1988 Dodge Raider from North America - Comments

First off I want to say I really love this little truck... although it has had a lot of problems.

- Transmission replaced just out of the warranty.

- Engine replaced.

- I have gone through 3 starters.

- Fan belt "bracket" had to be repaired (the shop was able to weld it so I did not have to replace the unit).

- Emission system went wrong on a long distance trip.

This truck has had a lot of problems, and not just little things either. The engine was about 3000.00, the transmission about 1200.00, the emission system about 1000.00, and these figures make the starter prices seem like bolts and nuts!

I really love this truck... height, durability (the body), looks, and don't want to ever give it up. The bad side is the repairs, and these repairs were done when the truck was young (within the first 7 years). Since then it has been better... either nothing else to replace :) ), or the glitches have been fixed.

My friends that have had this vehicle have had lots of problems... can't vouch for their usage of it, but mine gets regular oil changes, lubes, and I treat it like a kid. Very frustrating to have major repairs shortly after the warranty.

More a question than a comment. Do all of the Dodge Raiders have a Limited Slip Rear Differential? Mine does, I have had it for a short time and love it. Please respond with the answer, my truck is a tank, when I bought it I drove it home about 45 miles, when I got it home I checked the oil, none was in there! But it ran like a champ and never knocked or pinged. My truck has 149,000 Miles. For the answer you can write to Mmcmwalker@aol.com.

This is more of a question rather than a comment, I recently purchased an '88 Dodge Raider.I've done some engine work on it, milled the head, replaced the cam, new lifters, rockers etc..,then timed it as best as I could. Of course I also did all the routine mainteinence oil, new filters and such. I also added a new fuel filter and PCV valve.It's a 4-speed automatic. The vehicle still lacks a lot of power in the lower gears yet the tranny seems to operate fine.I've checked the vacume lines and I can't think of anything else I can do to increase the power and performance in this awesome looking truck. If you can help or make a suggestion please contact me at noshitace@hotmail.com Thank you.

I've recently rebuilt the engine in my 88 Raider for about $1000.00,witch includes a new clutch kit. The lower priced parts are out there you just need to take the time and look. Since the rebuild I have had no complaints. This has got to be the toughest little tank around.I've also got a simple question, does anyone know where I can get a complete vac. hose schematic just to check if I got them all back in the right place?Oh the reason for the rebuild is during a tune up I found I had 2 cracked valves. It ran for two months after that. Email questions or the answer to CVLion70@aol.com thanks.