal of most of the vehicles available, it is prime for off road use.