We are the original owners of a 1989 Dodge Raider. Thus far, we have had no major problems beyond regular maintenance and have over 250,000 miles on the original engine. It has been a reliable vehicle which is probaly why we hold on to it. It is no longer our primary mode of transportation, but we can't seem to sell it off (we have had people come up to us unsolicited wanting to buy it). Other vehicles have come and gone, but our little red Raider has been the best of all.
I just recently came across a 1989 Dodge Raider and I love it. It seems to burn oil, but knowing the previous owner I know why... lack of maintenence. Now my new problem, I drove to work and when I went to leave for lunch it wouldn't start. I have power, everything comes on, but no start. I tried to push start it and no go.Ignition switch? Relay? Any Ideas???
I recently bought a 1989 Dodge Raider with 84,000 miles. I cannot say enough about this vehicle. Easy to drive, great visibility, easy to park, pretty good on gas (20 mph), starts up every time and purrs like a kitten. The engine is a 3.0 V-6 with an automatic transmission. I cannot imagine why they discontinued this model. It is the most functional and perfect looking automobile I have ever owned.
To the person who had the trouble turning on the Raider... I had the same problem and figured out that the positive connection on the battery needs to be adjusted. It should have two wires and they need to be separate. It almost doesn't make any sense since they are both on the positive, but that's what I had to do to mine and it worked. Anyway email me if you have any questions: markalehmann@yahoo.com. Anyone know where to get a fuel tank for an 89 Raider 3.0 manual trans?
I just recently ran an 88 Raider with the 3.0 V6 through a Tuff Truck Race here in Maine and the only thing that broke was the drivers side seat and bracket. I was so Impressed that I have been looking for another and have found one that has the 2.6ltr. I was curious as to if a dodge 360 V8 could be shoe horned in there. The 2.6ltr engine in very weak. any suggestions would work thanx.
I just came across a 1989 Raider with 54,000 miles. It's got the 3.0 V-6 with 4-speed automatic. The thing is odd, but pretty special. Being relatively extinct, I've had a hard time locating a fuel tank (used are $300, and new are not available. If you've found a place that sells new tanks for the Raider, please post it. Happy Trails To You...
I just purchased an 89 Raider with the V6 automatic tranny. Its got about 206,000 on it and is still in pretty cherry condition. I paid $2,800 for it and am excited to take it on its first trip here in a few weeks. One thing though, I think the idle is too low, when I shift through the gears sometimes it dies when going into park or drive any imput?
I think that the idle is set too low.
I just bought a 1988 Dodge Raider with one burned piston and scored cylinder. Please advise a good replacement source for an engine. VIN# is JB7FJ43E9JJ014996. thanks for sharing your comments on this useful site.
Fred.
I 1987 Dodge Raider 2.6l as my off road truck it goes anywhere the jeeps do and often time pulls them. I also have D-50 truck as my daily driver same eng. If any one in the area of Maine would like an 2.6 eng I have 1989 Mitsubshi Montero, I"m selling with a blown clutch. Also an off road vechile. No longer fit for road, but runs great. Email uptonoffroad@yahoo.com.
I don`t know who that first guy was, but he didn`t own a dodge Raider I gotten 160,000 so far on 1989 baby, I replaced starter, timing belt, alt. and a few other goddies I had minor problems like the seat belt sticking, but over all as far as look I enjoy my old girl who will be pushing 20 soon, needs to go in the show because she starting to smoke needs seals, but I wouldn`t trade my girl for anything.
To the poster with the trans not going into overdrive problem
after you check your fluid level hot in park while running (not related just an fyi) check the O/D relay located under the dash on the drivers side, its in a cluster of other relays. its also possible the button for the O/D is malfunctioning, but it's an easy fix.
I have owned my 1988 Raider for many years.
I have replaced the 2.6 motor 3 times, they are junk. I still love this little unit and now am about to drop a 4.3 litre GMC V6 into it. The transplant is not that big a job once you look it all over,
this should solve my motor problems for good.
The Raider is a really a cool 4x4 and I wouldn't part with it for anything. The people who call them down don't get how much fun they are. The Dodge Raider is going to be a classic one day, and us Raider owners know what we have, and most of us will never let them go.
We too own an '89 Dodge Raider and have had very little trouble with it. The first real problem we had was this week and it was caused by a failed alternator. I believe this thing has over 160,000 "original owner" miles on it.
The problem I have had is locating a replacement console (from around the radio back to the storage box between the seats.
Does anyone know where I can locate this? It was broken into a few years ago and we never found a replacement for it.
Have had the dodge raider for many years now, 98,000 miles on her and never had a problem with oil consumption. My deal is having to add antifreeze every so often, seems to evaporate out of nowhere... Nothing in oil, no leaks.
Engine hesitates as it tries to climb to the speed limit. Head problems maybe? Heard the 2.6 is notorious for that.
It's my yard toy now, as it seems happy just pulling a few stumps here and there, wow, wish my new car had an air conditioner that works as good as this 20 year old.
Hello;
Have an 88 2.6 with auto. Just turned 231,000 but had to have the carb rebuilt to pass smog (damn California).
Yeah; she's a bit hard on gas, but rolls right along up to 70 or so, and the best little mountain goat I'll ever own. They are VERY limited, so enjoy them while you own them. Just have fun!
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