1989 Dodge Ram Short Bed Pick-up Truck
1989 Dodge Ram 1500 D- 150
We bought this truck from our neighbor in June of 2022. It was first inspected in July of 2022 by Duckworth Tires in Metairie, Louisiana. Received complete inspection and assessment of the mechanical condition of the truck as it has mostly sat in an indoor parking garage.
Engine and cylinders were soaked with KREEN internal engine cleaner for 7 days, then drained and filled with the correct motor oil and new filter.
A compression test on all 8 cylinders indicated optimal compression. On starting, the engine ran beautifully once tuned up with new ignition system (spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor). Exhaust smoke ceased immediately, as did the spark plug-fouling issue.
Truck was then picked up and driven thoroughly to ensure that the engine was solid. Over the next few months, we addressed problems on a "most important issues first" process.
In September of 2022 brake system was completely overhauled which included replacement of the brake power booster, master cylinder, brake hoses, calipers, brake pads, and brake rotors, inner and outer wheel bearings, grease seals, wheel studs as required, rear wheel cylinders, rear brake self-adjuster kits, new rear shoes and brake drums, new front bearing caps, new lug nuts, and new spindle nuts.
The steel brake lines were replaced as needed, along with associated fittings and couplers. The system was filled, flushed and bled with full synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid and test driven to ensure that the braking system was optimal.
Additionally, the drive shaft and U joints were replaced, along with the transmission mount, transmission tail shaft seal and transmission shifter shaft seal.
The differential was thoroughly flushed and new differential fluid added.
The engine cooling system was addressed, replacing the radiator, radiator cap, cooling system hoses, heater hoses, heater control valve, water pump, fan clutch, engine thermostat and seal, flushed the cooling system thoroughly. The system was filled with quality engine coolant and completely "burped" to ensure no air pockets.
In October of 2022 the suspension system was completely rebuilt which included replacing the power steering system (pump, steering gear box, hoses), the upper and lower control arms were rebuilt with new ball joints and bushings, steering linkage, all shock absorbers, front coil springs, front radius rod bushings, and the rear leaf springs re-arched (replaced spring bushings and shackles).
At this same time, a new set of Cooper tires was installed on the vehicle, new valve stems, and they were balanced. The front end was aligned to manufacturer's specification.
The last major aspect of repair addressed was the air conditioning system.
The refrigerant lines were re- furbished/replaced, and the freon dryer and expansion block was replaced, and the entire system was flushed and cleaned- including complete removal of the compressor in order to drain the oil out completely.
The evaporator core was examined, and found to be copper and in perfect condition.
The system was evacuated and after holding vacuum for an hour the system was recharged with R 134 freon, and the compressor gauges showed optimal high and low pressure readings. (The truck was originally designed for R12 freon, which is no longer available).
After draining and flush process (and oil draining from compressor) PAG synthetic oil which is compatible with R 134 was used in the compressor system. The system performs as well with R134 as well as it would have with R12.
In addition to all of the above, numerous other small issues were addressed, such as the wiper and washer system, all vehicle lighting, mirror repair, headlamp adjusters, tail lamp assemblies, rear window latch, etc.
The material condition of this truck is excellent. The body shows no signs of rust, and the same is true of the frame.
In aligning the front end, there was no evidence of frame damage, or frame twist/bend.
The wiring and electrical connectors are in excellent condition, and mostly original.
The interior dash, instruments and seating are all original and are in very good condition.
The truck drives as it should, and it will please any owner.
All parts replaced were sourced from known high quality suppliers, primarily NAPA (shop is a designated NAPA Master Installer shop). All mechanical work was performed at Duckworth Tires at 1009 Metairie Road, Metairie, Louisiana 70005.
All necessary machine shop work was performed by D&S Machine and Auto Supply, a trusted business partner.
Other than D&S Machine, nothing was subbed out to other shops.
- Make: Dodge
- Model: Ram 1500
- Type: Standard Cab Pickup
- Trim: D- 150
- Doors: 2
- Year: 1989
- Mileage: 50440
- VIN: 1B7FE16Y5KS041973
- Color: Gray
- Engine size: V-8
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Drive type: 2WD
- Interior color: Burgundy
- Drive side: Left-Hand Drive
- Safety options: Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!