Just picked up my 1995 SMB Dodge RB with 38K miles from original owner. I know it is not the 4WD Beasts usually discussed in this forum, but it will serve my purpose well (Mountain Biking excursions with the family).

I would value any "watch out for" or "tips of wisdom" from members with a similar vehicle.

Being that the SMB has such low mileage, and am not worried about to much at this point. I am thinking about getting a new radiator & waterpump installed just because of their age and my experience with amercian V8's.

Congrats on the SMB purchase! If the original owner has taken good care of the SMB, you should get many miles out of such a low mileage vechicle.

And you don't need 4WD as often as you think.

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2006 Baja Tan SMB 4X4 EB50 PH 6LPSD
Mohawk Royalex Solo 14 foot canoe (light white-water)
Mad River Kevlar Explorer 17 foot canoe (flat water)
Dagger Royalex Legend 16 foot canoe (white-water)
Maravia New Wave 13.5 foot raft (fishing and white-water)

I'm jealous, can you post some pics?

I have a 1995 Maxi 3500 130k miles, garage kept and in very good (for age) condition:
- The steering becomes loose because of a poorly designed coupler. Most shops will replace your front end. The coupler is made with rubber to absorb the road shock (similar to a 'rag joint' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_joint). I put some screws inside the coupler to stiffen the coupler....it works fine now.
- The fuel pump and filter are together. They are know to need replacement about 100k miles. You may wish to replace it due to age anyway. The pump cost about $300 and your have to drop the tank to get it out.
- Be carefull of the trans fluid you put in. Only use ATF+4 synthetic. Do not trust any shop to change your trans oil. I mistakenly put 1 quart of universal trans fluid and the trans acted funny(loosing overdrive). I flushed out and put in AFT+4... all OK now. The ATF+4 is $5/quart!
- The trans will shift funny in cold weather. This is normal. All the p/u trucks of that era had similar issues.
- The engine bearings/belts squeek like crazy in cold weather...this is normal
- The factory radio blew on me last month...this was a bonus as now i have a CD player with MP3 capabability. The stock Infinity speakers never sounded so good.
- I've been told that the cam chains tend to come loose over they years and effect performance.
- I get 14.5MPG driving 70MPH. If that gets worse I'll worry about the engine problems.

Visit www.allpar.com
http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

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Thanks, Marty


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Marty's 'BearsMobile'

1995 Dodge SMB EB-20 + modified for shower in back, PH Microlite Starcool. 130k miles young!
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/alb...a37caeae3a.jpg

Also, the previous owner replaced the radiator at $130k miles. Its a tough pull since the radiator has to come out downward and the trans cooler is integrated. You might just want to inspect, flush and replace hoses instead.

__________________
Thanks, Marty


--->
Marty's 'BearsMobile'

1995 Dodge SMB EB-20 + modified for shower in back, PH Microlite Starcool. 130k miles young!
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/alb...a37caeae3a.jpg