Got a new truck! 81 RAM Step Side 4x4

[mbaird]

Always a critic on these forums.

I believe the D is a two wheel drive and the W designation is a four wheel drive. Although in this case, the truck was originally a two wheel drive 6 cylinder. Sometime in the past, the cab and bed was put on a 4x4 chassis.

He is correct . Dodge called them Utililines and normal beds were Fleetsides.

 

[mbaird]

Good job! Did the Magnum pan that was on it work in the truck, or did you have to swap to a 360 LA truck pan? Asking because I hope in the near future to drop a 5.9 Magnum from a 98 3500 into my 88 D100.

The pan should work . I don’t believe they changed the engine cradle or suspension on trucks up until 92 and 91s had magnums . But maybe they changed it for Magnums when the new body came along.
I have a 91 Magnum engine and the pan looks the same as earlier LA pans.
Cross your fingers…

 

[rklein383]

Yes, oil pan was fine from the magnum, rear sump. Engine was out of a truck.

 

[volaredon]

The Dakota and Durango were rear sump as well but half of the size of a pickup or van