87 Ram 50: The Resurrection

[MACman95]

Noob user here! So I've finally been able to start a project build. She used to be my grandfather's truck and holds fond memories. He bought it brand new in 87. He drove it till around 2002 and then he parked it over a cracked exhaust manifold. And so it sat for 11 long years. It's quite a shame, its saddening to watch it just sit, neglected. I'd like some help, advice, tips, and tricks to get this beauty back on the road where she belongs. She deserves a second chance.

[MACman95]

Some body issues
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[MACman95]

The Engine Bay

[rwenzek94]

jb weld that exhaust manifold follow the directions and let it sit for a few days. itll hold for aq very long time.

[Tasman]

You could check with auto anything, they offer a welded header. It is getting very hard to find a stock header. I had to look for a couple months, it may get you started on a good motor project

[camoit]

One tip is try to think of the project as therapy you need to have at least 3 times a week after work. If you can get home and work on it at least 3 hours it will be done quick and be on the road.

[BradMph]

That's even got AC on it, hmmmm. Get the power washer out and shine that baby up. Lot's of potential in that truck. Hows interior?

[MACman95]

Interior is pristine, though as of right now, the project is on hold. It might be in need of an an engine swap out. The engine block might be cracked. I might have to go hunting for a donor truck, or maybe have a 4g63t dropped in. But I'm gonna take a closer look tomorow, to make sure if it is truly in need.

[MACman95]

Any other possible swap ideas?

[noahwins]

Ford 5.0, the Fiddy. Fits nicely. No joke.

Since it's a Dodge, maybe keep it Mopar. Or Cummins.

Nice OEM wheels, they're hard to find.

[camoit]

Chevy or Ford V6 with a manual trany. Not to heavy and will burn the tires off it.

[pennyman1]

new mopar pentastar 3.5 v6 with 8spd auto - if it gets 25 mpg in a 5000lb fullsize, what would it get in a 2500 lb ram 50? And 300 hp to boot.

[recian]

I've seen alot of guys do the 360 swap. I think there was a debate on the cummins in this truck because that's what I intended to do but some guys who've done swaps said the front end won't hold it. If you want V6 go with a VR4 swap since these trucks came with V6 so there's parts to make a twin turbo 3.0L V6 work in the truck :D It'll be a direct bolt in with turbos. Personally I wana put a built 318 in my 94 but my dad may be buying a 67 donor car with a built 360 and auto trans soon so I could take that ;)