I've arranged to have an inspection on a 1976 D300 Flatbed auto 4x2. Here's what I know about it...it's got the 440, the 727 torqueflight and a Dana 70 (?) rear end. I'll be using it as a bee hauler--yep I'm a beekeeper--and for some other infrequent hauling.
I'd like to know as much as possible about this model. Unless something major is wrong with it, I'm pretty sold on her and look forward to having her a long time.
How much weight do you think the rear end could handle? What kind of mileage might I expect from her?
I'd also be interested in propane conversion, though I know nothing at all about it.
acton mike
07-30-2007, 08:15 PM
from my limited knowledge about propane, I should stay away from it
Propane conversions and factory installations were popular not too many years ago but they faded from popularity pretty quickly
among light and medium truck operators, I belive the availability of good quality diesel power is what brought on the loss of interest in propane
I would submit that keeping your gasoline burner in good tune and keeping a reasonably light foot on the accelerator would be a better way togo than a propane conversions
michelleb
07-30-2007, 11:37 PM
Thanks for the reply, Mike, as well as the input on propane.
Speed Dragon
07-30-2007, 11:37 PM
Propane works fine if properly jetted and safely installed. Definitely needs to be setup by someone knowledgeable about that kind of conversion. If you have propane readily/cheaply available, wouldn't be a bad way to go. Not sure that the mileage will be a whole lot better, but it burns much cleaner, which might be a concern to you as a beekeeper?
Also, one of the first thing you need to do when you get it is do a search on here for common electrical problems w/ these trucks and check to see if you have any of them, and fix them right away. Mechanically you won't find a much tougher truck that a 300-series Dodge. Keep the electrical system in good working order and that truck will last forever.
buck99
07-31-2007, 09:11 AM
Dodge engines stand up much better on propane than some other leading brands due to hardened valve seats but the fuel mileage goes down some.
DiverDwnPowrRam
07-31-2007, 09:42 AM
I agree with Buck on the what he says about dodge using more but I thought that was because of some kit for the 1945 Holley that could be converted easily..anyway i have seen many early 80s Ram vans that had this...after 1978 all engines had hardened valve seats due to unleaded gas.
NeDodgeguy
07-31-2007, 01:53 PM
Propane will lower your mileage.
Although a 440/Auto D300 isn't going to get much anyways... Rear end probably has what 4.11 or 4.56 gears?
michelleb
07-31-2007, 04:40 PM
Thanks for the responses, fellas.
I don't know about the gears on the back end. It's going in for an inspection tomorrow morning, so I'll see what the mechanic says.
As for propane, any conversion will be a while down the road, if at all, so I'm mostly interested in thoughts on the truck model overall. If I DO go propane, it would be because I'll be getting a bulk tank at my rural property...so this might help keep costs down. Way cheaper to fill up a large tank than it is to fill smaller ones.
Thanks for the tips on the electric system. The seller said it's in great shape, so we'll see.
I'm really hoping that this truck gets a decent bill of health--I'm getting pretty excited about it.
Mileage is going to suck no matter what, I'm sure...anybody have any thoughts on what to expect, unladen/highway, in mpg? I'm not a leadfoot (anymore) and I expect to keep this beastie in top shape.
Again, thanks for all the replies.
DiverDwnPowrRam
07-31-2007, 07:08 PM
10-14 might be a good start 17 maybe for your year and well tuned....
Speed Dragon
07-31-2007, 09:55 PM
440 4bbl w/ probably 4.10 gears, probably won't get no better than 12 max I bet. I'd expect 8-10 mpg. Hey, if it's better at least you'll be pleasantly surprised lol
michelleb
08-01-2007, 12:49 PM
OK, looks like the ball joints need replacing. They're not TOO bad, but that's not something I want to put off for long. From what I've read on the 'net, that's probably to be expected for a truck this age. Anybody have experience fixing these themselves? (Found a couple how-to's online) and how hard is it to find the parts?
And by the way...I'm getting the truck. I'd post pics but I guess I'm not allowed...too new!
Speed Dragon
08-01-2007, 07:41 PM
You need 6 posts to post pics. Balljoints aren't too bad to do w/ the right tools.
buck99
08-02-2007, 09:15 AM
My 440 truck only gets 10 MPG with 3.55 gears, and thats imperial gallons too. :(
Maybe I use the gas pedal a little to hard.:dunno:
michelleb
08-02-2007, 05:28 PM
Brought her home today, with a nice 50-mile "getting to know you" drive. Pretty pleased with her--wow, that's some serious power.
Funny thing is, my speedometer read 70 for a while, but my friend tailing me in her Dakota swears I never made it past 60. (I felt like I was going 100).
michelleb
08-02-2007, 05:41 PM
One more question: The plate on which the battery rests is gone. Do I need to special order one (where?) or can I find something pretty much anywhere? Any tips on size?
Thanks.
Speed Dragon
08-03-2007, 07:46 PM
You can find that battery tray most anywhere. Just find a truck in the junkyard, it's the same for all the 72-93 trucks.
Sounds like either the tire size or gear ratio was changed w/o changing the speedo gear, or the trans got changed and the speedo gear wasn't changed over.
michelleb
08-04-2007, 03:04 PM
Thanks!
Yeah, I contacted a local junkyard that specializes in older Dodges. They want $35 for it. Hmmm. I think maybe I can do better than that.
DiverDwnPowrRam
08-05-2007, 06:11 AM
he he he i always think your name is michelob but anyway ya the reason it is 35 is because you went to a j yard that specializes in dodge...go to another and pull it yourself...there is a hidden bolt that goes through the radiator support (behind the grill) so do not get frustrated when the other two come off easy and you do not see the third. GL Michelob...he he he
bherder
08-05-2007, 08:09 AM
Brought her home today, with a nice 50-mile "getting to know you" drive. Pretty pleased with her--wow, that's some serious power.
Funny thing is, my speedometer read 70 for a while, but my friend tailing me in her Dakota swears I never made it past 60. (I felt like I was going 100).
Eh, if nothing else, you'll never get pulled over for speeding.. ;) You'll always be going slower than what you think you are :D
bherder
08-05-2007, 08:20 AM
he he he i always think your name is michelob but anyway ya the reason it is 35 is because you went to a j yard that specializes in dodge...go to another and pull it yourself...there is a hidden bolt that goes through the radiator support (behind the grill) so do not get frustrated when the other two come off easy and you do not see the third. GL Michelob...he he he
+1 on that ... If you go to a 'pull-your-own-parts' boneyard, you can probably get one for $5.00 ......
