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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: D_C]
#1689542
10/31/14 01:20 PM
10/31/14 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,025
Morningside
AdventurerSport
waaaay out there in left field
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waaaay out there in left field
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,025
Morningside
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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
76 Dodge Adventurer Sport Power Wagon W100 318, 727, NP203 Fulltime 4x4 Russet Red
06 Chrysler 300C AWD 5.7L Hemi
10 Mopar 10 Challenger R/T, #483/500, 5.7L HEMI
10 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd 4x4 5.7L HEMI
11 Dodge Ram 1500 LoneStar Quad Cab, 5.7L HEMI, Fulltime 4x4, Deep Cherry Red
16 Jeep Cherokee Limited 3.2L Pentastar V6, 9 Speed Torqueflite, 4x4, Black
24 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X 3.6L Pentastar V6, Fulltime 4x4, White
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: AdventurerSport]
#1689543
10/31/14 03:09 PM
10/31/14 03:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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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.
I have mechanical Aptitude.
I can screw up anything.
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: poorboy]
#1689545
11/06/14 04:28 PM
11/06/14 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,025
Morningside
AdventurerSport
waaaay out there in left field
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waaaay out there in left field
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,025
Morningside
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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
76 Dodge Adventurer Sport Power Wagon W100 318, 727, NP203 Fulltime 4x4 Russet Red
06 Chrysler 300C AWD 5.7L Hemi
10 Mopar 10 Challenger R/T, #483/500, 5.7L HEMI
10 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd 4x4 5.7L HEMI
11 Dodge Ram 1500 LoneStar Quad Cab, 5.7L HEMI, Fulltime 4x4, Deep Cherry Red
16 Jeep Cherokee Limited 3.2L Pentastar V6, 9 Speed Torqueflite, 4x4, Black
24 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X 3.6L Pentastar V6, Fulltime 4x4, White
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: AdventurerSport]
#1689546
11/06/14 06:15 PM
11/06/14 06:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,945
Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,945
Freeport IL USA
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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
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: poorboy]
#1689547
11/06/14 09:52 PM
11/06/14 09:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,366
Lehigh Acres, Florida
rickstershemi
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,366
Lehigh Acres, Florida
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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
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: rickstershemi]
#1689548
11/06/14 10:11 PM
11/06/14 10:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,521
Western Colorado High Desert
moparmarks
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,521
Western Colorado High Desert
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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. 
72 Satellite Sebring Plus 440, 72 Dart 5.9 4-spd, 68 Valiant, 73 W200, 78 D100 sb, 78 D200, 98 DAKOTA, . Moparmarks Parts & Restorations Desert Mopar Metal Grand Jct. CO 970-261-7039 http://moparmark.com/motormangj@gmail.com
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: RUNCHARGER]
#1689551
11/07/14 01:28 AM
11/07/14 01:28 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,521
Western Colorado High Desert
moparmarks
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,521
Western Colorado High Desert
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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?
72 Satellite Sebring Plus 440, 72 Dart 5.9 4-spd, 68 Valiant, 73 W200, 78 D100 sb, 78 D200, 98 DAKOTA, . Moparmarks Parts & Restorations Desert Mopar Metal Grand Jct. CO 970-261-7039 http://moparmark.com/motormangj@gmail.com
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: D_C]
#1689553
11/10/14 05:52 PM
11/10/14 05:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,354
Someplace you aren't
SomeCarGuy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,354
Someplace you aren't
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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.
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Re: Are '72 - '75 Power Wagons Good Trucks?
[Re: SomeCarGuy]
#1689554
11/10/14 06:52 PM
11/10/14 06:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,373
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
D_C
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,373
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
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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.
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