1977 Dodge D150 Custom review from North America

In 800,000 miles of driving:

5 Radiators.

4 Automatic transmission overhauls.

4 Heater cores.

2 A/C evaporator cores.

1 Ring & pinion gear set.

2 Carburetor rebuilds.

2 Valve jobs.

4 Timing chain & gear sets.

2 Oil pumps.

11 Water pumps.

3 Cooling fans with fan clutches.

9 Alternators & voltage regulators.

1 Electronic ignition module.

1 Distributor.

1 Steering gearbox.

3 Replacement wheels (fatigue cracks).

Numerous universal joints.

Numerous wheel & axle bearings.

Note: The above listed items are by no means all-inclusive.

I purchased the truck from a dealer as a deeply discounted previous model year leftover/demo. For all intents and purposes, I bought it "new".

I did not include "wear out" items in the above list. Items like brake friction materials, belts, hoses, batteries, lubricants, etc. have a determinable half-life on all vehicles.

Original lower end of engine went the full distance (801k) without repair. Engine was visibly smoking from the exhaust at 762k miles. It finally threw a rod yesterday, at 801,146 miles.

The vehicle is no longer worth repairing, as stress cracks have developed on the frame.