Symptoms
The temperature climbs at idle or in traffic on hot days. One BaT seller and one Ramcharger Central member both reported it on 440 trucks.
The fix, step by step
- Start with the cheap things.
- Pressure-test the system and replace the cap, the hoses and the 50-year-old coolant.
- Make sure the fan shroud is present and the fan clutch actually locks up.
- If the radiator is original and partly blocked, many owners fit an aluminum radiator.
- Several of the trucks sold on BaT have them, including a 440 SE and a Top Hand.
- Check the ignition timing too.
- If it's still hot, look at the water pump and thermostat before blaming the engine.
Tools & part numbers
- Cooling-system pressure tester
- infrared thermometer
- basic hand tools
Where to buy the parts
Radiators, fan clutches, hoses and thermostats, 1978 RamchargerRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (first generation) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.