1988 Dodge D50 Sport 2.6 from North America

Summary:

If you find a 1988 Dodge Ram 50 4x4 5 speed, buy it!

Faults:

The carburetor needed replaced immediately.

The automatic hubs needed replaced at 123000.

The headlight/windshield wiper switches needed replaced immediately.

General Comments:

This truck is an amazing machine, on or offroad. The little beast just takes whatever is thrown at it in its stride, and walks away unscathed.

The Mikuni carburetor that was stock, however, was horrible. There were so many vacuum lines on the engine it was ridiculous. I bought and installed the Weber conversion, and eliminated all vacuum lines except one.

Once I got the new carb for it, the truck had an incredible amount of power. The little truck has no top speed; it will just keep accelerating as long as you let it!

The cab has more leg room than you would think. I am six foot two inches, and I fit in the cab comfortably, and my truck was only a single cab!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2012

18th Dec 2014, 15:41

Hello from Wisconsin. I've had D-50s for about 30 years now. I've had a lot of fun with mine. My 1st lasted about 23 years, till that good ole salt got to the fenders, then I had wings. Retired that one for parts.

Found one that needed a new head, the other was warped and cracked. Replaced the head from a parts truck. Been running for about 9-10 years now.

I love these little trucks, they take a lot for a small truck.

The guy is right about the vacuum lines (spaghetti).

Would I recommend one, for sure...

8th Jun 2020, 15:39

Where can I order a Weber conversion kit for this model?

1988 Dodge D50 Base 2.0 liter from North America

Summary:

This is a good vehicle but higher maintenance

Faults:

I have had a valve job, carburetor, and 3 throw out bearings from the clutch assembly replaced.

General Comments:

I would just like to say that my Ram 50 Sport/mitsu 2.0 liter variant model has been around for 20 yrs and still running!

I bought this truck brand new with about 12 miles on it! I now have 190,000 on it.

I have spent some money over the years on the vehicle. I have replaced the factory carburetor with a Weber. The factory carburetor went out around 93,000 miles.

I have had a valve job, and 3 throw out bearings replaced on this unit.

I have had many people ask me to sell the vehicle. I have really kept the truck in great shape! I have the original chrome factory rims that actually came with the truck.

I love my truck but I only get about 21 miles per gallon. I am at a crossroads at this point. The truck is paid for but I have some smoking going on. I am guessing leaking valve seals. What is the general cost of replacing leaky valve seals? I do not want another debt in this recession, but is it worth fixing? You can reach me at ramminross@yahoo.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th February, 2009

20th Nov 2011, 12:58

I need a carb or a carb guy for this same truck

spotter73@hotmail.com.

My dad gave me his truck, and for the most part it's fine, although the carb needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

He still loves this truck, but has too many vehicles. It's an old UGA utility truck.

6th Mar 2015, 19:20

I had the same problem with my 1988 Ram 50.

Check this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrBq3eKu6wQ

1988 Dodge D50 Sport 2.6 from North America

Summary:

These are one of the best 4 wheel drive trucks ever

Faults:

I had to replace the wheel bearings and auto-locking hub when I bought it.

The carb ran really rich and had to be replaced with a used one, which solved the problem.

Brake caliper stuck and had to be replaced.

General Comments:

It's a really good truck, it gets me everywhere I need to go and it's good on gas. It has better power than most 4 cylinders and it goes really good through the mud.

The sport extended cab makes extra room for more speakers.

These are excellent trucks except for the carb and head gasket problems they have. I'd buy another one if I had the chance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2004

22nd Oct 2004, 21:01

I whole-heartedly concur with your comment about these trucks! I own an 88 4x4 Sports-cab as well.

Problems with mine were consistent with yours - brake caliper sticking, carburetor running rich (replaced with aftermarket), and a bad jet valve (repaired pretty easily myself).

I love to drive this truck. Although the ride is a little rough, it will haul more weight than some full size trucks.

I have 188,300 miles on mine and look forward to putting another 100K - 200K on it!