1982 Dodge Rampage Base review from North America

Engine had rod knock in it when I bought it, a junkyard engine fixed it right up. Be sure to replace the timing belt and clutch if you ever do this, ask me how I know.

I have put 5 clutches in it, one from age 3 from defective parts and 1 from pure abuse.

I have also replaced the alternator and voltage regulator.

I bought this little truck for $50 from a guy who couldn't keep it running, it had a bad hall effect pickup coil in it. Five years later I still have less than $500 in it and this includes replacing the engine once, the transmission 3 times (I had to have a 5 speed rather than a 4, it took 3 trannys to get a good one), the clutch 5 times, the alternator once and the voltage regulator once. I have replaced the stock bucket seats with a 50/50 bench from an Acclaim and installed a center console from a Charger. I put 70 miles a day on this truck, average 29 MPG (it has a Shelby transmission with the tall gears), and have hauled everything from furniture to firewood in it.

Future plans after the bodywork is done include a turbocharged motor and some brake and suspension improvements. I would like to see if I can get the ABS from a Caravan to work in it.

It is slow to warm up on cold days and has a hesitation under partial throttle. Fuel injection would fix this, but to install it would take a tank change. I can't seem to get rid of all the oil leaks, seems that I get one fixed and another crops up. The heater core is partially plugged and will need to be replaced.

All in all this little truck owes me not a thing, it starts when I turn the key and takes me everywhere I want to go. If I could find another one I would buy it, but it seems like anyone who has one wants to hold on to it just a little while longer.