Power Ram 250 runs and drives, but won't get faster than 40 mph

[David Vandercook]

Well, I finally got my 86 power ram to run today so I took it for a drive. It ran pretty well, but it felt like it was working really hard on the hills and wouldn't get above 15 up the steep hills. On flat ground it would go 40 if I completely floored the pedal. It shifted from first to second but not third. I came home and the rear drum brakes were smoking. The brakes seemed to work fine downhill but it might have just been the front brakes. Would locked brakes cause it to go slowly and not shift into 3rd?
Thanks, David

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

It can cause a severe load on your transmission, make sure front calipers aren't hanging up and the flex hoses aren't deteriating from within, you should put rebuild calipers and new flex hoses on it, what condition and the E Brake cables in it can cause rear brakes to lock up or any broken hardware.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Welcome to the Ram Forum, I love the old school Mopar's!!!