The Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck is known to have serious safety problems in two areas.
1. Ammeter meltdown
2. Steering box to frame attachment
On this page you will find information on how to correct these potential hazards
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First : information on the ammeter problem.
The following article was published in the June 2006 issue of "Mopar Collector's Guide" and explains the potential fire hazard of the ammeter gauge
 FIRE HAZARD  PG1
   FIRE HAZARD  PG2  
In the following link from "MAD" Industries, you will find the recommended fix to this ammeter problem.  This article is very detailed and informative.
http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml

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Second :  information on the steering box brace
Due to constant flexing, the steering boxes on the Dodge trucks have been know to crack the frame at the four attaching bolt positions, causing the steering box to break away from the frame, resulting in complete steering loss!!   The steering box reinforcing brace is the only safe way to correct the problem.   The brace is not listed in the parts catalog, nor are there any service bulletins or recalls recommending this modification.  The brace started showing up somewhere around 1981 or 1982 on all  Dodge trucks.  This was probably due to the many trucks that lost steering completely when the steering box broke away from the frame, making the truck uncontrollable!!  This is a real problem that needs to be addressed before we loose anymore trucks.
The steering brace, pn# 4447405, is no longer produced by Dodge and carries a "NS1" status.  However, Dodge Connection has recently had the braces reproduced and they are a "dead on"(no pun intended) copy of the original.  This reproduction part has been approved by the National Association of Li'l Red Express Truck Owners #101 and there will be no points deduction, during judging, when installed on your truck. 
 
Picture of installed brace, compliments of Bob Montgomery.

INSTALLED STEERING BOX BRACE

This link will connect you to Dodge Connection at the steering box brace order form

DODGE CONNECTION STEERING BOX BRACE ORDER PAGE

This link gives you the instructions for installing the steering box brace without having to remove the steering box itself.

BRACE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Both of the above modifications are highly recommended for all Dodge trucks of this vintage.
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