1974 DODGE MONACO

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise at cold start that quiets after warmup, Hard starting especially when hot, Backfiring through carburetor, Loss of power and poor idle quality, Check timing shows 10+ degrees retarded from spec

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and often both cam and crank sprockets. Budget 4-6 hours labor depending on accessories and air conditioning clearance. 440s take longer due to weight and tight fit. Must verify oil pump drive gear condition while in there.

Estimated cost: $450-850

Symptoms: Rough idle and stalling when warm, Fuel dripping from base - warped phenolic body, Hesitation on acceleration, Black smoke from tailpipe, Won't pass emissions testing

Fix: The ThermoQuad plastic body warps with age and ethanol fuel. Rebuild kits exist but often fail again within a year. Best fix is replacement with Edelbrock 1406 or rebuilt Holley 4-barrel. Tuning takes 1-2 hours after swap. Some shops won't touch TQ rebuilds anymore.

Estimated cost: $350-700

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Front end sits noticeably low with uneven ride height side-to-side, Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering and poor tracking, Inner tire wear, Bottoming out over dips with passengers

Fix: Torsion bars rarely break but adjustment bolts seize and bushings deteriorate. Full front rebuild includes both lower control arm bushing sets, upper bushings, ball joints, and torsion bar adjustment. Figure 6-8 hours labor. Alignment mandatory after. Many cars need rear leaf spring bushings simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Stalling in hot weather especially after short stops, Won't restart until engine cools 20-30 minutes, Sputtering under load on highway in summer, Fuel smell in engine bay when hot

Fix: Combination of heat-soaked mechanical fuel pump, metal fuel lines running too close to exhaust manifolds, and modern ethanol fuel boiling. Solutions include fuel pump insulation kit, rerouting fuel lines with heat shield, adding electric pusher pump, or switching to vapor-return fuel system. Diagnosis and fixes run 2-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $200-500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Fluid leaking from steering box onto frame rail, Excessive play in steering wheel - 3+ inches before wheels move, Groaning when turning at low speeds, Wandering on highway requiring constant correction

Fix: Chrysler integral power steering boxes can be rebuilt or replaced. Rebuilds work if sector shaft isn't worn. Most DIYers opt for reman box from Cardone or similar - 3-4 hours swap including alignment. Flush power steering system when replacing. Pumps rarely fail but hoses crack.

Estimated cost: $400-750

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Oil puddle under back of engine after sitting overnight, Oil spots on driveway centered under transmission bellhousing, Low oil level requiring frequent top-ups, Oil-soaked clutch or torque converter area

Fix: Rope-style rear main seals were standard - they weep with age. Pan gaskets use cork that hardens. Rear main requires transmission removal - 8-10 hours labor. Oil pan is 3-4 hours but exhaust must come out and steering linkage drops. Many owners live with slow seepage and just monitor oil level.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Fuel smell around rear of car, Tank leaking from seams or filler neck junction, Rust particles clogging fuel filter repeatedly, Failed emissions test due to evaporative system, Visible surface rust or holes in tank strap area

Fix: Original steel tanks rust from inside-out, especially in humid climates or if car sat. Filler necks rust through where they meet quarter panel. Tank replacement requires dropping exhaust and full tank removal - 3-4 hours. Most swap to reproduction tanks. Inspect brake and fuel lines while underneath as they rust too.

Estimated cost: $400-800