1989 Dodge Power Ram W150

1989 Dodge Power Ram W150 Burning Desert

We admit it: we're suckers for old trucks-especially clean, old trucks that still get used. Garage queens are nice to look at, but nothing really impresses like some old truck still getting used in the dirt or sand. Well, Brandon Miller's old Dodge could go either way. Seeing it parked on the street, you'd think to yourself, "Garage queen. There is no way anything this clean spends time in the dirt." Well, we've seen firsthand that this truck gets run and used-just like it's supposed to. After all, what's the point of owning some bitchin' truck if you don't use it?

When Brandon picked up his ride 7 years ago, he had a plan. A lot of money and a lot of time later, and Brandon has ended up with what you see here. Just like any good project, he knows it that it will never be finished, but he's happy so far and we can only imagine what will happen to this super-clean '89 Dodge next (wasn't that a four-link we heard you talking about, Brandon?)

Brandon's advice: Never underestimate a Dodge. They are amazing trucks and run like hell!

Specs
Vehicle:	'89 Dodge Power Ram W150
Owner:	Brandon Miller, Visalia, CA
Chassis:	Factory '89 Dodge half-ton
Engine:	318ci EFI V-8, modified heads, cam, K&N air filter, Accel Ignition, Optima Yellow Top, Flowmaster exhaust
Drivetrain:	518 transmission, NP241HD T-case, Precision Offroad Dana 44 front w/ Warn Premium hubs, Chrysler 9.25 rear w/ Trac Lock differential, Trans Dapt diff covers, Genuine Gear 4.11:1 gears
Suspension:	Tuff Country 6-inch front springs, Skyjacker Platinum 9000 shocks, custom shackles, 4-inch BDS lift blocks in rear, 9/16-inch U-bolts, Energy Suspension bumpstops
Steering:	Solid tie rod and factory draglink, Superlift steering block, Skyjacker steering stabilizer
Brakes:	Factory front discs and rear drums
Tires/wheels:	33x15.50R15 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs on 15X12 Weld Racing Scorpio Vs
Interior:	Bucket seats, door panels Miller-made out of 1/16-inch steel and wrapped in tweed,
	Grant steering wheel, Cobra 19DX IV CB with Wilson antenna, Mag Lite with mount, fire extinguisher, stereo system, train horn release valve w/ 200psi gauge
Other Parts:	Paint and body was done by Brandon Sisco of Sisco's Customs in Visalia, California, powdercoated Fabtech light bar, three KC Daylighters, everything underneath powder coated by Visalia Powder coating of Visalia California, A&L truck supply chrome bolt covers (helps keep rust out when in the dunes), Cen Cal Distributing onboard air system w/ 5-gallon nine-port air tank, 280C Viair compressor, United Pacific train horn with manual release valve mounted inside of cab

It's not often you see 33-inch tires on lifted trucks anymore. We thought these were 36-inch MTZ due to the 15-inch Weld wheels (also something you don't see often anymore) that left the 33s with a good amount of sidewall to flex and bulge. The 15.50 inches of tire width give this Dodge a great footprint to run around the dunes with. Helping to clear those wide tires are 6-inch Tuff Country front leaf springs that hold a Dana 44 axle, built by Precision Offroad. Brandon strapped a Trans Dapt diff cover to the front axle after loading it with Genuine gear 4.11 gears. Brandon has also upgraded his front shocks to the Skyjacker Platinum 9000 shocks with a bigger shaft. The front lightbar is a Fabtech unit that Brandon has custom modified to hold three KC Daylighters. Brandon also managed to load his headlight housings with some aftermarket HID lights to better light up the night.
It's not often you see 33-inch tires on lifted trucks anymore. We thought these were 36-in
Under the hood sits a fuel-injected 318ci V-8, just like it came from the factory in 1989. The heads have been gone through and there is a mild cam to help improve the power, but this engine was left largely alone for reliability. An Optima Yellow Top helps power not only the engine, but also the air compressor and the big stereo.
Under the hood sits a fuel-injected 318ci V-8, just like it came from the factory in 1989.
The rear of the truck is still sporting the Chrysler 9.25 rear that was factory in this truck. It's packed with a Trac Lock limited slip differential and 4.11 gears to match the front. BDS four-inch lift blocks and Rough Country add-a-leaves keep the rear floating, while Skyjacker 5000 shocks control it. The Cen Cal Distributing air tank is tucked under the bed to keep the bed open for utility. Brandon gave the rear a custom prerunner cut to the bedsides as well. You can see how clean everything underneath is. Powdercoating everything underneath not only keep things looking good, but also prevent corrosion.
The rear of the truck is still sporting the Chrysler 9.25 rear that was factory in this tr

Perhaps looking at the inside of the cab will give you an idea of just how clean this truck is. Brandon installed bucket seats in the truck and made custom door panels himself out of steel sheet and tweed. He's added a ton of billet accents to every part of the cab, a Grant steering wheel to the column, and has even embroidered his club's moniker in the custom headliner. That giant chrome piping and handle next to the driver's seat is the handle for the train horn.
Perhaps looking at the inside of the cab will give you an idea of just how clean this truc
Brandon bought the truck about 7 years ago, and started tearing into it. He loves that he can cruise the dunes with his awesome girlfriend (his words-but she is pretty hot!) and buddies one weekend, while hitting a car show the next (yes, it's that clean). While Brandon was building his truck, he managed to become president of Wasted Wages truck club in the Central Valley of California. It just goes to show what you can do when you set your mind to building something. Luckily, Brandon also had the support of some great friends in the club, his girlfriend, and his family-all of which Brandon would like to thank for putting up with him during the build.
Brandon bought the truck about 7 years ago, and started tearing into it. He loves that he