Timing chain at about 89,000 miles.
Rear axle ring and pinion gear at about 75,000 miles.
This was the family truckster that I grew up with, learned to drive in and learned auto mechanic basics on.
The body was attractive for a station wagon, the only detraction was the horrible fit and finish from all Chrysler products of the day. The bumpers took amazing abuse and never showed wear.
The interior was roomy, gigantic by today's standards, mid-size by 1970's standards.
The 318 engine and torqueflite tranny gave amazing performance and durability considering the size and weight of this car. Pulled a trailer without any trouble using a plain bumper hitch. The rear axle was undersized for a car this heavy and gave out at relatively low mileage. Easily replaced with a good used unit from the boneyard.
A gas guzzler by today's standards getting about 12 mpg around town and 17 mpg on the highway. Left my friends '68 289 Mustang for dead on the highway.
Overall it was a cost effective vehicle that was made to be used and it was. Easily serviced for routine tune-ups and oil changes. The timing gears were nylon, as many cars of it's day, and gave up after 12 years. We installed a new steel set and sold it running strong at 90,000 miles.
My family had a 1968 Coronet 500 station wagon, and it was also a great vehicle. It was extremely dependable, lasted for many years even though it was 3rd hand when we got it, and it was a real workhorse. It was routinely loaded down until the bumper was practically dragging and still had great pickup with the 383. The only problem we had was that the rear gate window jumped off the track and wouldn't work with the key switch.
Yes, the sleek lines and racing suspension make this one of the greatest cars ever!
YES! it did= = and it was an economy car too!
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