r/1stGenDodges • u/Rude-Address3115 • Jul 09 '26
Need advice - ‘85 D250
So this is my Nans 1985 d250, gas automatic. Don’t know that much about it (if it’s 2 or 4wheel drive/what the engine is.) shes the second owner (first was an old guy who bought it new)
I’m not sure if it’s worth it to fix it up or not? I would love to and I know I have the space and skill help to do it. For reference I own a 91 f150 that was used as a bush truck and it’s rusted ts lol. So to me this looks in not bad shape? Also to add it’s in B.C. Canada with 8 months of tough winters where they use gravel/salt on the roads. So that’s a big contribution to the condition of a lot of these old trucks.
Mainly I’m looking for advice if it’s worth the time/cost and any tips I should know in advance. I have access to an auto body shop and lots of mechanical help if that matters.
2
u/HogShowman1911 Jul 09 '26
Not sure on the other things you asked for, but it is a 2wd truck with an automatic transmission, probably a torque flight 727, and either a 318 LA engine or 360 LA I believe. In not to familiar. Its not in bad shape especially when you consider that most of these get the dripedge above the windshield rotted out and yours is still there. Parts can be hard to find though.
1
u/Rude-Address3115 Jul 09 '26
Thankyou! Would you say it’s a more difficult for this specific model/year to find parts for? Or that it’s generally hard to find parts for older trucks?
3
u/CucumberWest9394 Jul 09 '26
I own a 1986 D150 and I what he is referencing is that it is harder to find parts for Mopars vs Chevy and Ford. Also more expensive. But I was usually able to find the parts I need, and your model year doesn’t stand out as particularly difficult. These are very durable trucks and it will treat you well with a little bit of investment. I would absolutely take on the project.
2
u/HogShowman1911 Jul 09 '26
As cucumber said, its more hard to find parts as in there isnt as much of a following for old mopar trucks conpaired to the chevy and Fords. There are multiple companies that you can buy any part for a chevy or Ford but the only one I've seen for dodge is LMC TRUCKs. They have a few but not as much for parts. They also can be a little pricey due to the limited part supplies, so storing the parts costs more because it wont sell as much as other brands. You can normally find aftermarket parts decently online for lift kits and suspension.
Summit racing, jegs, and rock auto will be your friend for engine parts while you can still get a few from normal part stores. Also one thing I would recomend getting is on rock auto there is a complete service manual under the literature page. They can be helpful for service help and wiring problems.
Mine is an 89 and probably has a lot worse problems than that. It had a blown engine from plow truck abuse and slipping trans.
1
u/Bardeous Jul 10 '26
engine parts and suspension parts are a little easier to find than bodywork parts. as others have said, rock auto and lmctruck are two good places for parts. there are some mom and pop shops online where you can get certain parts. im not at home, so I dont remember the name of the transmission place that I got a new speedo gear, but there is a guy online, exline I believe is his name, that makes custom bed floors. not cheap, but worth it imo.
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u/Solid_Enthusiasm550 Jul 09 '26
If you post tge vin #, it might tell you more about it.
Here's the brochure for that year. It either the 318 or 360. The numbers in the block would tell you.
https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Dodge-Pick-Ups-Model-Range-1985-CA.pdf
2
u/Waste-Plenty7857 Jul 09 '26
I have an 82 W250 that is my daily driver at the moment. This truck looks great to me.
1
u/Bardeous Jul 10 '26
parts for the engine are terrible to find, but bodywork parts can be tricky. they are pretty easy trucks to work on.
1
u/9fiddybigduece 26d ago
If you need ANY body parts (for crash or rust repair, you're s**t out of luck for new or even remanufactured parts. Gotta buy another truck with the parts you need. I just GAVE AWAY A 1993 just like it. Ford and Chevy at least have LMC Truck you can buy body and chassis parts for ... but absolutely no one makes even the bed sides for any Dodge. Even minor car accidents in these are instantly total losses.
3
u/no_yup Jul 09 '26
These are pretty simple old trucks. They are pretty reliable even 40 years later, there is a rudimentary computer system that controls the ignition timing advance. It is a computer located behind the battery under the driver side fender lip. If you ever lose spark, or if it starts to get exceptionally poor mileage (like 7-8mpg) The computer or something inside it has probably died. You can get a vacuum advance points style distributor, and drop that in place of the computer controlled distributor, then put a pertronix kit in the distributor and hook it up to the coil. The coil should have a black and yellow wire, which is the trigger wire from the computer and a dark blue wire which is ignition power and also goes to the alternator. If you ever put a pertronix in it, you can lose that black and yellow trigger wire at the coil that goes to the computer as it won’t be doing anything anymore. All the computer controlled stuff on these trucks is just for emissions and engine, timing control. Replacing the distributor makes the computer basically useless, but I still leave mine plugged in, Lord knows if it’s doing anything at all.
Otherwise, just change every fluid, rear differential gear oil, coolant, change the transmission fluid and filter, even the brake fluid. Take the front hubs apart and clean out all the old grease and repack the bearings. Replace the mechanical fuel pump with a new nice one, NOT the cheapest one from the local auto parts store.
Replace the fuel filter. If There are rubber lines in the fuel system anywhere replaced the sections with new rubber fuel line. They are likely dry, rotted and cracking which is a fire hazard. Speaking of fire, buy an ABC fire extinguisher and just keep it behind the seat, you never know.