*******WARNING*******
This could happen to your truck!!!!!!
Li'l Red Dad
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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!! This problem occurs more often on the 1979 Model rather than the 1978 Model. The reason being, the '79 LRT has the larger 8" rims on the front, therefore causing more stain on the steering box, than the smaller 7" rims on the '78 LRT. 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 lose anymore trucks.
Your truck could end up like this one!!!
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
Mechanical & Safety Info
****HELPFUL HINTS AND INFO FOR THE LI'L RED EXPRESS****
1978 & 1978 DODGE "PURPLE CAM"SPECS, FOR THE LI'L RED EXPRESS
This article will give you all the specs for the special cam used in the Li'l Red Express
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INSTALLED STEERING BOX BRACE
You may want to check your local wrecking yard. They were used on many 80's Dodge trucks, especially 4X4 pickups, Power Wagons, and Ramchargers. Hopefully, you can find a used one!
New ones are available, but they are not cheap! Below are 2 suppliers:
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BRACE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
This link gives you the instructions for installing the steering box brace without having to remove the steering box itself.
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FUEL TANK CONNECTING HOSE REPLACEMENT
This link will show you how to make a replacement hose for your fuel filler neck, article courtesy of Dave Sperry.
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1979 SPORT WHEEL HORN REPAIR
This link will show you how to repair your 1979 Li'l Red "Sport" Steering Wheel horn, article courtesy of Dave Sperry.
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This link will show you the wiring diagram for changing your truck from one horn setup to a dual horn setup. A horn relay will be necessary to get them to operate properly.
Information and diagram courtesy of Dave Sperry.
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This link will show a very handy shortcut to removing the heater, without having to remove the complete heater box, from under the dash. Sections of article were written by Greg Willis.
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