General Comments:
I bought this truck as a second vehicle, and to satisfy my need to have a truck around.
I have had several vehicles, but this truck is my all time favorite.
I have it around to do work with, and also to serve as a spare vehicle. If I had to drive this truck every day, it would put me in the poor house, due to its horrible fuel economy. But, I knew that going in, and again, I drive the truck infrequently by design.
This truck has an excellent engine/transmission combination. The '91 TBI 318 V8 is a very durable, good running engine. The transmission is a NP435 four speed manual, with an ultra low "creeper" first gear, for getting heavy loads moving. Around town, without a load, you essentially drive it as a 3 speed, starting in second gear. First gear is unsynchronized (as is reverse), so you must come to a complete stop before engaging it.
The transmission is a great heavy duty truck unit, with big heavy gears, that you must to know how to operate correctly. As with any manual transmission including this one, if you unload the driveline for the shift and match RPM's, it will fall into and out of gear with ease. The NP435 though, will be a lot less forgiving than a regular car transmission if you do not know what you are doing. Know your machine, and wait on the equipment and you will be fine. I have no problems at all with mine, as I know and utilize proper technique.
I can get my 18 foot boat moving under tow with the truck idling in first gear, without even being able to tell it is back there. All around, this truck is great for towing. It can carry a heavy load without no sweat, and generally inspires a lot of confidence in its abilities.
I would not trade this truck for anything, and would highly recommend this vintage Dodge Truck. If anything were to happen to this truck, I would definitely seek out another one just like it.
19th Feb 2007, 16:36
I'm in agreement with the article's info for I have a 91 Dodge D150 with a 318 V8 and NP435 4 speed manual transmission. The 318 V8 and NP435 4 speed transmission has been very reliable for me over the years since I purchased the truck new and am the original owner. I've hauled a lot of stuff and never once did I have a problem with the NP435. When something is a good product the manufacture should stick with it.