1977 Dodge Tradesman problems

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The Dodge Ram Van (also known as the Dodge B-series) is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.

The B-series van line was produced across 32 years of production, making it among the longest-lived platform designs in American automotive history. Much of the exterior and chassis underpinnings saw only gradual changes during their entire production, with three distinct generations developed. Alongside its use by Dodge, the full-size van range saw rebranding during the 1970s for both Fargo Trucks and Plymouth (marking the debut of the Plymouth Voyager nameplate).

For much of its entire production run, Chrysler produced B-platform vans at the now-demolished Pillette Road Truck Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; prior to 1980, the model line was also produced at Saint Louis North Assembly (Fenton, Missouri). In 2003, the Dodge Sprinter (a rebranding of its Mercedes-Benz namesake) was introduced, replacing the B-series van entirely from 2004 to 2009. Since 2014, the Ram division has offered the ProMaster to the full-size van market, a rebranded Fiat Ducato.

1977 Dodge Tradesman

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Common 1977 Dodge Tradesman problems

Common problems with the Dodge Tradesman 1977, based on complaints from owners of this car, include electrical issues, instrument cluster malfunctions, and weak flex plates.

Electrical issues are a common problem in the Dodge Tradesman 1977. For instance, one owner reported that the glove box light blew out, and the engine died, followed by the van not drawing any power three days later, despite the battery reading 12 volts.

Instrument cluster malfunctions are another common problem in the Dodge Tradesman 1977. For instance, one owner reported that the instrument cluster (speedometer/odometer) stopped working after the seller lubed the cable and said it was working but it bounced a little.

Weak flex plates are also a common problem in the Dodge Tradesman 1977. For instance, one owner reported that they had a problem with vibrations from the engine, but could never find it, until they discovered that the transmission was rubbing direct to the metal U due to a rubber grommet that tends to slip over time.

In summary, the Dodge Tradesman 1977 has several common problems, including electrical issues, instrument cluster malfunctions, and weak flex plates. These problems can be frustrating for owners, but with proper maintenance and repair, the van can continue to run smoothly for many years.

1977 Dodge Tradesman engine

What year did the Dodge Tradesman come out?

From 1971 to 1978, Dodge produced two models of the B-series van: the Dodge Tradesman cargo van and the Dodge Sportsman passenger van. In line with the D-series pickup truck (which underwent a final redesign for 1972), the van was marketed with three payload series: ½-ton "100", ¾-ton "200", and 1-ton "300".

What makes a Dodge a tradesman?

The 2023 Ram 1500 trim lineup starts with a powerful performer. The Tradesman® trim comes equipped with a reliable V6 engine that can help you tow up to 7,730 pounds, or you can opt for a HEMI® V8 under the hood to get the torque you need to pull 12,750 pounds.

Does the tradesman have a Hemi engine?

2024 Ram 1500 Engine Model Availability

Most trims, including the base Ram 1500 Tradesman®, have a choice between the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8. The Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE has a 3.6L Pentastar V6, and the Ram 1500 Limited has a 5.7L HEMI V8 at standard.

Is tradesman better than bighorn?

Is Big Horn better than Tradesman? The Ram 1500 Big Horn is a great trim that offers the strength and value of the Ram 1500 Tradesman but with additional standard features and style upgrades to enjoy.

What year did the Dodge Tradesman come out?

From 1971 to 1978, Dodge produced two models of the B-series van: the Dodge Tradesman cargo van and the Dodge Sportsman passenger van. In line with the D-series pickup truck (which underwent a final redesign for 1972), the van was marketed with three payload series: ½-ton "100", ¾-ton "200", and 1-ton "300".

What makes a Dodge a tradesman?

The 2023 Ram 1500 trim lineup starts with a powerful performer. The Tradesman® trim comes equipped with a reliable V6 engine that can help you tow up to 7,730 pounds, or you can opt for a HEMI® V8 under the hood to get the torque you need to pull 12,750 pounds.

Does the tradesman have a Hemi engine?

2024 Ram 1500 Engine Model Availability

Most trims, including the base Ram 1500 Tradesman®, have a choice between the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8. The Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE has a 3.6L Pentastar V6, and the Ram 1500 Limited has a 5.7L HEMI V8 at standard.

Why is a tradesman called a tradesman?

The word 'trade' comes from the Old English word 'tredan' which means 'to tread'. Think of the route you take into a certain trade as a path you tread in life. Historically, people would commonly adopt the trade of their parents or ancestors, meaning that taking a trade would involve 'treading' in their footsteps.

1977 Dodge Tradesman car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Tradesman problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Steering problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1977 Dodge Tradesman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1977 Dodge Tradesman complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1977 Dodge Tradesman.

2002-05-01

STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-29
  • Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE CHASSIS AND THE STEERING BOX BRACKET TORE IN HALF. *YD
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1977 Dodge Tradesman problems:

Need advice about a 1977 Dodge Tradesman 200 camper van ...
Need advice about a 1977 Dodge Tradesman 200 camper van ...
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/need-advice-about-a-1977-dodge-tradesman-200-camper-van.659493/

Jun 23, 2021 ... ... Dodge Tradesman 200 van with the 318 engine. I have some questions some of you may be familiar with common issues. The van has been sitting ...

Electrical dilemna - 1977 dodge van - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
Electrical dilemna - 1977 dodge van - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/electrical-dilemna-1977-dodge-van/30507

May 15, 2009 ... The dimmer rheostats on the old Dodge headlight switches are a pretty common problem, so that'd be a good candidate. If you take the switch ...

1977 Dodge Van Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1977 Dodge Van Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/van/1977/

Mar 25, 2009 ... Seats badly worn. Power steering assist unit is leaking badly from the lower seal. Front skylight leaks slightly. Rear side windows leak real ...

ignition troubleshooting on 1977 dodge truck. | Allpar Forums
ignition troubleshooting on 1977 dodge truck. | Allpar Forums
https://www.allpar.com/threads/ignition-troubleshooting-on-1977-dodge-truck.154555/

Mar 22, 2014 ... This may be two different problems but . . . for starters i have a brand new battery. Reads 12.6 volts. once i do get truck started, it still ...

1977 Dodge sportsman wiring - iRV2 Forums
1977 Dodge sportsman wiring - iRV2 Forums
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f65/1977-dodge-sportsman-wiring-543482.html

Jun 30, 2021 ... Any common problems I should look for? I haven't even begun to investigate, I suspect bad wiring but maybe someone has a different experience.

Other years of Dodge Tradesman

dodge tradesman 1994 photo
Tradesman 1994
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dodge tradesman 1977 photo
Tradesman 1977
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1977 Dodge Tradesman photo