1987 Dodge Ram

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saxman2584

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1987
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??
So I am about to get a 1987 Dodge Ram from my grandfather that has been sitting for about 8 years. The truck was in excellent condition before my grandfather's health declined. He always took very good care of his vehicles. What is the first steps, I figure of many, to get it up and running. Have a new battery already.

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d250

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1991/1995
Engine
5.2 318 v8/5.9l 12v Cummins
Drain the gas tank and put fresh gas in and put the new battery in and it should run.


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saxman2584

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Drain the gas tank and put fresh gas in and put the new battery in and it should run.


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What is the best way to drain the gas?

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MADDOG

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I'd drain any fuel in the truck and try some carb cleaner down the throat of the carb. Check the carb butterflies for proper operation. Give the throttle linkage a good spray down with WD40 or PB Blaster to free it up if it is froze in place.

Drain the engine oil, service the differential(s). New lube and filters. Check the transmission fluid and PS fluid and brake fluid levels. Eventually you'll want to flush and refill all those systems.

Pull the plugs and inspect them. I would expect you'll need a fresh set along with some new plug wires as well.

Check the coil connections. Check the connection at the starter and the main ground for corrosion.

Starter fluid is your friend for priming the carb when you are ready to start it up.

Lastly, have fun!!!
 

MADDOG

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What is the best way to drain the gas?

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Dropping the tank is the best way. While you are at it you can add a fuel system/tank cleaner and remove all the old varnish and crap inside the tank.

Also, check the fuel line connections at the tank. That old hose is probably dried out and cracked. If so, it indicates any rubber fuel lines will need replaced.
 

crazzywolfie

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81 93
Engine
5.2
i wouldn't worry about draining the tank or anything like that yet. check fluid/oil levers and then try starting it with some brake cleaner or any flammable oils in spray cans. the truck may start and possibly run on the gas that is still in it. once you get it running then go from there. check the brakes and brake lines for rust since the brakes are important. the rest is not too important. you can inspect and replace other stuff as you go.
 

crazzywolfie

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i am kind of surprised John did give us some of his wisdom. he has lots of experience firing up older vehicles that not run in a while. here is his trucks thread that he started. hopefully even just the first post will give you some hope that things are really not as bad as people make things seem.
http://www.ramforum.com/f135/my_power_ram_350_a-51177/
 

RonJon '06

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2014, 1985
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6.7, 360
That's because I thought you guys covered it pretty well lol.

My '85 started right up and ran fine with the 20 year old gas that was in the tank. The only thing I'd add is change the fuel filter after a day or two then again after you put some miles on it. It seems to me that the brakes suffer the most from sitting idle.
 
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saxman2584

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Cool thanks for the tips... headed back home to work on it in 2 weeks. Will keep y'all updated!

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crazzywolfie

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good luck and if you have any question just ask. someone is bound to know

That's because I thought you guys covered it pretty well lol.

My '85 started right up and ran fine with the 20 year old gas that was in the tank. The only thing I'd add is change the fuel filter after a day or two then again after you put some miles on it. It seems to me that the brakes suffer the most from sitting idle.

haha ya. we did cover quite a bit but i figure there might have been something missed. i know you didn't fire up every vehicle from your dads place but i know you did a few and almost all the ones you tried fired up. they definitely don't make gas the same as they use to lol
 
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saxman2584

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1987
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Btw... battery was taken out of the truck 8 years ago and put in storage . Good... bad?

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crazzywolfie

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it it questionable. you are best to check it with a multi meter to see if it is still holding a charge. if so then just charge it up and toss it back in the truck. i have found usually if you disconnect the battery they last a pretty long time. i think the battery that is in my 89 is possibly 10 or more years old but most of the time it stayed disconnected when not in use.
 

Sniper X

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1991
Engine
318
I just had to finally replace the original factory battery in my 1985 BMW 535i last year! I couldn't believe it lasted 30 years. I'll bet the new one lasts no more than 4 years.
 

Weasle Min

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1987
Engine
318 5.9
change the tires check wire connections the alternator and voltage regulator. these were the first things to go on mine and it only sat for four
 
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