Getting my '86 Ramcharger back!

[NYH1]

I'm getting my '86 Ramcharger back from my uncle.   He wrecked the passenger side.   I don't know if it can repaired or just used for parts.   Either way I'm getting it.   The drive train is in very good working order and should make really good cores for rebuilding.

It has a 360 4 bbl, NP435 4 speed manual tranny, 208 t-case, Dana 44 front diff and 9 1/4 read diff w/ 3:21 gears.

Future plans include either repairing the body on this one or find another Ramcharger or Trailduster (worst case, a short box 1/2 4x4) that needs engine, tranny ect. work.

I want to build a 408 stroker out of the 360 with 9.0 to 9.5:1 compression, a small hydraulic cam that makes a ton of low end torque, Performer intake with a 600 to 650 CFM carb, full length headers, 2 1/4 full length dual exhaust.   Use the NP435 with a good clutch and pressure plate set up.   Use the 208 t-case.   Run Detroit Lockers (or another good LSD type) in both the front (w/ lock out hubs) and rear diffs.   I want to run 4:10 gears.

I'd like to go with 33x10.5-15 tires and the minimum suspension lift required for this size tire.   We'll drive this on the road mostly with some off roading, nothing to serious.   Will the Dana 44 and 9 1/4 diffs work with a set up like this?

[gp911]

The Dana 44 and Chrysler 9-1/4" will handle 33s just fine. It sounds like a well-designed build to me, good combination of parts. You might consider a different intake as the regular Performer has 318-sized ports if I remember correctly. Maybe a Weiand Action-Plus+, Performer RPM, or Weiand Stealth (check hood clearance, but should be okay). It's nice to see somebody building a strong torquey motor and remembering to add lower gears to make up for the taller tires. There are some Mopar-specific cam grinds designed to take advantage of their larger lifter diameter (as compared to Chevy) so you might consider one of those. They tend to have lift numbers that seem high compared to the duration, but they do make great power throughout the rpm range specified. For the mild build you're looking at there are plenty of options though, even the older grinds will do quite well with your combination.

I had a '68 D200 with an NP435, great transmission.

gp911

[Lloyd Smale]

dad used to have one of those that came with a 440 right from the factory. Quite a brute in its day.

[NYH1]

This project isn't going to happen now that I bought the Camaro.   I can only do one project at a time.