1979 Powerwagon/1988 Ram 150 LE

Hi all, I'm a newbie and Not very mechanical at all. I have a 1979 PowerWagon 4x4 short bed with a 77' rebuilt 360, new water pump, new radiator, new hoses and belts, rebuilt torque converter. It was to be our family woods truck when we moved to the country to be closer to wifes sister. HAH! Sister-in-law was divorcing her husband when we moved and ulitmately my wife divorced me too. Funny how that works. Anyway, this truck has been sitting for 10 yrs. Body and cab is rusted out pretty good, glass issues, cab rusted out and dash is cracked to pcs.

I just came across a 1988 Ram 150 LE short bed BUT 2 wheel drive. It has a 318 but the transmission is shot bad. The engine is drivable. But the body and interior are in really good condition and it has a clean title. The owner is wanting to sell it to me for $700.

Again I am not very mechanical but my 17 yr old saw this truck and now wants to do the father/son project. I can get mechanical help.

Question, I want 4x4. Would you advise switching the drive train from the 79 Powerwagon over to the 88 Ram? And will that all switch over easily?

What suggestions do you have to an engine that has been sitting for 10 yrs? It has less than 2000 miles on the rebuild........  

There are some significant differences in the 2WD and 4WD frames. It will not be a bolt-in swap. If you are not afraid of heavy fabrication it can be done though.

As for the engine, Pull the plugs and and see if the tips look rusty. Spray some lube down each of the cylinders and try to turn the engine over by hand to see if it has rusted inside the cylinders. Change the oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid, and any other liquids. You will likely need to clean or replace the carb but you can try to run it as is. Just keep an eye out for leaks. Prime the oiling system before trying to start it and replace the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and air filter. Look carefully for leaks everywhere. You may need new fuel lines and coolant hoses.  
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John Cappa
Editor
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Then how about this. Tell me about the rear axle and gears on the 79' PowerWagon? Can I take the rear axle from the 79' PowerWagon and put it on the 88' Ram 150?