1979 Dodge D50 2.0 carb from North America

Summary:

A great truck for the mechanically enclined.

Faults:

The starter went shortly after purchase.

Went through two carburetors.

Clutch went at 75,000 miles.

Driver's side window crank broke.

Had entire cooling system replaced.

Turn signals stopped working.

Continuous slow oil leak.

Drive-line replaced.

Brakes overhauled.

General Comments:

This little truck had quite a few problems, but it almost always started and ran well.

A very simple car mechanically and usually whatever broke was easily fixed.

I donated the truck to a non-profit organization and still see it from time to time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2004

1979 Dodge D50 Sport 2.6 (yes, it's a hemi) from North America

Summary:

D50s were the best ever made...PERIOD

Faults:

The lower seal in the steering box started to leak at 5000 miles and was fixed under warranty. Other than oil and filter changes every 2000 miles and other routine maintenance, it needed no repairs until the balance shaft bearings failed at 240000 miles. At 300000 miles, I treated it to new brakes, shocks, ball joints, and u-joints. Reliability, thy name is D50.

General Comments:

It consistently gets 38-41 mpg on the highway. It can still fry the bumpers on any other four cylinder pickup you care to name. I used it on my farm for a few years to do things most people wouldn't ask anything less than a one-ton pickup to do and it never complained. Did I get a freak of production? Maybe, maybe not. It is the best pickup I have ever owned and I have no plans to get rid of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2004

27th Jun 2006, 11:04

I've the 1980 version and am seeking a donor truck... probably will keep mine forever.

5th Sep 2006, 19:57

My neighbor is selling a 1980 D-50 That is in great mechanical shape, but has rust at the lower doors and rocker panels. It also has a nice cap.

Located in NH.

15th Sep 2006, 16:21

I have a 1980 Dodge D50 sport. I bought it used in 2000 for $75. I drove it from Boise, Idaho about 150 miles west to my parents place in Eastern Oregon (it got 12 mpg and wouldn't exceed 55 mph). Then the fun began. Multiple iterations over the years of major repairs until I realized the balance shafts bearings were disintegrating and fouling engine bearings. I rebuilt the motor completely and it became a runner in spring 2005. I have a Weber 32/36 DGV carb and a header installed, the motor is a non-jet valve '84 G54B. I can't seem to get more than 24 mpg out of it on the highway and about 22 average around town, but it's a quick truck and very dependable now. Steering stability is horrid, downright dangerous. Upper ball joints are completely shot, have new ones on order and will also replace suspension arm bushings and pitman/idler/steering rod arms and wheel bearings while I'm at it. It's yellow with the sport stripes, it's a P.O.S. to some, I love it, and I don't mind the labor.

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