Looking into buying a 1981 Dodge D150.

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KobeLouisville

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Ram Year
1981
Engine
5.2 liter
The truck in question, has a 5.2L/ 4 barrel carburetor, A727 3 speed automatic, a 2.94 gear ratio & 4800 pound gvwr & around 48,000 original miles. It would be used to go to old car shows & truck shows, however the truck will sometimes tow a trailer Four or five times a year. I am pretty sure, by looking at other threads on this website & other fourms, that the truck could tow 4000 pounds, Most of the time I would be under 3000 pounds. However, I am aware that the gear ratio is to low. My questions are should I have the gear ratio changed to a higher gear ratio, like 3.55 or 3.90 & Should I add helper springs.
 
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2012RAM1500RT

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Not trying to correct you but that would be a lower gear ratio but to answer your question is go with at least a 3.91 for towing and a 3.55 minimum if you're going to tow very few times. I'd see how much it squats then decide on making the springs stronger.
 
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KobeLouisville

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1981
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Ok. Thanks, for the reply. I always get that mixed up. With the gear ratio.
 

PaPitt

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Stephenville TEXAS 76401
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1989
Engine
5.9L
At 72 i've towed a lot of stuff. With a hundred different trucks.
I'll tell you stronger spring are about the easiest thing to do.
Since the truck is a 1981 ... a new ''USED'' rear axle from the wrecking yard could be swapped into your truck getting you a different Axle ratio. After a couple of pulls or tow's you'll know if you can tow your load & With which rear axle you like best.
Don't get rid of your old rear axle . AS you can put it back in 2 years later .
If your truck does have the 400 big block. Then I'm going to say you can pull anything you want to pull . under 10000lbs.
 
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