1977 Dodge Sportsman

There is a long running thread on Dodge Based RVs you might ask there a lot of Dodge guys may be of help to you.

CLICK HERE

If you have to ask, it’s a big project.
Even if you know what you’re doing it’s a big project. Drop the trans or pull the engine, your pick.
And it’s only a flywheel if it has a manual trans. If it’s an auto, it’s a flexplate.

Pulling a trans is very easy on a lift. On the ground it's a hassle but can be done. Either way on an old vehicle ere is a lot of room under there.

Why do they say it need a "flywheel"?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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