340-Powered 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport 4×4

This 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport 4×4 spent time in Texas and Arizona before undergoing a decade-long body-off refurbishment conducted by JCJ Customs of Fort Worth, Texas, that was completed around 2017, during which the truck was fitted with a rebuilt 340ci V8, repainted in red, and retrimmed in tan upholstery. Equipment includes a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, a Mile Marker part-time four-wheel-drive kit, a lifted suspension, Method 16″ wheels, a swing-out spare-tire carrier, a SofTopper tan top, a roll bar, and a grille guard as well as front bucket seats and a rear bench, a center console, Classic Auto Air climate control, and a Sony audio system. The engine is complemented by an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, “J” cylinder heads, a Mopar Performance electronic distributor, Hedman ceramic-coated headers, and a custom dual exhaust system. The selling dealer acquired the vehicle in 2023. This modified Trail Duster is now offered in Georgia with an owner’s manual, a Trail Duster brochure, refurbishment records, and a clean Texas title.

The Plymouth Trail Duster debuted in 1974 alongside the platform-sharing Dodge Ramcharger. This truck is said to have been stripped to bare metal and finished in two-stage Standox base/clear red paint during the aforementioned refurbishment. Black-accented bright trim adorns the body sides and the tailgate. A Softopper tan soft top has been adapted, and other exterior equipment includes a bright-finished grille, a black grille guard, stacked quad headlamps, towing mirrors, “Trail Duster” and “Sport” badging, a body-color roll bar, a swing-out spare-tire carrier, dual exhaust outlets, and chrome bumpers. The seller notes that items such as the grille, bezels, and lights were replaced during the refurbishment.

Method 16″ ten-spoke wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich All-Terrain Radial T/A tires measuring 295/75. The truck is equipped with power steering and a lifted suspension. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The seating is trimmed in tan Ultraleather upholstery along with color-coordinated door panels and carpeting. A center console with cupholders is positioned between the high-back front bucket seats. Other interior appointments include a rear bench seat, Classic Auto Air climate control, a Sony CD head unit, Sony rear speakers, and Goodyear floor mats.

The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 85-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges monitoring voltage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer indicates 800 miles, which is said to reflect the distance accumulated since completion of the refurbishment. Approximately 75 miles have been added by the selling dealer, and true mileage is unknown.

The 340ci V8 was manufactured in 1971, according to the seller. It was rebuilt by Wayne Calvert Precision Engines of Denton, Texas, in 2017 and is augmented by the following equipment:

• Forged crankshaft
• Replacement pistons
• Replacement camshaft
• Ported and polished “J” cylinder heads
• Mancini Racing adjustable roller rocker arms
• Replacement valves and springs
• Mopar Performance valve covers
• Edelbrock intake manifold
• Holley Street Avenger four-barrel carburetor
• Mopar Performance electronic distributor
• Narragansett Reproductions wiring harness
• Powermaster alternator
• Hedman Hedders ceramic-coated exhaust headers
• Custom dual exhaust system with Thrush Turbo mufflers

The truck’s chassis number indicates that it was originally powered by a 360ci V8 topped by a two-barrel carburetor.

The three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is matched with an NP203 dual-range transfer case, both of which were resealed during the refurbishment. A Mile Marker Industries part-time four-wheel-drive kit has been adapted, and the vehicle has manually locking front hubs. The Dana 44 front end has been rebuilt, and the Chrysler 9¼” rear end is fitted with replacement limited-slip gearing. The frame was powdercoated during the refurbishment.