What are the common problems on the 72 and up Dodge trucks?

[Bernie]

This isn't specific to the trucks, but Dodge had problems with timing chains and gears on the small block V8's of that era. The problem is that they went to nylon coated gears to try and make the engine quieter. Well, the problem with that idea was that the nylon would wear off the gears and you'd get tiny slivers of it in the oil and over time those slivers would clog up the screen on the oil pickup. End result? Gradual loss of oil flow volume until the whole thing clogged up and you ruined the engine.

The fix? Replace the stock gears and chain with a good quality steel set with a roller chain, drop the pan and make sure the pickup screen is clear. And, while you have the pan dropped, it would not hurt anything to swap the stock oil pump for a high volume unit.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I had not heard of that. I am glad you brought it up.

 

[NWSCREW]

The thing I remember about them, is they got shitty, shitty mpg's, like single digit...

 

[Bernie]

The thing I remember about them, is they got shitty, shitty mpg's, like single digit...

That depended on a lot of different factors though. With a decent tweak & tune, moderate driving habits, and the right tranny you could easily get 18-19 mpg out of them on the highway.

Louis has a good start already, in changing over to electronic ignition.

 

[NWSCREW]

My uncle had one, with a 318 in it, good running truck, but wow!!! gas was an issue!

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Now that is one thing I give this truck. This old 2BBL 318 in totally stock form gets great MPG. This thing will go forever on a tank of gas. Once I get it breathing and sparking better I am assuming it will only improve from there.

 

[OldCracker29]

I mentioned in an earlier post about whether or not it may have jumped time. That goes right along with what Bernie is saying about the timing gears and chain. Have you tried turning the distributor in either direction?

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Sorry man. Some times I have to read through quickly.