Here is a good thing about a 1978 Dodge, compared to today's, they are still pretty easy to work on. I had a 72, and did just about everything myself, clutch, brakes, ball joints, etc, all in my parents driveway. The slant six was still going strong when I sold it in 82. It was a great surf van.
Ah, the good old days on the California coast.
I've had a 1997 Xplorer for 12 years & love it. I took a 3,000 mile trip to WY this spring & averaged 13.7 mpg. I went 65 on the xways, but did some in town driving in Chicago & elsewhere & also went on gravel roads for 60 miles.
Buzz-ette, I replaced all 4 ball joints last spring & that made a dramatic improvement on my steering. I had it done at a local spring shop for 1/2 the price of a dealer, around $600.
I take good care of this baby & hope to keep it going forever.
I would be a bit nervous about such an old one though. Have you done some intensive online searching? I like to see whats available & usually find some online.
Good on you, nice to see another “oldie but goldie” back on the road. I run a 1987 wide-body that costs a fraction of a newer one, has more room, and tows a 6,000lb boat and trailer. May not be real sexy, but does draw a lot of attention in an RV park. It averages about $1,000 a year in repairs and upgrades, but I, and any mechanic, can work on it.
Hello all, I wanted to give you an update on trip from California to Asheville in the '78 Dodge Xplorer. We made it across in 6 days with average temperatures right around the 100 degree mark.
We didn't have any mechanical issues except for the accelerator rod dislodging (easily fixed).
We spent the nights in local RV parks along the way...Winslow AZ: Amarillo, TX: Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN
All in all a great trip!!!
We drove it pretty hard averaging 70-75 mph. I tracked our gas consumption and we averaged 12 MPG over the 2,600 mile trip.
All in all it was a great adventure. My co-pilot and caravan friend took some video of the trip if you are interested...the 2 minute videos are listed under Bob & Jims Adventure... http://www.youtube.com/user/bmakela13
I paid $3k for the RV and than put top of the line Firestone 875 tires on ($700).
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Glad ya made it.
