1990 Dodge DM350

Introduction:

The 1990 Dodge DM350 was a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its powerful engines and rugged construction. It offered a range of engine and transmission options, providing customization for various needs. Despite its strength, the vehicle was not immune to issues.

Engine

5.9L V8

• Blown Head Gasket:
  • Description/Symptoms: Head gasket fails, causing coolant and oil to mix.
  • Solution: Replace head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

7.4L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gasket between intake manifold and engine block fails, causing vacuum leaks and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

A727 Torqueflite 3-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission experiences difficulty engaging gears, especially under load.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

A500 4-Speed Automatic

• Gear Selector Linkage Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Linkage cable connects transmission selector to transmission, fails, causing difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replace gear selector linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaf springs in rear suspension break, causing vehicle to sag or make scraping noises.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shock absorbers no longer dampens wheel movement, causing poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (all four shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical Harness Shorts:
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical harness connections short, causing electrical malfunctions or draining the battery.
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected harness sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic door handle cracks or breaks, making it difficult to open the door.
  • Solution: Replace door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard material develops cracks, exposing the underlying metal.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Belt Mechanism Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt mechanism malfunctions, preventing the belt from retracting or locking.
  • Solution: Replace seat belt mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per seat belt
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Dodge DM350 offers powerful engines and a sturdy construction, but it has a history of issues. Major problems include blown head gaskets, leaking transmissions, and suspension failures. While repairing these issues can be costly, the vehicle remains popular among those who value its rugged capabilities.