Moparts
Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
Posted By: D_C
Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/23/14 05:03 AM
Recently, I have been considering buying a Pickup Truck. I have two V8 CJ 5's Jeeps and a nice M416 Military Jeep Trailer, but at times it would be nice to drive over 55 MPH on the freeway (speed limit when towing a trailer).
Also, it would be nice to have an acceptable tow-vehicle that could manage trailers larger than my M416 Jeep trailer. Thinking about towing a car-trailer occasionally and there might be a Flat Bottom drag boat in my future.
Was considering a '72 thru '75 Dodge 4x4 PowerWagon. First, I kind of like the Fuselage styling of those years, and Second and more importantly, '75 and earlier does not require Smog Inspections, so I can add any engine or performance modifications I would want.
P.S.: I know that 4x4's are not Ideal for towing, but I figure it should still work out.
Posted By: poorboy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/23/14 05:33 AM
The pre 74 4x4s had a closed front knuckle, I would want to stay away from those, but its easy enough to change the front axle out for a newer design, and Dodge 4x4 truck front axle up to 93 will bolt onto the 72-75 springs. You have to watch the wheel bolt pattern, there were (2) 1/2 ton versions and a 3/4 and a heavy duty 1 ton versions.
I also think I would rather have a 73 & newer truck, 72 being the 1st of the new model had a few things that fit 72 only.
Other then rust (look at the frames and crossmembers where they attach at the frames), which shouldn't be much of an issue for you, they were good trucks. The 3/4 tons were better for towing or hauling heavy loads then a 1/2 ton, but many a cars were hauled around on open trailers pulled by 1/2 ton pickups. Dodge made light duty and heavy duty versions of a 1/2 ton, for your purposes, I would probably not suggest the light duty 1/2 ton truck. Gene
Posted By: D_C
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/23/14 06:14 AM
Thanks Gene. Good information to ponder.
Posted By: GTSDart340
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/23/14 06:26 AM
I had a 75 W100 (technically it was a W150, as it was the heavier model) other than going through a couple master cylinders (O'Reilly remans) it was a great truck! I sold it a couple years ago and still regret it! Never towed with it though, but I hauled since pretty heavy stuff with no issues.
I have a 72 D200 that is going to be the trailer puller.
Posted By: AdventurerSport
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/23/14 05:48 PM
72-74 4x4s are part-time 4wd and have front DRUM brakes, '75-79 are FULLTIME 4wd and have front DISC brakes.
'75-up much better than '72-74, newer dash, many mechanical updates as well as NP203 cast-iron Fulltime 4wd transfer case.
Good luck!
JS
Posted By: 76dodgeboy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/24/14 01:19 AM
No Technically 150 in 75. ONLY 100s for Halfton.
72-74 use the Divorced Np205 which is more desirable than the 205 for its Strength as its not Chain drive. The 72-74 W100s also have 5x5.5" Bolt pattern and an 8.75 rear end. So if you wanted disc brakes 80-84 axle is best choice as no cad and same bolt pattern and lockouts.
Posted By: moparmarks
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/24/14 02:27 PM
My 1973 W200 has open knuckles. Also I converted it to Chevy 12" disc brakes.
Posted By: an8sec70cuda
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/24/14 02:53 PM
O/T...welcome back! Been a long time since I've seen you post on the board.
Posted By: D_C
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/24/14 08:45 PM
True... It's been a dog's-Life or so.
Still have my '71 Charger and my Jeeps. Added a Beechcraft Bonanza a few years back. That keeps me fairly busy.
Posted By: savoy64
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 01:16 AM
i have been wanting to do a cummins conversion on a 75 ram and use the axles and everything off the diesel---there are some out there for sale on craigs already complete....
Posted By: 79powerwagon
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 01:37 AM
Love these trucks! I had many of them! I'll never get another one!
They will be perfectly capable of towing (two wheel or four wheel drive), but the rust is BIG on these, as is their thirst! My only one to get good mileage was my then brand new 1990 D150 V6 5 speed short box 2x4. It got an honest 24mpg day in and day out! LOVED that truck!!!!
All of the rest were in the 8mpg range day in and day out. Even my 1990 Bronco 5.0 speed 4x4 got 20mpg!
So did my Yukon!
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 05:15 AM
Loved my bought new 73 PW W100 8' bed 318 auto.....years of abuse and zero issues .... great truck
Rickster
Posted By: AdventurerSport
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 05:35 PM
My Dad bought his 1976 W100 heavy-duty 1/2 ton brand new in December, 1975. Special order. Used on the farm from 1975 thru 2011, when Dad got sick and we ultimately lost the farm. I still have his truck (now mine). 318, 727, NP203, all original (save for basic replacement parts like starter, alternator, brakes, shocks, tires, battery, etc.). Original engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear axle, and still pulls heavy loads VERY well! Pulled grain wagons for years with this one and still is the best puller that we EVER had on the farm! I wouldn't have anything else...and this truck is the primary reason that I'm a DODGE man!
JS
Posted By: I_bleed_MOPAR
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 06:14 PM
Quote:
O/T...welcome back! Been a long time since I've seen you post on the board.
X 2. 
Was wondering just the other day where you got off to. 
My first new vehicle was a '74 PW, followed by a '75, then a '78. I put 10" white-spoke wheels and 12-15s (remember those?) on the '78 and had trouble keeping the lugs tight on the front. After replacing the studs (and wheels), I got in the habit of checking them at least once a week. Never had that problem on my '79 PW (10" chrome spokes & 33-12.50s).
Tim
Posted By: bboogieart
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/25/14 11:07 PM
The d-100 seventies versions are my all time favorite Dodge truck.
I know you are aware the 4X4 isn't necessary.
My question is why would you even consider one?
Planning on some off-roading?
Posted By: D_C
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/27/14 08:03 AM
Thanks all for the replies.
I guess the reason I am looking at Power Wagons/ 4WD, is that I like the Stance, and off-road capability.
Granted, I already have a '79 Jeep CJ5 with Factory AMC V8, headers, 3-inch dual exhaust, 33-inch tires, but I can't tow with it.
First off, In California, '75 and earlier vehicles are smog inspection exempt, so you can tinker a bit, swap engines, add performance parts, etc.
Actually, it's been a recent evolution; Initially, I just figured on a 2WD Dodge pickup. Then I thought 4WD would be nice too. I plan to keep my Jeep and add a Power Wagon to my stable.
I looked over a '74 W200 today. It starts/runs/drives, but is in pretty rough shape.
On balance, the W/S Wiper/Defroster cowling is missing (saw online replacement for $70). Also missing is the front right vent window, padded dash, shift knob and tailgate. The front and rear bumpers are bent-up and need straightening or replacement.
As for the body, assorted waves, dents and holes.
It has a 318, 2BBL, 4-Speed, Dana 44 and 60, 33-inch tires. Not much rust on/under it, but exterior painted with rattle-cans.The asking price is $2,500, but the owner is willing to be flexible on price.
I'm capable of fixing most everything myself, which is both a blessing and a curse. When I look at something I'm considering, I see all the possibilities, know I can fix them, but there are only so many hours in a day, and I always have way more projects than I can ever do justice to.
Posted By: blown340
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/28/14 05:19 AM
I like my 73 W200 alot. Personally I prefer the NP205 transfer case over the later 203 that cames on the full time trucks. Putting it in 4-lo with the front unlocked is pretty convenient for moving trailers around in tight spaces.
I really haven't had many issues with mine other than the fact that its ride is, to put it nicely, horrible. I've towed with it, remodeled my entire house with it, built my shop from the ground up with it, and winched out over 8000 sq.ft. of juniper bushes from my front yard with it and its never let me down.
-Jon
Posted By: Kern Dog
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/28/14 07:52 PM
I sorta fell into my 75 W200 Power Wagon.
A friend was looking to clear out his place of all the car stuff he had accumulated. I had a 74 Camper 9000 2wd that was my workhorse. The 75 had 4 wd so I thought it would be a worthy replacement. It was a rare orange color that I absolutely hated but is an original 440 4 speed model. I do not care for manual transmissions since much of what I do involves getting in and out of the truck frequently. Having PARK to hold the truck still instead of a meager parking brake is something I miss. The trans works perfectly buy I am going to switch to a 727, maybe over the winter. I like these trucks for their durability. Even though they do rattle and squeak, I love their character.
Posted By: Triggerfish
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/29/14 03:18 AM
That gen Power Wagons are fantastic trucks! Aggressive looks & built like
tanks. I remember fondly my 76 400 4spd PW I bought new & love the previous
gen W100 I have now that has an 85 3/4 ton chassis under it. For towing, I wish I still had my 02 Cummins, but my 71 with its 383 magnum still gets the job done. Only thing you may want to consider, is these earlier gen 4x4's
are leaf springs front & rear and they RIDE LIKE TRUCKS! So if you got a
bad back, you may want to reconsider...lol. Also, unless its full time
4wd, it'll have locking hubs, so changing to 4WD in a snow storm may be required...
Posted By: D_C
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/30/14 06:27 PM
Appreciate the great replies. I wish the one I am looking at was in better general condition and had a bigger engine. It has a fairly stock 318. I have always had big blocks. My Jeep CJ's have factory 304 AMC V8's (small blocks) but other than that all my MOPAR's had 383 or bigger.
Never owned a true MOPAR small block before.
Posted By: AdventurerSport
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/31/14 06:20 PM
My 318 Power Wagon will out-pull many larger engine trucks, so do not discount a 318 just due to it's size. Torque is there, and can pull right up there with the best of them!
JS
Posted By: bboogieart
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 10/31/14 08:09 PM
yep, it all depends on gearing.
My 76 Grannie gear will pull a house off it's foundation, but it's screaming for another gear on the free-way.
Posted By: poorboy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/03/14 06:35 AM
It becomes apparent that you have never had a similar equipped big block truck if you think a 318 will pull with it.
Modern Magnums with modern transmissions might be a different story, and traction along with a few other things may equal out the playing field, but an LA 318 will not out pull a similar equipped big block truck. When you pull a heavy load at more then 20 mph, the difference is as clear as day and night.
But all that said, don't discount the 318 just because its a 318. Gene
Posted By: AdventurerSport
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/06/14 09:28 PM
Quote:
It becomes apparent that you have never had a similar equipped big block truck if you think a 318 will pull with it.
Modern Magnums with modern transmissions might be a different story, and traction along with a few other things may equal out the playing field, but an LA 318 will not out pull a similar equipped big block truck. When you pull a heavy load at more then 20 mph, the difference is as clear as day and night.
But all that said, don't discount the 318 just because its a 318. Gene
I had a similar truck with a 400 a few years ago, while I have had this 318 truck the entire time (at the same time), and the 318 will pull right alongside ANYTHING at low speeds. High speeds (over 20 mph)? IDK, never pulled stuff like that, only heavy loads under 20mph...
JS
Posted By: poorboy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/06/14 11:15 PM
Quote:
Quote:
It becomes apparent that you have never had a similar equipped big block truck if you think a 318 will pull with it.
Modern Magnums with modern transmissions might be a different story, and traction along with a few other things may equal out the playing field, but an LA 318 will not out pull a similar equipped big block truck. When you pull a heavy load at more then 20 mph, the difference is as clear as day and night.
But all that said, don't discount the 318 just because its a 318. Gene
I had a similar truck with a 400 a few years ago, while I have had this 318 truck the entire time (at the same time), and the 318 will pull right alongside ANYTHING at low speeds. High speeds (over 20 mph)? IDK, never pulled stuff like that, only heavy loads under 20mph...
JS
I promise if you hook a car trailer with a car on it and drag it through the hills along the west side of northern IL, at highway speeds, there will be little doubt of the differences between a big block truck and a small block truck.
The op stated an occasional trailer towing, most would assume that would mean pulling a trailer between towns on the highway at 55+, not between farms @ 15 mph. Between farms @ 15 mph, a properly geared slant 6 will probably get the job done, but pull that truck onto the highway and run with traffic is a different story, it might get the job done, but it won't be fun. Gene
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/07/14 02:52 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It becomes apparent that you have never had a similar equipped big block truck if you think a 318 will pull with it.
Modern Magnums with modern transmissions might be a different story, and traction along with a few other things may equal out the playing field, but an LA 318 will not out pull a similar equipped big block truck. When you pull a heavy load at more then 20 mph, the difference is as clear as day and night.
But all that said, don't discount the 318 just because its a 318. Gene
I had a similar truck with a 400 a few years ago, while I have had this 318 truck the entire time (at the same time), and the 318 will pull right alongside ANYTHING at low speeds. High speeds (over 20 mph)? IDK, never pulled stuff like that, only heavy loads under 20mph...
JS
I promise if you hook a car trailer with a car on it and drag it through the hills along the west side of northern IL, at highway speeds, there will be little doubt of the differences between a big block truck and a small block truck.
The op stated an occasional trailer towing, most would assume that would mean pulling a trailer between towns on the highway at 55+, not between farms @ 15 mph. Between farms @ 15 mph, a properly geared slant 6 will probably get the job done, but pull that truck onto the highway and run with traffic is a different story, it might get the job done, but it won't be fun. Gene
I pulled a 20' Glastron V8 Mercruiser Boat all over NH....Up and Down Mountains with my 73 W100 318/Auto with no complaints what so ever...but then again never had anything to compare it too.
Rickster
Posted By: moparmarks
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/07/14 03:11 AM
Silly flatlanders. You want to really test your trucks torque then load it up with 15,000lbs and come climb the Colorado Rockies. I've owned a lot of trucks and a 318 is not going to pull anything like a 440.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/07/14 03:56 AM
Well I 've towed over the rockies lots and my 92 318 Magnum had more nuts than my mid 70's big blocks that I towed with. All stock trucks, all bought new and in good condition.
This 76 440 truck got about 5 MPG on a trip through the mountains just towing a single axle U-haul, not even a car trailer and it was sweating heavy doing it.
Sheldon
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/07/14 03:58 AM
You can modify the big blocks but those mid 70's 440's were a POS stock. I run Cummins now but if I was buying new I'd get a Hemi for occasional towing.
Sheldon
Posted By: moparmarks
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/07/14 06:28 AM
Quote:
Well I 've towed over the rockies lots and my 92 318 Magnum had more nuts than my mid 70's big blocks that I towed with. All stock trucks, all bought new and in good condition.
This 76 440 truck got about 5 MPG on a trip through the mountains just towing a single axle U-haul, not even a car trailer and it was sweating heavy doing it.
Sheldon
Well lets do apples to apples. Not a EFI later model to a 70's low compression carbed motor.
Try a 92 454 Chevy to your 92 318 and see how it goes.
Or a 75 440 to a 75 318.
This thread is about early 70's trucks so why are you throwing in your 92 and then late model diesel?
Posted By: SomeCarGuy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/10/14 10:47 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Well I 've towed over the rockies lots and my 92 318 Magnum had more nuts than my mid 70's big blocks that I towed with. All stock trucks, all bought new and in good condition.
This 76 440 truck got about 5 MPG on a trip through the mountains just towing a single axle U-haul, not even a car trailer and it was sweating heavy doing it.
Sheldon
Well lets do apples to apples. Not a EFI later model to a 70's low compression carbed motor.
Try a 92 454 Chevy to your 92 318 and see how it goes.
Or a 75 440 to a 75 318.
This thread is about early 70's trucks so why are you throwing in your 92 and then late model diesel?
Cause he thinks his two cents counts for a dime.
Posted By: SomeCarGuy
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/10/14 10:52 PM
Quote:
Recently, I have been considering buying a Pickup Truck. I have two V8 CJ 5's Jeeps and a nice M416 Military Jeep Trailer, but at times it would be nice to drive over 55 MPH on the freeway (speed limit when towing a trailer).
Also, it would be nice to have an acceptable tow-vehicle that could manage trailers larger than my M416 Jeep trailer. Thinking about towing a car-trailer occasionally and there might be a Flat Bottom drag boat in my future.
Was considering a '72 thru '75 Dodge 4x4 PowerWagon. First, I kind of like the Fuselage styling of those years, and Second and more importantly, '75 and earlier does not require Smog Inspections, so I can add any engine or performance modifications I would want.
P.S.: I know that 4x4's are not Ideal for towing, but I figure it should still work out.
The guys have run down all the differences. I say look for one that is fairly clean and have at it. The lack of smog check is huge for you and I think any power or MPG concerns can be dealt with over time with a rebuild or just small changes like headers, carb and intake plus tuning. It's never going to knock down modern MPG, but you can help it some.
I see NICE trucks listed in OR all the time. Might be worth watching CL up there and see what pops up.
Posted By: D_C
Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks? - 11/10/14 11:52 PM
Thanks for the replies.
I actually bought a 1974 Dodge W200 Power Wagon with a 360 engine early last week. It is largely in original equipment configuration. It started life as a Pacific Telephone Truck with a work truck utility box in place of the standard bed.
Somewhere along the way, a sweptline bed was mounted. It runs, but cosmetically, it's a mess. Some, but not a lot of rust, however lots of small dents and sanded, multi-colored paints and primers.
So far at least, it run, but I won't trust it until I have changed out all the vital fluids, pulled the brake drums and cleaned and adjusted everything.