Vehicle Description
Here at Canyon State Classics we sell the coolest cars on the road
seven days a week. But it's been a while since we've seen something
with this combination of uniqueness and fun factor roll through the
doors. This one owner 1988 Dodge Ramcharger is a tough, reliable
and solid truck that, with low miles on its odometer, its rare to
see one this stock and unmolested.
Based on the short version of the Dodge Ram platform, the
Ramcharger was essentially a regular cab truck with an extended
roof, an extra seat and a covered cargo area. It proved extremely
useful to people who needed the towing and all terrain capability
of the Ram in a vehicle that could haul a lot more people or stuff.
Owned and maintained by one person throughout its 23 year
existence, this Ramcharger is in exceptional shape and recently
received a high quality body on repaint in its original Garnet
Pearl red. There isn't a dent or crease anywhere to be found on its
Rhino inspired body; and the deep red paint has a great looking
finish that rivals the mirror-like appearance of much more
expensive eye candy here in our showroom.
At the front of the truck, a familiar silver Dodge grille that
evolved from 60s era Mopars is surrounded by straight original
stainless trim and bordered by bright square headlights and marker
lights. Below the grille, the trucks original front bumper shines
well despite some mild patina that has accrued over its 23 years of
existence. Above the grille, a nice looking satin finished "Dodge"
emblem that still resembles the font used by the division today
sits below an awesome highly detailed Ram hood ornament that
perfectly personifies this capable trucks spirit. On the profile of
this Ramcharger, square sculpted red panels feature simple lines
highlighted by chrome factory door handles and well-maintained
chrome single arm factory mirrors that were designed to reduce
damage to the trucks door sheetmetal in the event that they are
knocked off. On the front fenders, the trucks original "Ramcharger"
emblems feature charging chrome rams and correct "150" inlays. At
the top of the truck, you'll find a rear mounted roof vent, glass
that presents as new and more spotless original stainless trim. Out
back, a fiberglass rear lift gate is surrounded by a well thought
out body color drip molding and features bold silver "Dodge Ram"
lettering. Below the lift gate a second original chrome bumper
presents well despite mild weathering, and at either side of the
lift gate, vertically oriented tail lights look good enough to be
showroom fresh.
Pop the hood on this tall truck and you'll find an original
Chrysler 360ci V8 that looks good and runs great. It's not a
grossly overpowered mill, but rest assured, this stalwart Chrysler
engine has enough torque to get this monster 4x4 out of any tight
situation or tow just about any toy you can imagine. At the top of
the motor, the trucks original black air cleaner feeds an original
4 barrel carburetor. Below that carburetor, original black valve
covers still display correct factory stickers and sit above the
trucks original cast iron exhaust manifolds. Behind the carburetor,
a correct points distributor has its original factory tag and sends
power from a factory electronic ignition to black Mopar electronic
suppression wires. In front of the motor, the alternator, power
steering pump is new as well as the power steering box and New A/C
compressor are all turned by good looking new drive belts; and a
correct radiator sends and receives water through good looking
hoses. Clean, reliable and the epitome of 'easy to work on' this
clean engine bay is complete from the trucks original hood
insulation all the way to its black oil pan. This truck just had a
full front to back service and many leaking oil seals fixed. Rear
diff and transmission also serviced. The truck runs great and
easily passes emissions tests with new egr system and new cat
converter.
Built on the solid Ram truck frame, this old school SUV features
part time four wheel drive and enough ground clearance to ford most
creeks without a problem. The trucks original 4 speed automatic
transmission sends power to a new for 1988 NP-241 transfer case and
Dana 44 front and 9.25 rear axles. Power steering is a welcome
addition when you're driving a truck with tries this big and power
brakes that consist of discs up front and drums in the rear bring
the mass to a quick stop. The trucks suspension is a rugged solid
axle and leaf spring set up at both the front and back and it has
been equipped with a factory optioned skid plate to protect the
transmission when encountering boulders or stumps. The bottom of
this truck looks just as you would expect a 23 year old truck to
look featuring all factory hardware such as a 24 gallon fuel tank,
factory exhaust and factory shocks; and proves that while this
truck is exceptionally nice, it's not something that you should be
afraid to get dirty. At the corners, 15 inch Ram chrome wheels are
equipped with chrome center caps, chrome lug nuts and gnarly BF
Goodrich AT tires. Included with the sale is the trucks original 15
inch steel wheels that are complete with the trucks original satin
finished wheel covers.
Inside this Ramcharger you'll find a spacious and comfortable
environment with enough room to be the vehicle of choice for family
vacations. The front buckets and rear bench still feel firm to the
touch and are wrapped in nice red and white tweed seat covers that
show little to no wear. Red carpet runs from under the dash to a
pristine stainless trim piece at the foot of the rear bench seat
and shows no staining or thinning anywhere. In front of the driver,
a square dash wears a warp free red dash pad, contains a locking
glove box and is decorated with wood applique that doesn't display
the usual fading of 80s model wood trimmed dashes. In the left side
of the dash a speedometer is flanked by gauges for the cars vitals,
and in the center of the dash a lighted message center displays
warning lights and details about the four wheel drive system above
the trucks AM/FM radio and controls for the heat and air
conditioning. At the sides of the seats, red molded plastic door
panels house chrome handles for the cars doors and power windows,
and above the seats the original red headliner is stretched tight
across the roof. Connecting the driver to the road is a black
steering wheel with a Chrysler pentastar logo, a black shifter for
the 4-speed transmission and a chrome shifter for the four wheel
drive system. Behind the rear seat a bright and airy cargo area
carries a matching spare tire.
Documentation included with this sale is the trucks original
owner's manual, original warranty booklets, original accessory
booklets and two sets of keys as well as the original California
plates and original selling dealer Cerritos Dodge plate frame.
This 1988 Dodge Ramcharger is a very cool old SUV that's still
every bit as functional today as it was in when it rolled off the
assembly line. And with low miles on the odometer, it's an
extremely rare truck that you wont get many opportunities to buy
again. Whether you're taking it to a cool Friday night cruise in or
taking it on a quick Saturday morning run to Home Depot, it's
guaranteed attract fans and will likely be the only one of its
kind. Call Jon today at 480-703-2337!
