



ack in 1981, Dodge brought back the iconic “Ram” symbol it had created in the ’30s and attached it to their line of D150 trucks. They also added the tagline “Ram Tough” to the new pickups it was about to unleash on the unsuspecting masses. This was a slogan it had used around 30 years earlier, and for the Chrysler brand it was the start of something special.
Dodge’s D-series pickups had been launched two decades earlier back in 1960 and went through a crisp restyling in 1972. For the ’81 model year, the trucks once again got a makeover, along with their fresh new moniker. In two-wheel drive, these D-series trucks used the Ram name, and 4x4s were denoted by Power Ram on their flanks. These Rams became popular for their steady good looks, ample power, and performance out on the street and at the workplace.
This untamed beast on the pages in front of you was the result of a game plan that was drawn up and followed to exacting perfection. It was a simple concept; unleash some serious aesthetic mods to catch the public’s eye and then back it up with a serious Mopar-induced power curve. We can say that this project has hit its mark on every account.



From there the suspension was built up, with tubular and adjustable upper and lower control arms added at all four corners. QA1 Long Travel dual-adjustable coilovers were installed along with a four-link suspension out back. These modifications were to allow the owner to get the Dodge down in the weeds once the body was mounted. Disc brakes at all four corners finish out the bevy of suspension modifications.
As far as the body goes, the owner wanted to give this truck a modern, track truck look and feel. To add to the aerodynamics from the low-sitting body, the owner installed an all-steel widebody kit, along with a louvered hood and hand-fabricated front and rear diffusers and splitters. Belly pans added to the clean looks and aerodynamics of this amalgamation of both modern and vintage hot rod truck techniques.

The one-off bed out back was built in a way to increase exposure of the detailed suspension components, while still giving room for storage. Upholstery was added where it was possible to break up all the dark blue metal. It’s an interesting effect, with the suspension parts painted a contrasted Cranberry color.

The steering wheel, door handles, and window cranks are all billet. Leather lace stitching on the rollbars is a true work of art and its design is continued on the door panels. An Alpine head unit, along with a hidden subwoofer and amplifier, supply the tunes. A custom center console adds to the modern look of the vintage Dodge.

This Dodge rides on 20×11 aluminum XXR chrome wheels at the corners, shod with Nitto 555 tires. The body lines are sleek, the center of gravity low, and the paintjob extreme. This ride appears to be speeding at a standstill, which is just an additional plus because knowing what’s underhood all the aesthetics warn you to what lurks below. This Mopar truck delivers where it counts.

