Dodge Ramcharger the perfect off-road platform? 

In 1984 I had a 1979 Ramcharger, I put a 440 from a 1972 Fury Police car in it, lifted it a total of 14 inches and ran a set of 44 Monster Muddrs under it. It was a beast in the Florida mud and sand.

Watching Hollie learn the intricacies of sloppy column shifts made me laugh! Good on young Rudy knowing the tricks!

Can’t go wrong with them old Dodges, I have an 89 Dodge Ram D100 3.9 v6 2wd and been driving it since 2012

In 1980 I bought a 1976 Dodge Ramcharger with a 360 in it despite the 360 and full time 4 wheel drive it still got 18 mpg on the highway, 16 around town, that is until I started modifing it but even then it still got 13-14 mpg. It still got better gas mileage than every full size 4x4 i've owned since. That truck was very capable truck off road and believe me, I was not gentle with it. I loved that truck. I actually bought a second one with a 400 in it that I left stock.

So excited for this. The other teams don’t stand a chance! 😊🤘🏻

My grandpa had a Ramcharger when I was little and I have great memories of goin down the road ridin in the back cargo area playin board games with my brother. That thing lasted forever, my uncle drove it for years after my grandpa passed, then he sold it to a neighbor who drove it for many years after that. They were tanks lol

We have had a few Ramchargers in the family. The 360 and the 318 both got around 12 MPG. The 440 4-speed got about 7 MPG whether it was towing a trailer full of horses or not.

Rudy like I told Holly before I would only FIX this truck. Do not cut it, do not put 1 tons and 40s on it. Keep her stock, a little lift and 33s maybe 35s but I wouldn't do more than that

I had an 82 sheriff truck Ramcharger for a few years. It was only a project truck, and I'm in a jeep JK daily now, but I miss how giant and effortless than thing was to drive, even with the 318. Having another one, preferably with all the seals intact and minus all the Michigan rust, with a built 360, is definitely something I want. And they made them relatively unchanged for what 30 years, and they're still pretty much a sleeper truck on the market.

I drove one of those for a few years when I was a snowboard bum living in Winter Park, CO. It was a BEAST.

I was wondering what the plan was for this. Looks like I'll still be wondering😂

I swar I have seen this video already. lol. Those old Ram Chargers are pretty bad ass.

Had a brand new Ramcharger in 1979. I prefer the earlier ones with removable roof. (Getting very hard to find) I loved the NP203 T case with full time 4WD. Locking center diff was cutting edge at that time. They only moved away from that because of fuel economy.

My 79 had an old Rancho 3.5” lift on it when I bought it. It fit 33s but soon learned full lock off camber will stuff the turn side tire into the fender. Now I’m on 35s with a Skyjacker 6” lift. Swapped to 80-84 part time axles. I swapped in a magnum 360, NV4500 and Dana 300. I’ve wheeled it that way the last 12 yrs. Moab 4x, all over NV, CA, AZ and Baja. Just refreshed LSD in the 9.25 and an Aussie locker in the 44. Rewiring it finally, original owner made a mess of it over the years and I’m tired of fixing it. Got a soft top, needs a cage. They’re never really done.

A little road trip with Holly, Walter and Rudy would be a hoot. Especially with a bit of off roading. 👍

Super excited for this, my grandfather had one of these when I was a kid and it was my favorite thing ever. We drove that thing everywhere. Hope it come out awesome.

High octane helps prevent spark knock. Advance the base timing by a degree or two on the distributor to actually benefit from high octane. Some vehicles like more than one or two degrees, but I believe you’ll do best with that particular engine between 9-10° BTDC. Make sure you disconnect any vacuum or electronic timing advance components before setting the time or it’ll be off. It’s a free mod that’ll help your power output. Also, if you already know that sort of thing, my apologies!

Holly has really grown on me. Now I appreciate all her knowledge of wheeling from seeing her spotting for Matt at the wrecker games. GO Holly!!... you to Rudy. Lol..

Going to be an interesting build. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

I guess I have to get mine running now. Thanks for the inspiration! Cant wait to see what yall do with it.

Can't wait to see this project come together. I've owned 3 of these beasts and always wanted to see what a built one could really do.

I think my 2014 Ram needs one of those hood ornaments. That’s gotta add like 10-15 hp.

My first car was a 1964 Dodge dart GT, and it had seat belts! Seat belts were not a new thing in 87.

Other than my FJ40 Landcruiser, I have always loved the Ram Chargers. My son had one and my best friend too... Can't wait to see how you build it.

Dodge had really well sorted out trucks , Rod Hall & Walker Evans were dominating Baja , I hada 89 Cummins I ran past 670k miles great trucks !

Them ramchargers are beasts they are good at getting through about anything

Had a ‘79 and an ‘86! Great truck

Pretty cool! I miss my 1975 Ramcharger. It only had a 318 but I wheeled the heck out of that thing as it was my first 4x4 back in 1990. I look forward to see what you do with this one.

I had a 83 ram charger and compared to my dad's 79 bronco the ram had a much more comfortable ride,it's perfect for us bigger boys and it was awesome offroad one of my favorite 4x4's I've owned. Can't wait to see what happens with this build.

I loved the 1986 Dodge Ram Charger I had. Little 318 with a 2 bbl carb. Last year before they came out with Fuel Injection. It got 8 mpg, whether I was driving it on the freeway or around town, but it could climb up the side of a tree. Short wheelbase made it very easy to drive in twisty trails.

I love those old Ram Chargers and I can't wait to see this thing more often

Back in the day when they had cool hood ornaments. My era. The vehicles of that day not only like the higher octane, but ethanol is bad news for them. Back in the day with carburated engines, one would take the car out onto the freeway and "blow out the bugs". Those big V-8's didn't like slow city traffic. Had to get out there and exercise the engine. Remember the instructions Rudy, no sharp turns (meant don't do donuts).. The suspension could roll you over.

Old 360 actually sounds decent!! Not a bad power plant....oh sorry but you NEVER were close to getting 24mpg😂

I love the old Ramchargers. Ive had 3 of them and this makes me want to find number 4

Been wondering what happened to the Ram Charger. Last I saw of it was Holly’s version of this trip like three months ago. Hopefully this means you guys are going to be doing something with it in the near future.👍

Yes! Always wanted to see one of these get built!

One of my best friends growing up that we lost to the big c 10 yrs ago had one of these. We took it everywhere! This brought back some great memories. Thanks RAD!!

Rudy, We need more content! Even if they are short videos. Love your channel

Nice. Thanks for having content right after wrecker games.

I had an all white Ram Charger when I was younger. I buried it up to the body in red clay the day I bought it. Like, couldn’t open the doors. A friend tore his rear bumper off trying to pull me out. Those things are boats!

Ramchargers are awesome, excited to see one built

@14:12 not a flaw,those arm rests are adjustable,you can move them up towards the back.. My Dad had 2 RamChargers he bought new one 76 the other a 85...Truly awesome off road beasts they were tough to beat off road!

We lost a fuel pump in a rig a little older than this. The looks we got re entering town with a gas can strapped to the wipers was amazing. Gravity fuel pumps are an amazing lost art.

As I recall per Lone Wolf McQuade all you need to do is pour some of your beer on the dash and it'll go anywhere lol.

sooooo much fun going on here!! loved that we got to go along for the ride.

Nice ride!!! Always wanted one of those. Enjoy it!!! Looking forward to seeing what you guys turn it into. Later.

I once drove an old RV from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. Although the brakes and tires looked okay, it had not been on a road trip in decades. My biggest concern was losing brakes on the downhill gorge runs. I planned on using brakes sparingly, downshift as needed, and basically driving extra slow for safety. The one thing I did not factor was that an empty RV driving down the highway acts as a brake much like a Thrust Reverer on a jet. I actually had to use the gas pedal to keep it at 55. 😂

Nice seeing Walter getting some more camera time. Seems like a good genuine fella! He’s Family to my favorite little group of off roaders, so lets make him a regular!

Great video!! Love those old machines!! They were built with real metal!! Not nearly as many bells and whistles but that's a good thing.. fewer things to go wrong!! LOL!! I'm excited to see what you do to it!!!

That paved part of that frontage road where you got off at carp elgin, exit 100 is actually part of the original I15.

Bet this is going to be an interesting build, can't wait to see what your going to do.

Great video guys....Awsome content and cam shots & editing great.....thanks for sharing this with us

Looks like a pretty solid rig right there.

Got yourselves a new toy! And Walter fits in it. Lets see him drive it some, before and after the mods. Love to hear his comments on the before and after operation. Good luck with it.

No way. My Uncle used to have one of these when I was a kid. Sad because my aunt got lung cancer and he had to sell it. Loved that thing 😊

I'll watch any show with Holly in it, I'm sure I'm not the only one but I just love listening to her talk with a Scottish accent

I am looking forward to the next video to see what you guys have planned for this dodge

Good choice bro! I always wanted to do a RamCharger, Have Fun!!!

My dad had a Ramcharger when I was growing up, I'm looking forward to seeing where this project goes.

Love navigating the river gorge! Class C motorhome then again on motorcycle we’re my favorites! Wild rides!

Miss Hollie: You're learning the rops on the Ramcharger. Good driving.

I always wanted one of those. I like the architecture.

5:45 feels like the couple in the next parking slot is jazzin .. making a u-tooob / in-person connection. 👍😎✊

You don't see many Ramcharger anymore rare to find one in that good of shape

"Walter is a pretty um tall Gentleman" Now there's an understatement! I remember FULL size Tam Chargers, Rudy's arm disappeared in the center console. People live in tiny homes that would fit inside that vehicle. Walter looked cramped, the man's a giant. But please please please keep that vehicle as close to stock as is practical. There are so few left .

I loved my '83 Ramcharger Prospector Package. I abused it and overworked it. The only problem I had was the dealer's service dept. They screwed up more than they fixed. I had to let 'er go when I got T-boned by a red light runner.

Great video and we love the new truck! We bought a ‘75 pop top Trailduster with a 440 in Visalia CA, drove back to LA for a few days then Vegas via Lucerne Valley, cruised the L.V. Strip on 33” muds & 6” lift then on to the Hoover dam & Albuquerque via Route 66. Next destination was Denver then Kansas City before heading northeast almost to Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh before driving down to Baltimore where we put the Trailduster on a boat to New Zealand where we live. I hope you have as many cool adventures in your new truck as we have, keep the videos coming, Kev & Karen

That’s a great rig for an off road build keep it going

Can't wait to see what you have in store for this old gem!

Bro badass ramcharger. Stoked on this build

I can't wait to see what you and Hollie do with the Ram

My first vehicle that I purchased was a Plymouth Trail Duster. It's the sister vehicle to the Ram Charger. Stock on 33s it would go anywhere.

Excited to see what happens with this. Loved this truck since I watched lone wolf mcquade.

Walter. My wife had a ram charger and I had a full size blazer. I'm a big guy also. Both vehicles are big guy approved

i can't even wTCH THIS VIDEO i IS SO jealous!!!

Nice truck! That hill climb was actually impressive.👍

In the early 80s I had a 1975 Ramcharger, 318, stick. It was a beast, but felt a little heavy at times. I've driven the Virgin River Gorge area on I-15 both ways a few times. Beautiful road. Even got to be a passenger through there once and really gawk.

My Father in Law had a Ramcharger that we spent so much time getting back in shape and put back together. Thing was a wreck, but complete. It did run but needed so much help. We pulled the motor and stripped it down. It was so worn that the pistons all but fell out of the bores. You could push them out with one finger! While the machine shop bored it and freshened everything up, we spent an entire weekend ripping out all the interior panels, cleaning them, scuffing them and painting them. A couple donor body panels for the exterior and we had it ready for paint. Then he traded it to a guy he worked with for some cash and labor. Dude just took off with the truck and because my FIL was a nice guy, gave him the title before he ever finished paying for it. I kinda wonder what happened to it. If you see a 4wd Ramcharger kicking around southern florida with a gold and white two-tone paint job, that's probably it.

The RADcharger looks great!

Mighty Thor, I meant Rudy amazing job and awesome content. Longtime supporter.,.. I've been waiting for a collab with mischief / Halley....

Back in 2001I had a 1984 Ramcharger and took it on an off road tour in Lake Havasu AZ with a whole bunch of other people. During the tour we stopped at a steep hill off the trail for a challenge to see who could climb iit for bragging rights. My vehicle was stock and there were a lot of modified Jeep Wranglers in the group. They were hitting the hill at speed to climb iit. When I got in line for my try they all laughed saying I wouldn't make it half way up because it is so heavy. When it was my turn I put it in 4 low and just let it creep up the hill without having to give it any throttle at all it didn't even spin a wheel. Everyone cheered when I got back down and were totally impressed. Ramchargers are a beast even stock. I love the ram's head hood ornament, mine didn't have one. I eventually modified it putting locker, a lift and larger tires. Unfortunately my ex-wife got it in the divorce in 2004. That's a great find for what you paid for it. I can't wait to see what you're going to do with it.

I had a 1984 ram charger. I miss that thing so much. Had swapped axles from a jeep under it. Nothing could go anywhere.

Looks like its going to be a fun project!

Love Ram Chargers!! I owned 86 Ford Bronco. Very capable vehicles.

I had an early 80's Ramcharger that I bought brand new. Some good memories and some bad (mechanical) I totaled it one day in a wreck on I-25 in Denver. The Black Bear diner was a good choice...we have a couple of them here in Colorado.

The attitude adjustment after the tunnel was amazing.

I have totally been wondering where this rig went! I'm stoked to see where you take it. Just the other day I remember thinking "What happened to that Dodge? Wait, was it called a Ram Charger? Does that make sense? They have Rams and Chargers, so maybe I have it wrong? Did they bail on it?" No lie. Just like that.😆

Every time I rewatch this idk why it’s kinda cool that you came here where I live to buy one.

Ramcharger is very capable from factory. my father had a few when i was growing up. with 42" tires and lockers there pretty unstoppable, but very top heavy.

Ramchargers, Blazers, Broncos and Cherokees. Best of the best back then!!

Great rig for ya 👍. I like it a lot 🤩.

You're going to have fun with that Ram Charger. Love that you stopped at Black Bear Diner, it's one of my all time favorite places to eat out at. The original restaurant is at Strawberry Flats right off I-5 in the City of Lake Shasta, definitely worth stopping if you're ever in the area.

"The seller seemed confident" are NOT words you want to live by LOL.

I owned one the last year 02 the front tires were offset from the rear and the truck had an 318bit was a beast went through snow with ease I loved the truck

That thing is awesome

Some of those old late 80's early 90's pushrod V8's with electronic ignition and fule injection were great cars and fun to drive. I owned an 89 Mustang LX convertible with the 5.0 and it got 25mpg on a drive from California to Denver. The wide tires didn't like the ice and snow much though. It rained and snowed all across Utah and into Colorado. That was fun.

I like those Ramchargers. Back in the 80s I had a 1975 Ramcharger with a 360. Beast of a vehicle.

Love these trucks. My mom had an 86 RC fully loaded Royal SE with the 360 V8 and factory rollbar. Sadly after owning it for over 30 years she had to let it go for financial reasons...wish she still had it.

Sweet. Another project video ❤

Looks like a good time is coming!