How far would my stock 81 ramcharger make it?

[81Ramchargerman]

I was just wondering how you guys think a stock 81 ramcharger would do in moab? I would like to go down there this fall and hope to have at least 35's and a five inch lift by then, as well as lockers f&r (cross my fingers). Probably to the first rock.

 

[MattL]

Is this your first time 4 wheelng?
Will you be going with experienced people or by your self?
How reliable is the vehicle... will it make it to moab?

What is the intention of this vehicle? i had a doge once and they are expensive to put after market stuff on unless you can fab.

what rear end? chrysler 9 1/4?


Depending on some of the first questions i will then take your poll..

 

[mbryson]

I've wheeled a lot with a guy with a '89 RamCharger. It's a pretty decent rig, but HEAVY!!!!...... Take some spare shafts for the front as most of my D44 experience is on that Dodge.

He's running 36" (I think he's up to 38" Toyos) PJ's with 4.56 gears, 9.25 (lock-rite)/D44 (ARB) on a 6" lift.......Does almost any trail I've done in my XJ. It's ran Pritchett, but it's pretty much guarantees at least one axle broken in the front (thing is HEAVY). For most anything else, he's in pretty good shape. Did I mention that it's HEAVY?

{Cody might remember that second picture}

 

[Tacoma]

I think it will get you there at least. Install towhooks at least. heheh

 

[XJEEPER]

I've wheeled a lot with a guy with a '89 RamCharger. It's a pretty decent rig, but HEAVY!!!!...... Take some spare shafts for the front as most of my D44 experience is on that Dodge.

He's running 36" (I think he's up to 38" Toyos) PJ's with 4.56 gears, 9.25 (lock-rite)/D44 (ARB) on a 6" lift.......Does almost any trail I've done in my XJ. It's ran Pritchett, but it's pretty much guarantees at least one axle broken in the front (thing is HEAVY). For most anything else, he's in pretty good shape. Did I mention that it's HEAVY?

{Cody might remember that second picture}

Ya, Rick broke a 9.25 shaft last October IIRC, I think it was the blingin' rims that did it.........

 

[mbryson]

Ya, Rick broke a 9.25 shaft last October IIRC, I think it was the blingin' rims that did it.........

....and they made it lighter..... (actually it was something else due to maintenance )

 

[81Ramchargerman]

No, it's definately not my first experience wheelin me and my buddies go out all the time, however not in this rig yet. Most of our wheelin is in the mud in the backcountry, not on rocks. I would be really worried about the goofy brackets that hang the rear shocks. I am by no means unexperienced, except for in this rig, and on the big rocks.

 

[mbryson]

......... I would be really worried about the goofy brackets that hang the rear shocks.........

Something you should change......pretty easy to do

 

[81Ramchargerman]

I plan to run a 5" lift and 35" tires. All with the stock gears, i think it has that rear end? All i know is that it has the lowest gearing i've seen in a stock vehicle. In four low, granny gear the top speed is about 5-7 mph at 3500 rpms.

 

[81Ramchargerman]

yeah, it would make the bigger tires about useless with 3" of metal hanging from the rear axle housing wouldn't it? Would that cause a conflict if i moved those to the top of the axle? (as far as the shocks themselves)

 

[81Ramchargerman]

by the way, as far as weight, do you think that the 318 that's in it will help alot? I love 318's they are almost bulletproof, and they are a dime a dozen. What is tho most economical way to go with a locker and still be able to drive it on the street? It has to stay a daily driver!

 

[MattL]

by the way, as far as weight, do you think that the 318 that's in it will help alot? I love 318's they are almost bulletproof, and they are a dime a dozen. What is tho most economical way to go with a locker and still be able to drive it on the street? It has to stay a daily driver!

economical...find a welder and weld th rear end.
make sure you do what was suggested previously and put tow hooks. When i had mine.. that is one thing i lacked and well paid dearly because of it.

 

[81Ramchargerman]

I Plan On Getting Bumbers Frop Cbi Offroad Fab W/ Tow Hooks. I Said Streetable. I Dont Want To Weld The Rear End.

 

[Tacoma]

come on, welded is plenty streetable!

 

[tv_larsen]

RC's do great in Moab. A rear locker would be a must if your articulation is limited, but not required. The rear lower shock mount would rarely be an issue on most trails. If you're new to Moab, I recommend getting the Moab trail guide book, wheeling with others that have been there, and stick to 3 or 3.5 trails at first to get the feel.

A few RC's running trails:
http://www.geocities.com/tv_larsen/offroad7.html
http://www.geocities.com/tv_larsen/offroad10.html

 

[yellowbronco]

There's plenty to do in Moab stock, just do it!!

 

[morty]

Tough guys run with the weld rear diff. are a tough guy.

 

[Meat_]

RC's do great in Moab. A rear locker would be a must if your articulation is limited, but not required. The rear lower shock mount would rarely be an issue on most trails. If you're new to Moab, I recommend getting the Moab trail guide book, wheeling with others that have been there, and stick to 3 or 3.5 trails at first to get the feel.

A few RC's running trails:
http://www.geocities.com/tv_larsen/offroad7.html
http://www.geocities.com/tv_larsen/offroad10.html

This you?

In a Cummins?

 

[tv_larsen]

This you?

In a Cummins?

No, that's a friend of mine in his '02 Cummins HO, 6 speed, with 3" lift, and 37" MTR's on the Escalator. He only got some minor damage on the right rear bed side and tail light lens.

 

[81Ramchargerman]

There's plenty to do in Moab stock, just do it!!

I talked to a buddy of mine last night who went there this fall and that's what he told me to. He also said that it's possible to do trails like cliffhanger stock, they took 4 stock toyotas up that trail in october. If all else fails I'll be down there this fall in a primer gray, stock ramcharger, stickin to the trails in the park I guess.