1987 Dodge Raider 2.6 from North America

Summary:

Worth repairing every time

Faults:

Finally found a new carburetor about 2 months ago and it runs very well now. The idle was going nuts and I had a loud pinging sound from the carburetor, but all is well now.

Had the timing chain and all the gaskets, sprockets with that replaced because of heavy wear about a month ago.

I now get a grinding sound that comes from my vehicle when I am either accelerating or letting off the gas. Could be a misfiring spark plug or the catalytic converter is bad. I also get this sound every now and then when I am stopped at a stop sign or light and am idling. Usually I just throw it into neutral and then back into drive and it stops. The dealer claims they can't find anything wrong. Idiots couldn't find their own head if it wasn't attached.

Right now, it seems to be burning gas. This could be because of a misfiring spark plug or bed exhaust system. Looking at getting it replaced in about a month.

General Comments:

Best vehicle I have ever owned. Yeah there have been some problems, but all vehicles have problems.

Very dependable for getting around.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2002

9th Jun 2003, 11:04

I used to own a Raider and I must say it was the best car I've owned. Yes it was an ugly little car, but it got me anywhere I wanted to go, could take any abuse I gave it while 4 wheeling, and was an all around fun car. I had a similar problem with the carb and it led to me having to sell the car and I will miss it.

11th Jun 2005, 00:51

I got a dodge raider too! it seems we have the same problem regarding the grinding effect sound. Well I think you must check if your transmission is OK, second, check your shocks. On your gas, well you have change your spark plugs and do timing. Also let the mechanic adjust your valve gap, you must also change your fuel injectors and finally, change the oil to a high standard one. Always monitor your engine; oil, carburator, etc. but most importantly, the hoses. See if they are really connected to the right place. Remember, what they say about fast burning oil on this truck is true, so be sure to check your oil always or else it may blow you out!

To maintain a good engine in your raider, you must put additive in everytime you change oil. It's like a jelly, they have it for 4,6 and 8 cylinders. When you gas up, also put the gas cleaner stuff in so that it will clean your whole gas system, you'll find it at gasoline stations, for example the fuel injector and carburator cleaner. Make this a habit then you'll see the effect, it saves gas and it runs fast!

15th Aug 2007, 23:13

Does anyone know if the raider has the same transmission as the 4x4 Dodge Dakota?

All help on this will be appreciated

1987 Dodge Raider 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable on any terrain

Faults:

Choke and Float are a little sticky.

Replaced PCV valve at 175000 miles.

Replaced voltage regulator at 180000 miles.

Electric switch for back gate lock no longer functioning.

Some weather stripping deterioration.

Rust on bumpers and windshield wiper arms.

General Comments:

A very easy vehicle for a "shade tree mechanic" to work on, with simple, nicely laid out systems and plenty of room to turn wrenches under the hood. Just watch out for oil pooling in the skid plate after removing the oil filter, or you'll be smelling it later.

Incredibly reliable. Always starts, even in the middle of winter with 180,000 miles on the original engine.

Remarkable body integrity, with minimal rust on the original body, mainly confined to bumpers. And this is after being subjected to 15 years of Wisconsin's salt-laden winter roads.

Road handling, such as acceleration and cornering ability on the poor side, but this is more than compensated for by outstanding off-road performance. This vehicle has conquered jeep trails across the country, as well as enabling much field work to be accomplished in remote areas without the slightest hint of a problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th November, 2002