1978 Dodge D100 from North America - Comments

Electricical system.

Bad gas mileage.

The booster for the power brakes went causing poor motor and brake control

The main problem with it is the electrical system, the battery wouldn't charge well, lights would flicker, I traced the problem to the power wire that goes to the amp gage in the dash, over the years it gets loose so all I had to do is short the power wire before it entered the compartement, the amp gauge stopped working, but solved the problem.

The gas gage stopped working last year.

I have that vehicle for 14 years now, the previous one was a dodge 76 d100 too,

Very reliable vehicle and a very good transmission, I use it only to tow or transport heavy loads, never had any problems with the transmission

It gets around 10 miles to the gallon, but who cares?? It is cheap and simple to fix so driving the thing is a bargain.

The cabin is very basic, no options whatsoever, seats are uncomfortable.

I too have a 1978 Dodge D100 Custom 3 speed auto with the 225 still in it. It was a forestry truck and had it's engine rebuilt way before I had gotten it. I plan in the future if I still have it, to treat it to a total makeover. Pulling out the 225 and replacing it with a 360 or better healthy V8 to start my hotrod project if it doesn't sell anytime soon and resources willing. Otherwise, it's one of my favorite brand of truck besides a 1976 Chevy Silverado Fleetside 4x4. tjfarrand@hotmail.com.

Very reliable truck heavy duty mine has the 318 with the 4 speed manual with a granny gear.

I have a '93 D150 with a 318 and the NP435 4 speed with granny gear. I absolutely love this truck, and that engine/transmission pair. I am glad it does not have overdrive, as there is less to go wrong and the transmission is simple as can be (and bullet proof). It is not intended for speed. I have never previously bought a Dodge in my life, but just happened into this one, and am now sold on that vintage Dodge truck. Of course, the gas mileage (which is admittedly atrocious) causes it to be relegated to just a work and/or spare vehicle, which I fully expected going in. But when there is heavy work to do, or a load to be hauled, this truck does the job like it's nothing and keeps wanting more. I am never getting rid of it.