1970FuryConv
Old Man with a Hat
I want to thank everyone who tried to help me with my 1990 W150 pickup. Over the last 3 years, the TBI truck had developed many wiring problems as a well as other electrical malfunctions. I considered trying to fabricate a wiring harness that would take the computer out of the picture and render it carbureted, but I needed a dependable truck now. My truck is my main transportation. It cannot be a project. So I sold the 1990 W150 to a mechanic who collects the box-shape Rams for $2000.
The question became: what to buy? I wanted something much newer than 32 years old. I wanted a truck with a 5.7 L hemi. It had to have an 8 foot bed. I occasionally carry 4 x 8 plywood or a load of gravel, and 6-foot beds or 5-foot beds don’t do the job. I was surprised to find out how difficult it is to buy a newer truck with an 8 foot bed, especially standard cab. The model of the Ram that has an 8 foot bed is called Tradesman. Most of the few that I found had rough commercial owner Carfax history, including damage from snow plowing. In low mileage personal owner vehicles with good Carfax history, I found one 2018 Ram 1500 for sale in Virginia and one 2017 in West Virginia. The Virginia truck was less well optioned and 2 hours away. The West Virginia truck was better optioned, with 61827 miles plus really cool factory upgraded rims, step bars, ZF 8HP 8-speed transmission, 3.92 axles, four-wheel-drive, factory class III hitch, factory electric tow controls for brakes on the dash, tonneau cover. The West Virginia dealership, CMA Chrysler, had so little interest in the truck that they were using it for a loaner. They took my bid of $24,500 without a counter offer. Go figure. I bought the 2017 Ram 1500 for $26,131.04 including Virginia state taxes, title and registration fees. With that, Ram welcomed me to the 21st century.
Not sure if I like the rake in the stance. Can be corrected with taller front struts and realignment of wheels.
With the tonneau cover the tailgate has an electric lock. Who knew? I'm used to being glad when it shuts and latches.
Seats with no holes
Dash pad and panel are nice
Steering wheel controls are used to change the display at the center of the instrument cluster.
The question became: what to buy? I wanted something much newer than 32 years old. I wanted a truck with a 5.7 L hemi. It had to have an 8 foot bed. I occasionally carry 4 x 8 plywood or a load of gravel, and 6-foot beds or 5-foot beds don’t do the job. I was surprised to find out how difficult it is to buy a newer truck with an 8 foot bed, especially standard cab. The model of the Ram that has an 8 foot bed is called Tradesman. Most of the few that I found had rough commercial owner Carfax history, including damage from snow plowing. In low mileage personal owner vehicles with good Carfax history, I found one 2018 Ram 1500 for sale in Virginia and one 2017 in West Virginia. The Virginia truck was less well optioned and 2 hours away. The West Virginia truck was better optioned, with 61827 miles plus really cool factory upgraded rims, step bars, ZF 8HP 8-speed transmission, 3.92 axles, four-wheel-drive, factory class III hitch, factory electric tow controls for brakes on the dash, tonneau cover. The West Virginia dealership, CMA Chrysler, had so little interest in the truck that they were using it for a loaner. They took my bid of $24,500 without a counter offer. Go figure. I bought the 2017 Ram 1500 for $26,131.04 including Virginia state taxes, title and registration fees. With that, Ram welcomed me to the 21st century.
Not sure if I like the rake in the stance. Can be corrected with taller front struts and realignment of wheels.
With the tonneau cover the tailgate has an electric lock. Who knew? I'm used to being glad when it shuts and latches.
Seats with no holes
Dash pad and panel are nice
Steering wheel controls are used to change the display at the center of the instrument cluster.
