Second Gen Dodge Ramcharger: A Nostalgic Journey

I find a super-clean Arizona truck for sale on a Wisconsin road.

Chrysler, or FCA Chrysler, or now Stellantis, has gone to the vault to revive a nameplate from the past. It happened with the Jeep Gladiator, Chrysler with the Pacifica, and Dodge with the Challenger and Charger. Now it’s Ram’s turn as it is officially bringing back the legendary Ramcharger name for a new full-size, body-on-frame SUV targeted for release around 2028. That name has been absent from the market for more than three decades. So let’s take a trip down memory lane with this week’s spot, an 86 Ramcharger when Ram was a brand under the Dodge umbrella.

The name dates back to 1974 when the Ramcharger, and its Plymouth Trail Duster twin, were introduced to the public and based on the full-size AD Dodge Ram Pickup truck platform. It would compete directly with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep Cherokee, and International Scout. Ironically, Jeep would become a stablemate when Chrysler bought American Motors in 1987. The wheelbase was nine inches shorter, and available only as a 4×4 until 1975. The first-generation Ramcharger came with the most engine options, from Chrysler’s bulletproof 225 cubic-inch “slant six” to a mighty 440 cubic-inch big block V8. To help compete with the Bronco and the Blazer, the Ramcharger came with a removable top.

Fast forward to 1986, and the Ramcharger received a slight facelift, introducing the ‘crosshair’ grille, as you see in this example, and an updated headlight design. Throttle body fuel injection was added to the 5.2-liter V8 in 1988. Replacing the mechanical linkage for the clutch, it was now equipped with a more user-friendly hydraulic clutch. The third-gen Dodge Ramcharger was available in 1999 after a brief hiatus. This most recent generation Ramcharger was only available in Mexico, and oddly enough, only in two-wheel drive.

MSRP in 1986 ranged from approximately $11,534 to $13,632, depending on whether you chose a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. A check with Hagerty finds that if you’re looking for one now with the 318 V8 and in Good condition, expect to pay $12,200 to $17,233. This example lived in Arizona, and the seller was only asking for 10 grand, so it was a great deal. I went past the spot a little while after that, and it was gone. I’ll bet you that the new ones will be somewhere in the six-figure range.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my find this week. Like, Comment, Share the post. Come back next Sunday for some two-wheel fun. Have a great week.