My ol W250

[Kevin Fowler]

Hey everyone,

I have 2 Ram's, 2018 1500 & 1987 W250 it has a 5.9L motor.

The W250 was my Grandfathers, once he passed away, my dad drove it for a bit. He moved onto Colorado, and I took it from him lol.

My Grandfather bought it brand new back in 1986. She's a little beat up, but all in all, she's in decent shape.

Few Things:
#1) The truck came with 18.5" wheels. Once the front tires wore out, my father decided it was cheaper to get two brand new 17s and 2 tires, than the cost of 2 tires for 18.5. I changed the front rotors awhile back, and they barely cleared. Took it on a test drive and it knocked the wheel weights out. Is 18.5" common in these?

#2) Truck was in the garage for about a year, started and driven a few miles from time to time. When I moved, I topped off the oil (1 quart). Took it to its new temporary location. Few days later, it appears to have leaked out, the amount I put in it. Haven't had a chance to locate the leak.

#3) The emergency hazard switch was snapped off prior to me getting it, how does it come off? I don't see a screw or anything?

The picture with the trailer is 15 years ago.

 

[Joe w.]

Nice looking truck. I'm not sure about the 18.5 being common or how to remove the switch. Hope you figure it out

 

[Kevin Fowler]

Nice looking truck. I'm not sure about the 18.5 being common or how to remove the switch. Hope you figure it out

Thanks!

 

[PaPitt]

Kevin I'm not sure about those 18.5's...
Now I'll give a little of my history so you'll not just think I some old coot.
.. I had a parts story from 1967 until 1995 . ABOUT 1999 i WENT TO WORK FOR CHRYSLER as a service advisor .. I work there until 2011.. & THE DEALERSHIP I worked for we worked on 100 Pick-ups mostly Diesel truck each week. We were the biggest Diesel shop in TEXAS most of the time I was there .
.... SO Now 18.5 might have been common in some areas but I don't believe I ever seen a set . I would think they were dealer installed .
.. But as far as all i've dealt with in my little part of TEXAS I'VE ONLY SEEN 16's on that year model of truck 1987 .. Any thing other than 16's was add after the fact as I recall.

 

[Badger 13]

The window sticker even shows 16" tires, and my 1985 had 16 as well. Mine also had the 360 engine and it was one thirsty beast. Trucks were "trucks" back then, and I loved mine. Good luck with it.

 

[392DevilDog]

My 1985 W250 had 16.5 inch wheels and tires.

That is what i thought was standard on a 250 back then.

The window sticker clearly shows 16 inch though.

I didnt think anything had 18 inch wheels back then...heck...i didnt think 17 inch came out on a RAM until 2003.

Very interesting.

Here is mine with aftermarket 16.5 and 33 x 12.5 x 16.5 tires.

 

[392DevilDog]

@Kevin Fowler

Could you look in the drivers door jamb and see if there is a sticker there with the tire sizes?

Just curious.

 

[392DevilDog]

https://www.sizemytires.com/make/dodge/w250

Interesting. Learned something new.

Looks like 1985 was last year for 16.5 inch wheel

 

[Kevin Fowler]

@Kevin Fowler

Could you look in the drivers door jamb and see if there is a sticker there with the tire sizes?

Just curious.

I'll be able to get a photo over the weekend.

 

[Kevin Fowler]

I do believe the 18.5's are aftermarket, just wasn't sure if this was a common size back in 1986. If I remember correctly, there was a due bill with the paperwork and the dealer installed them rims and tires.

 

[Kevin Fowler]

The window sticker even shows 16" tires, and my 1985 had 16 as well. Mine also had the 360 engine and it was one thirsty beast. Trucks were "trucks" back then, and I loved mine. Good luck with it.

Thank you, this thing is a big ol metal sled lol. Should be moving to our new house in the next week or two and then the real work will start.

 

[Kevin Fowler]

I have been slacking hard on getting this thing going. Got a jeep for a project that my girlfriend wanted so thats been taking up the time.

I need to get a new water pump. I was looking on Rock Auto. My neighbor suggested Gates. Anyone have any feedback on them or any other brand recommendation? I will also be changing about the oil pan gasket. I believe my helper was less than helpful when we changed it last year.

 

[reek]

I've always used Airtex or Gates pumps with no issues. Pretty sure they're both manufactured overseas but I would imagine they all are now days. either way, I'd pay a bit more and get the heavy duty version. I don't think they offer the brass impellers anymore though.

 

[Kevin Fowler]

I've always used Airtex or Gates pumps with no issues. Pretty sure they're both manufactured overseas but I would imagine they all are now days. either way, I'd pay a bit more and get the heavy duty version. I don't think they offer the brass impellers anymore though.

Water Pump should be here shortly. They recommended I buy a water pump wrench? Is that actually needed?

 

[u2slow]

Water pump wrench? It's just 2 bolts isn't it?

I bought the cheapest rockauto pump - 2 of them actually - just in case (made more sense for freight). First one is doing fine.

IMHO, brands don't matter. Most stuff comes from same offshore factory.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Awesome truck and story!

 

[Kevin Fowler]

Water pump wrench? It's just 2 bolts isn't it?

I bought the cheapest rockauto pump - 2 of them actually - just in case (made more sense for freight). First one is doing fine.

IMHO, brands don't matter. Most stuff comes from same offshore factory.

Thats what my thought was. I ordered through Rock Auto, and they suggested a Water Pump Wrench lol. I didn't know that was a thing.

 

[Kevin Fowler]

Awesome truck and story!

Thank you, still a lot to do! But slowly getting there.

 

[reek]

Thats what my thought was. I ordered through Rock Auto, and they suggested a Water Pump Wrench lol. I didn't know that was a thing.

yeah, I've rebuilt multiple dodge small blocks. I only use Snap-on water pump wrenches.... kidding. not even sure what a water pump wrench would be.

I agree, I have a sneaking suspicion that it's true, all water pumps are from the same off shore factory. however, I still seem to go with the brands I know. but that may change in the future since most of the brands I trust seem to have been sold out to less than known companies. Worst is Moog. I trusted them for decades. they've been sold to some other company that sells the same part and part number under several different brand names.

anyway, keep updating your progress!

 

[Kevin Fowler]

yeah, I've rebuilt multiple dodge small blocks. I only use Snap-on water pump wrenches.... kidding. not even sure what a water pump wrench would be.

I agree, I have a sneaking suspicion that it's true, all water pumps are from the same off shore factory. however, I still seem to go with the brands I know. but that may change in the future since most of the brands I trust seem to have been sold out to less than known companies. Worst is Moog. I trusted them for decades. they've been sold to some other company that sells the same part and part number under several different brand names.

anyway, keep updating your progress!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/tools/cooling+system,tool,water+pump+wrench,1000992

looks like it’s for random chevys lol I went with the Gates heavy duty water pump.