Project FALLEN HERO 88 Dodge W150

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dusted72

dusted72

Thanks Hemiroid!!!!
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Ok I know there is a truck forum but there is far less traffic then there is here. So with that said here is my plan. As some of you know my best friend in the entire world was KIA in Afgahnistan on the 1st of September. I went to Dover Delaware to receive his remains on the 3rd and I then escorted him from Dover down to Arlington National Cemetary last Sunday. We buried him on Tuesday and I literally left a huge portion of myself in DC with him. My life is very much incomplete now and this has altered my life in a huge way. So now on to the thread title. We had been friends for about 5 years and did everything together. We have had numerous conversations about how we would build his old truck together and now I will be doing it by myself. His wife and parents have told me they want me to have his truck as they know how much he meant to me and how much we wanted to build the truck together. So what I am going to do is build it just as we had discussed. Here is the truck as it sits right now. As soon as we get paperwork sorted and all of the legal stuff taken care of I will bring it to my place. It's an 88 half ton 4wd 318 auto truck for now. Once I get the truck transfered over to my name I will be contacting some of the major offroad companies to see what they can offer to maybe help out with the build. We have talked about a few engine builds for it. First one was build the 318 and possibly stroke it. The second was a new Hemi swap and the third was a diesel swap with the 318/diesel being the top choice. We could never make up our minds on it but I think the diesel swap would be awesome along with 3/4 axles. So it would be a 3/4 ton short bed regular cab diesel 4wd and definitely a manual shift. For the color it will either be flat black or the original New Mexico forresty department Green that is on the inside. So what do you guys think?
 

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Wow, that is a clean truck! Are you missing the chrome metal "Dodge" hood emblem? Sorry about your friend, he would be very proud of what you are doing and I bet when you get it done you will feel better too.
 
Yeah I believe the DODGE emblem or letters are missing. I know the bumper was bent beyond repair and the grille is damaged as well but it is in the garage. The only spot of rust I have found is in the front edge of the roof right above the windshield. I will have to cut it out and weld in a new piece almost all the way across. There are a few small pin holes coming through already. I also plan to give it a nice lift and probably somewhere around 37-38 inch tires. I am also going to find some cool winch type bumpers for the front and rear.
 
I love the green too Corey, it's unusual and it tells a part of the truck's history. Flat black absorbs heat too much for me. Enjoy life, you are lucky to have had such a great friend.
 
I figure this is the best way for ME to carry on his legacy. Everybody knew his Dodge and when his 3 year old gets old enough if he wants it he can have it. Plus I know he will be with me through the whole build.
 
So sorry for the loss of your friend. im proud of you for finishing his dream for him. god bless
 
I am at a loss for words Corey, and again sorry for you and everyone's loss of a great man, I like the Tan and the green, I would say stroke the 318 with the 3/4 tun axles
Bless you for all you have dun
 
Corey, I have a 1985 or 1986 Ramcharger that smalls might help you out on this build. I am some what limited on what I can physically do but if there are body or interior parts that I can get off my Ramcharger they can be yours for the shipping costs.
 
I would leave it green, stroke the 318 and run the auto.
The 1/2 ton axles are plenty stong unless it has a 8 1/4 rear.
4-speeds are nice but are really truck trannys, and dont speed shift very easy.
I have a bell, flywheel and petals if you decide to convert.
 
My condolances,Corey.A good deed,you are doing.I like the green,myself.Love the 70s/80s Dodge 4wd trucks.
 
Sorry for your loss Corey . This is going to be a great build. I also like the green too
 
i am so sorry man. I have great pride in the sacrifice your friend made for us all.

Keep it green. Get a challenge coin from whichever branch your friend served in and embed it into the shift knob.
 
I have the correct dodge emblem here on the hill if you want it, just pm me where to send it Corey.
 
That institutional fleet green has a coolness factor long associated with Mopars.

Cop cars, taxi's etc....
 
Well I went over yesterday and got the ole truck running. Didn't take much. Put on a new battery pumped the gas and it fired right up and idled perfect. It hasn't ran in probably a year. It is almost empty on gas so I am gonna pour in some clean gas and some water remover next week. I had to get it running so my buddies widow can get it appraised so she can settle his estate and get it transfered to her name so she can transfer it to my name. Paperwork is such a pain in the butt but it will be worth it in the end when I get to build it into a real beast.
 
dusted72 said:
Well I went over yesterday and got the ole truck running. Didn't take much. Put on a new battery pumped the gas and it fired right up and idled perfect. It hasn't ran in probably a year. It is almost empty on gas so I am gonna pour in some clean gas and some water remover next week. I had to get it running so my buddies widow can get it appraised so she can settle his estate and get it transfered to her name so she can transfer it to my name. Paperwork is such a pain in the butt but it will be worth it in the end when I get to build it into a real beast.
Click to expand...
I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do with this beast.
 
Sorry to hear of your loss Corey. That truck will be a perfect way for you to carry on his legacy and show the love you had for him. It will be a great build and I am subscribed.
 
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