1977 Dodge Sportsman

SidecarFlip wrote:
I'd be more concerned about how rotted the camper is than the mechanicals.

Even moreso being its probably from seattle! I’ve got a pressure treated and cedar fence that rotted out at 1/3 the age of that RV.
However unless impeccably kept and stored indoors, the mechanicals and chassis are likely no treat either.
The only Sportsman’s I’ve seen around are rolling homeless camps.
To the OP, however if it really only needs a flexplate and is in otherwise good shape both chassis and camper wise, it may be decent, but make no mistake, it will need attention in other areas.
And why does it need one? Common issue of busted teeth or ???

Lwiddis wrote:
A forty-three year old Dodge Sportsman? You’ll need lots more than a flywheel.

This could be a very true statement. Especially considering the potential buyer doesn’t know much about vehicles.

dodge guy wrote:

camperdave wrote:
Yes, this is a big project. You'll most likely end up removing both engine and trans and replacing everything cooling related. God only knows what else you'll find wrong in there lol.

No it’s not. Removing the trans on a Dodge van is as simple as it comes. If it takes more than 3 hours to do the job completely then you must have taken a lunch break.

Camperdave, you’re mistaken. It’s one of the other. Obvious you haven’t worked on vehicles just like the OP. So in that respect, you’re correct that for someone who hasn’t done it before, it’s pretty major surgery. Deciding which piece is best to remove depends on what else needs to be done. Trans is easier. Even more so in a van chassis
I’d probably light a match to an old van before removing the engine...

I'd be more concerned about how rotted the camper is than the mechanicals.

A forty-three year old Dodge Sportsman? You’ll need lots more than a flywheel.

camperdave wrote:
Yes, this is a big project. You'll most likely end up removing both engine and trans and replacing everything cooling related. God only knows what else you'll find wrong in there lol.

No it’s not. Removing the trans on a Dodge van is as simple as it comes. If it takes more than 3 hours to do the job completely then you must have taken a lunch break.

Yes, this is a big project. You'll most likely end up removing both engine and trans and replacing everything cooling related. God only knows what else you'll find wrong in there lol.

Pulling the trans back is most likely the easier option. If that’s the only big issue and you have the tools and a strong Back, it’s not horribly technical and relatively inexpensive.
Is it a van chassis with removable doghouse? That will make getting at the bell housing bolts easy, which is sometimes the hardest part

I am not sure about this but think that some class C motorhomes had to have the engine taken out via the inside of the vehicle. That would be a MAJOR undertaking! I would do a lot more checking before purchasing this vehicle as it may turn out to be a huge headache. :E
Barney

As Grit dog says, it an a typical diy job. However, it doesn’t require anything intricate, so it might not be horrifically expensive. I’d ask around for pricing before the purchase. Of course, filling the tank with gas will double the value of a 1977 Dodge, and whatever you put into it will not be recouped.