The 1977 New Yorker represents Chrysler's full-size luxury platform with reliable big-block V8s, but suffers from typical late-'70s Mopar issues: lean-burn electronics, timing chain stretch, and crumbling suspension bushings that plague high-mileage survivors.
Timing Chain Stretch and Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: rattling noise on cold start that disappears when warm, rough idle and poor performance, check engine light or intermittent no-start, metal shavings in oil
Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner; includes oil pan gasket and front cover seal. 5-7 hours labor. Critical on 318/360 engines which use single-row chains that stretch badly. 400/440 engines fare slightly better but still need attention.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Lean-Burn Ignition System Failure
Common · medium severitySymptoms: intermittent stalling and no-start conditions, hesitation and stumbling under load, poor fuel economy, fails emissions testing
Fix: The Lean-Burn computer and pickup sensors fail frequently. Most techs convert to traditional electronic ignition using a standard distributor, ballast resistor, and ECU. 2-3 hours for conversion. Parts availability for original system is poor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Carburetor Issues (Carter Thermoquad)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: varies, age-related
Symptoms: fuel leaks from base or bowl, rough idle and stalling when cold, black smoke and poor fuel economy, warped phenolic main body
Fix: The Thermoquad has a plastic main body that warps with heat/age causing vacuum leaks and flooding. Rebuild kits help temporarily (3-4 hours), but most owners swap to an Edelbrock AVS2 or Holley for reliability. Adapter plate may be needed.
Estimated cost: $350-900
Torsion Bar and Suspension Bushing Deterioration
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: front end sags noticeably, clunking over bumps, wandering steering and poor alignment retention, uneven tire wear
Fix: Lower control arm bushings, strut rod bushings, and upper control arm bushings all rot out. Torsion bars lose tension. Complete front-end rebuild with torsion bar adjustment: 8-10 hours. Alignment required afterward.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Transmission Kickdown Linkage Binding
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: transmission won't downshift for passing, delayed or soft shifts, poor acceleration, transmission overheating on grades
Fix: The TorqueFlite 727 is bulletproof, but the throttle pressure linkage seizes or disconnects. Inspect, clean, lubricate, and adjust linkage. 1-2 hours. If ignored, causes clutch pack wear from low line pressure.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Fuel Tank and Sending Unit Corrosion
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: fuel gauge reads empty or erratic, fuel leaks near tank, rust flakes in fuel filter, fuel pump failure from debris
Fix: Tanks rust from inside out, especially if stored with old ethanol fuel. Sending units corrode at terminals. Tank replacement requires dropping exhaust: 4-5 hours. Consider aftermarket coated tank for longevity.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Buy one if you find a pampered low-miler under 80K; otherwise budget $2,500-4,000 for deferred maintenance on suspension, ignition, and timing components before it's roadworthy.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.