About This Pickup
A true survivor. I call it my old man truck. I bought this 1988 Dodge Ram W250 in April
2018 and have been tinkering on it ever since. It's a true daily driver that I use for both work and recreation.
I like it because it's straight, complete, rust-free, and drives like a more modern truck. Power windows, power
steering, power door locks, cold AC, auto-locking hubs, and remains unmolested. Original bench seat is in
awesome shape. The seat cover has not been removed in 10+ years.
The original Quadrajet powered 360 cu in / 5.9L V8 runs great and the 727 transmission shifts like a dream. The
4WD
system works perfectly in high and low range, and the Dana 44 and 1-ton full-floating Dana 60 axles are rock
solid. I've done a lot of
work to it over the years, including a recent major refresh in 2025 with new tires, steering gear, front end
rebuild, and LugNut4X4 rear disc brake conversion.
The brakes are amazing and I upgraded to include the heavy-duty E-brake and all new cables.
It's a blast to drive and has been super reliable because of the careful use, upgrades, and documented service
history.
With a little work, it could be a show truck. With a
lot of work, it could be a rock crawler. It's a great platform for either. I'm happy to answer any questions or
provide more photos. You can get a similar updatable site for your truck. I will help you migrate it.
Thanks for looking!
Key Upgrades & Features
Rear Disc Brake Conversion
Four-wheel disc brakes! Custom rear disc upgrade using D122 calipers with emergency brake kit — significantly improved stopping power over factory drums. Includes heavy-duty hardware and braided hoses. Heavy-duty Emergency brake option included and works on very steep grades.
Modernized AC System
Fully updated air conditioning converted to modern refrigerant and components — reliable cold air in summer with none of the R-12 headaches. New compressor, condenser, and evaporator installed.
4× New Toyo M55 Tires
The real thing - legit Pizza Cutters. LT255/85R16/10 Toyo Open Country M55 — Load Range E, 3PMSF snowflake rated, 123/120Q. Installed price $2,100. Aggressive mud-terrain with real snow capability. Virtually brand new
New Steering Gear Box
Red-Head Steering Gear, Post Falls Idaho. New steering gear (2025, $410) — tight, precise steering including drag link. Torqued to spec, no leaks, smooth operation. Made in USA.
ATS Shackle Kits front and rear
USA-made ATS Springs W-Series rear-of-front shackle kit (2025) — improved front suspension geometry for better ride and load capacity. Poly urethane bushings throughout.
Complete Front End Rebuild
Full suspension and steering overhaul: Skyjacker leaf spring kit (front & rear), all 4 shocks replaced, ball joints, pitman arm, steering arms, trailing links, NAPA outer tie rod ends (ES-2846-L & ES-2847-R, Sep 2025), polyurethane bushings, grade-8 bolts and U-bolts on all suspension mounts.
New 80 Amp Alternator
Replacement alternator installed (2023) — strong, reliable charging for all electrical systems.
New Starter
Motion Auto Supply replacement starter (December 2018, $135.99) — fires up immediately, every time.
New Radiator
Full radiator replacement (American Tire Depot, 2016) with new cap, fresh long-life coolant, and transmission cooler line service — $573.62.
Chrome Rear View Mirror & Trim
Chrome day/night mirrors ordered from LMC Truck. Tailgate/hatch emblem replaced. Hood latch replaced (2023). Window locking strip replaced (2013).
LMC Truck Restoration Parts
Extensive LMC Truck parts order: battery terminals, 4WD tie rod end, diff vent breather, bushing, shift link, oil pan gasket, inner door window seals. Total $338.74.
Power Steering Pump
Power steering pump replaced 2004. Leak free and responsive. All new hoses and belts.
Upgraded Oil Pump
Upgraded high-volume oil pump installed after pulling the oil pan — includes new pan gasket and rear main seal. Ensures strong oil pressure and eliminates the common rear seal leak on the 360. NO LEAKS
Rewrapped Cloth Wiring Loom
Factory wiring harness rewrapped in period-correct cloth loom tape — protects wiring from heat and abrasion while restoring the original underhood appearance.
Complete Fluid Service
Full drivetrain fluid refresh: front and rear differentials, A727 transmission, W241 transfer case, engine oil, power steering fluid, and full chassis lubrication — all renewed for long-term reliability.
Transmission Rebuild
727 transmission rebuilt by Louis Transmissions, 7/20/2022. Shifts tight.
Carburetor Rebuild
Rochester GM Quadrajet professionally rebuilt and tuned in 2018.
Build Photos
The restoration as it happened — from first wrenches turned to the first mountain run.
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Service History
Documented maintenance spanning 20+ years. Receipts and invoices on file for all major work.
- Rear disc brake conversion — D122 calipers, custom bracket kit, emergency brake hardware
- Air conditioning system converted to modern R-134a refrigerant and updated components
- Factory Chrysler Parts — speedometer cable (N5 body / W241 transfer case) sourced
- Red-Head Steering Gears (7/31/2025): New remanufactured steering gear box for 88 Dodge W250 — $410.22
- ATS Springs (7/6/2025): USA-made W-Series rear-of-front shackle kit — shipped FedEx 2-Day
- NAPA (9/1/2025): Outer tie rod ends left (ES-2846-L) & right (ES-2847-R), 10mm socket — $57.46
- LMC Truck (6/5/2025): Battery post/terminal cleaner, 4WD tie rod end RH, chrome mirror day/night, differential vent breather, bushing-A, shift link-GWE, retainer plastic (x18), front frame seal set, oil pan gasket, tailgate/hatch emblem, frame clips, pedal pad brake-AT, door window seals (x4) — $338.74
- Toyo Tires: 4× LT255/85R16/10 Toyo Open Country M55, Load Range E, 3PMSF rated, Black Wall — $2,100.90 installed
- O'Reilly (8/30/2025): Oil change — 5W20 oil (5 qt), oil filter (MGL51068), wax — $51.20
- Fluid service: Front differential fluid, rear differential fluid, A727 transmission fluid, W241 transfer case fluid, power steering fluid — all replaced
- Chassis lube: Full chassis lubrication — all grease fittings serviced
- O'Reilly (10/22/2025): Sealed beam headlights (SYL H6054AV) x2 — $44.47
- O'Reilly (10/7/2025): Voltage sensor / lifetime warranty part — $30.51
- Alternator replaced (General Store, Spokane)
- Hood latch replaced — LMC Truck order #8150747
- Radiator cap (O'Reilly, May 2025 — $14.16)
- Oil seal (FRS 6339AV-12V)
- Drain cap
- Intrusive/electric — 90-day limited warranty items
- Water pump replaced (MCI 731-2155 Pickup 4WD)
- Power steering fluid
- Thermostat (MCS 2138 — 1988 Dodge W250 Pickup 4WD)
- Antifreeze / coolant
- Hose clamps
- Drain plug
- Starter replaced — 1988 Dodge Ram W250, V8-360 5.9L
- AGM Powersport battery / voltage regulator (NP4180)
- Rear brake shoes replaced (x2)
- Rear axle seals replaced (x2)
- Rear wheel cylinders replaced (x2)
- Brake system bleed
- Wheels torqued by Anthony
- Radiator replaced — coolant leak diagnosed and resolved
- Radiator cap replaced
- Antifreeze-Long Life Coolant (3 qt) — AC COMP formula
- Transmission fluid hose cleaned / exterior cleaned
- Inlet and outlet hoses of transmission cooler replaced
- Window locking strip (black/lock w/thrstrip) replaced — 2-door standard cab
- Valve cover gaskets replaced
- Brake inspection — checked OK
- Power steering pump replaced (w/ fluid)
- Cruise control — checked, drilled, adjusted metering rods
- Ignition timing checked — good
- Radiator lines and header leak inspected
- Transfer case — clunk on engage/decel checked
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Make | Dodge |
| Model | Ram W250 (Power Ram) |
| Body | 2-Door Standard Cab |
| Engine | 5.9L V8-360 ci |
| Transmission | A727 Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Transfer Case | N5 Body / W241 |
| VIN | 1B7JW24W2JS650192 |
|---|---|
| WA License | B36553K |
| Approx. Mileage | ~160,000 |
| Tires | Toyo M55 LT255/85R16/10 LRE |
| Current Owner | Jeff Pugh — Spokane, WA |
| Purchased | April 6, 2018 |
| Purchase Price | $4,600 (as-is) |
| Location | Spokane, WA 99203 |
Service Records & Documentation
66 original photographs of receipts, invoices, packing lists, and service records. Click any image to view full size.
