Hey guys,i'm new here and i've been checking out the forum and there is alot of great info here.i got a 84 d-150 that i bought for 800 last nov.can someone tell me where to find performance parts and things like roll pans lowering kits and things like that?i also have a problem with the front brakes locking up and there seems to be an oil leak too,looks like it is coming from passenger side valve cover.is this stuff common problems?is there much problems with these trucks?mine has the 318 and auto trans in it.i am wanting to really get it road worthy and fixed up to look good also.i haven't really messed with it much but it does fire right up and it seems to be in good condition except for the minor problems.
swami2806
05-04-2006, 04:31 PM
Welcome! As far as performance parts are concerned, check out the sponsor links. The 318 is a great motor. The problems you have are minor, but hey, it's 20 years old! Brake problems in ine form or another have always been an issue for Dodge, but that can be corrected.
--I'd also recommend a tranny service. People tend to neglect trannys. Get the fluid changed, a new filter and get the bands adjusted while they're in there.
--Also pull the cover off the rear differential and wipe out any metal/gunk in there and put in fresh fluid.
--Get the colling system, including the heater core backflushed and pressure tested. Bring it to a garage that has equipment or radiator shop. Don't use that do it yourself radiator flush.
--Inspect u-joints.
These things are relatively cheap and will save a lot of problems/money down the road. Change engine oil regularly and it'll go "forever." And click on my 318 enthusist club link in my sig. and join the club.
farmguy
05-06-2006, 09:04 PM
Welcome to the forum..(I`m a recent new member myself),,,,,there`s a wealth of information here, and the good folks share lots of tips and fixes.....My advice for you, is to get a factory shop manual, (service manual), they are available thru the net, HELM is one company that comes to mind....
It will be worth its weight in gold, as you proceed on your truck. I`ve got 5 vehicles, (3cars, 2 trks) and have shop manuals for all of em.(the oldest car being a `68)...With 35 yrs in the auto repair business, I still refer back to the manual on occasion.......good luck with your project...........Larry
Moparfreak1980
05-06-2006, 10:39 PM
84 318 you should start with around 170 hp probably hooked to a 727 and 323 rear gears but only a 4.5 x 5 bolt patern
lionfood
05-07-2006, 02:32 PM
hey farm guy thanks for the info and i bought one of those books from advance auto,is that good enough or do i need to look for a dodge shop manual?
moparfreak,is there something wrong with 4.5x5 pattern?i guess once i get my peoblems fixed i'll do a tune up then work on headers and exhaust and replace that old 2 barrel carb.that shoud bring me some more hp.any other ideas?
farmguy
05-07-2006, 08:30 PM
Lion food,,,,there nothing like the original factory shop manual.....Those little manuals from the auto parts stores are ok,,,but if ya want details, and all the information you will ever need, get a regular shop manual.......
Moparfreak1980
05-07-2006, 09:10 PM
nothing wrong with the 4.5x5 just thought i'd let you know if you wanted to change the rims it's smaller then 85 and later which is 5.5x5 which will interchange with some of the newer rams
may i suggest some heads from a 5.2L magnum they may have changed more then just the head design but the 5.2L magnum rated at 230hp as apposed to the 170 from the 80's 318
lionfood
05-08-2006, 06:06 AM
thanks for the info.also i got a question about the rear gears.is there any way to tell what size they are without opening up the housing to see?and if i want to go up what is a good gear set to get?are the 5.2 magnum heads a direct replacement to what i already got?there are so many choices to do on this truck.i got a 93 mitsubishi diamante car too,but there aren't too many things i can do with it,very very limited on aftermarket parts.i really need to just use the truck for hauling but i want to do some stuff to fix it up too.
Dodgevanman
05-08-2006, 07:01 AM
If you want to go with Magnum heads you'll need to change lifters, pushrods, and rockers too I believe. Magnum heads are oiled up through the pushrods whereas pre-Magnum heads are not. You'll need to change to a Magnum style intake manifold as well.
Try www.summitracing.com for performance parts if you can't find anything with our sponsors.
Speed Dragon
05-14-2006, 11:53 AM
I wouldn't go any higher than 3.55 gears if you drive it much. However if you are just playing with the truck, some 3.73's would work good.
may i suggest some heads from a 5.2L magnum they may have changed more then just the head design but the 5.2L magnum rated at 230hp as apposed to the 170 from the 80's 318
They are also roller cammed, MPFI'd and don't have as much EGR crap on them. Or rather the EGR set-up is more efficient. The old, original red LA 318's w/ a 2bbl made 210hp back in the day, like '67. Although that was at the flywheel w/ no accessories mounted. So they were probably like 200 hp net at the flywheel w/ accessories.
IMO you should find some 87-91 swirl port heads, get a Edelbrock or Weiand intake and a small 4bbl, put headers and duals on it and scrap the EGR system. Set the timing to 12^, put a set of Accel SuperStock 8mm plug wires on it w/ a new cap and rotor. That should net you a decent power increase.
lionfood
05-18-2006, 03:11 PM
cool i want to get it hooked up,sounds like it might be possible to get this truck running good,thanks for all the help!
