D150 vs W150 (exterior)

[Yoox_II]

Hello dodge Ram community,

This is my first post. This site seems to be full of some pretty knowledgeable people. Here's my question.

I know the difference between the D and W series... 2wd and 4wd. but, are there any appearance differences in the design of these two trucks? I have a 1984 D150 and just bought a leveling kit to get rid of that "high rear end" look, so it's bringing the front up to match the back. It will also give me some better clearance on the front. I was wondering though, something about the front lower fender of the D and W trucks seem different from each other. Or maybe it is the front bumper area. Is this true? Or are they the same? The fronts on the D trucks look "smaller" in a way. But this could just be an optical allusion due to the generally smaller tires on the D trucks.
I'm asking because I am trying to give my d150 that "4wd" look, but something about the front sides of the truck still appear different to me than the real 4wd first gen rams. Any ideas?


Thank you very much

 

[crazzywolfie]

i think what you are seeing is a optical allusion. i think it is just a matter of what you do with it. i know my ramcharger looks like a 4x4 and it is only 2wd.

this is not mine but it definitly looks like a 4x4 even though it is only a 2wd.

 

[Yoox_II]

Those pictures really help. They do look like the 4wd models. I was noticing today on my truck though, are the wheel wells on the D trucks smaller? Not sure if that is just another optical illusion. Here is a picture of mine... any suggestions on creating a "4wd look" would be appreciated. I just reviewed the leveling kit in the mail today. I also will be buying larger tires soon. Any other ideas? As you can tell, its obviously a two wheel drive. I really want to get rid of the 2wd look

 

[crazzywolfie]

if your cab supports are strong enough you could do a small body lift. i am guessing the leveling kit you ordered is just some spacers that are installed under the front coils?

otherwise all you are seeing is a optical illusion. the fenders and wheel wells off a 4x4 would bolt onto your truck and look the exact same.
here is that same truck with heavier duty springs up front and add a leaf in the rear but before the 3" body lift

with the 3" body lift and running 33's.

 

[PCA4208]

Definitely bigger tires. But here's my w200 even though it's a 4x4 it has a small rake to it. The front seems to sag a bit, but for being a 79' it's not bad.

 

[Yoox_II]

Sweet trucks guys. Thanks for the input. It's only second day on this forum and I'm already getting the answers I'm looking for.

As for the 3 inch body lift.. can you tell me an approximate price on one? If I wanted to get one for my 2wd, would some shops not do it because it's a different process from lifting a 4wd? And crazywolfie, did you also get a spacers leveling kit in addition to the body lift, to level it out?

 

[crazzywolfie]

i am not sure how much body liftskits are since that is not my truck and i have not done one. i can't see them being too expensive since they are pretty much spacers that just lift the body higher off the frame.

my ramcharger has heavy duty springs in it which is why it sits as high as it does. ny 81 sits exactly like your truck except for my back end may sit a bit higher because of the 2 extra leaf springs.

 

[WhiteExpress]

My neighbor has a mid 80's Ram 4x4 that looks like a 2wd. Rolling on like 205/75R15 white wall street tires. Looks downright silly.

Big beefy tires with a leveled stance will certainly help.

 

[Yoox_II]

Alright sounds good. I'll look into pricing some lifts. I may prefer a suspension lift rather than a body lift.

Another question though, does anyone here know what size of wheel spacer will fit the first gen D rams? (not the W rams). I found some at a local store here for 45 bucks a piece.. I feel like I can find them for cheaper than that if I look around. But I don't remember the size that they told me. It definitely started with a "5" though.

 

[crazzywolfie]

i am also not a big fan of body lifts but you are working with a 2wd. they were not really meant to be lifted so body lifts are about the only way you can really get any lift.

why would you need a wheel spacer?

 

[Yoox_II]

I want wheel spacers to get a wider stance. The wheels are very far inward toward the middle if the vehicle, so I won't to bring them out so that they are in line with the wheel well rather than pushed far Underneath it. It gives it the appearance that it is even lower to the ground than it is.

 

[Yoox_II]

Didn't mean to post twice. Sorry

 

[crazzywolfie]

i don't think you would need wheel spacers. from what i have read they can put more stress on the front end. i think all you would need is just some bigger tires.

 

[Yoox_II]

I would buy bigger tires in a heartbeat. Wheel spacers are just so much cheaper and I don't exactly have a lot of money to spend at one time. I'll look around for some nice bigger tires though and price them so I have an idea of what to save for

 

[crazzywolfie]

personally i would not buy spacers. they usually would put more stress on the ball joints and bearings. plus at $45 a piece you would be spending $180. you could order 2 30/9.50R15 or 1 31X10.50R15 tires for than that much money.

 

[Yoox_II]

Really that cheap for two tires? I live in Canada and I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to find those tires for that price. Could you give me a website or store that you think sell them for that price? I was expecting to spend 600 or more for four tires, not 400! Wow

 

[crazzywolfie]

ok. if you live in Canada it might be about $600 for tires but those adapters are would cost you about the same as 1 tire.

 

[Yoox_II]

Body lifts and suspension lifts... I know body lifts are cheaper, but what is a ball park price for one that would fit such an old dodge? I have a feeling I would purchase one then when I'm getting it installed, there would be many problems with the process, including parts that don't line up. unless it is purpose-built body lift for a first gen ram d150.