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1974–93 Ramcharger & Plymouth Trailduster chassis

We haven't found a complete aftermarket chassis for this car yet, so the way to modernize it is to stiffen and upgrade the original frame.

Upgrade the original chassis

How it's built
Body-on-frame two-door SUV on a shortened Dodge D/W pickup chassis. First generation 1974-80, second 1981-93; Plymouth Trailduster was sold 1974-81.
Front suspension
4x4: solid front axle on leaf springs. 2WD versions (from 1975) used a coil-spring independent front.
Rear suspension
Solid axle on leaf springs.
Weak spots
Rust in floors, rear quarters and wheel wells; top seals leak on early removable-top trucks; the steering-box mount area of the frame can crack.

Stiffening the body or frame? We list 1 kit for this car, such as frame rails, subframe connectors and braces, on its Chassis stiffening page.

Suspension and steering kits for the original chassis

AreaKitWhat it doesPrice
Complete kit Rough Country Dodge Ramcharger/Trailduster 4WD 4 in. Suspension Lift Kit (325.20) Listed for 1978-93 Ramcharger and 1978-81 Trailduster 4WD. $549.95 $549.95 at SD Truck Springs (reseller); a 355.20 version lists at $849.95 Source
Complete kit Rough Country Dodge Ramcharger/Trailduster 4WD 4 in. Suspension Lift Kit (320.20) Listed for 1974.5-77 Ramcharger/Trailduster 4WD; separate kits exist for 1974. $499.95 $499.95 at SD Truck Springs (reseller); a 350.20 version lists at $799.95 Source
Front suspension Archive Garage Front Shackle Hangers kit (1972-93 Dodge Ram / Ramcharger / Trailduster) 3/8 in. plate front shackle hangers with greaseable DOM pivots and poly bushings; intended for 2WD-to-4WD conversions. See source No price shown on the product page Source