Dodge D series

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Dodge D-Series (1968)
Dodge D series
Manufacturer: Dodge
Production period: 1961-1980
Predecessor: Dodge C series
Successor: Dodge Ram
Class: Pick up
1st generation
Production period: 1961-1964
Body:
Engines: 2.8 liter R6
3.7 liter R6
5.2 liter V8
7.0 liter V8
2nd generation
Production period: 1965-1971
Body:
Engines: 2.8 liter R6
3.7 liter R6
4.5 liter V8
5.2 liter V8
6.3 liter V8
75.3−
3rd generation
Production period: 1972-1980
Body:
Engines: 2.8 liter R6
3.7 liter R6
5.9 liter V8
6.3 liter V8
6.6 liter V8
7.2 liter V8

The Dodge D-Series and its all-wheel-drive version, the W-Series, was a range of light and medium-sized commercial vehicles that Dodge produced between 1961 and 1980. In order to adapt to common names in the industry, some of the lighter versions had names such as D100, D200 and D300 as early as 1957. Technically, these can be assigned to the previous Dodge C-series . Again, the Dodge Power Wagon was part of the W series. From 1980 the pickups were called Dodge Ram , although the basic design was retained until the introduction of the completely redesigned 2nd Ram series in 1994. The D-series had the same chassis as the Dodge Ramcharger and the Plymouth Trailduster .

1st series (1961–1971)

1961: "Darts"

After Dodge had already completely renewed its heavy commercial vehicles, a complete overhaul of the light and medium series D series followed in 1961. Again there was an all-wheel drive version "W" and the Dodge Power Wagon was again a sub-series of the W series. Until 1965 it carried the model code WM. The model name "Dart" was only used this year for some Dodge commercial vehicles.

The D series was the first new development since 1954. The new chassis has a wheelbase that is approximately 15 cm longer. The frames are designed to be more stable than their predecessors and are additionally reinforced with X-cross members. The axles are also more massive. Wider and longer rear leaf springs do not contribute to better driving characteristics, but improve the loading capacity and longevity of the vehicles. The D-series is almost 18 cm lower than its predecessor and has cabins that are a good 10 cm wider.

The body has the then common flatbed with fixed side walls, with contoured rear fenders available on request. These are commonly referred to as "stepside"; Dodge used the model name "Utiline" for this. With a delay, the sweptside platform, inspired by designer Virgil Exner , was introduced across the full width of the vehicle with integrated fenders - as is usual with almost all modern pickups. The earlier top model D100 Sweptline, however, was omitted.

The D-Series was powered by the well-known Chrysler Slant Six 170 , 198 and 225 in- line six-cylinder engines with 2,786 cm³ and 101 bhp (75.3 kW), 3,244 cm³ or 3,687 cm³ displacement - depending on the year of manufacture - in the basic configuration. The 198 was only available as basic equipment from 1969 to 1973. The 170 was an option in the D / W100 series. The 225 does according to sources 140 to 145 bhp (104.4 respectively. 108.1 kW). The Slant Six was originally developed for the compact Plymouth Valiant . The name goes back to the unusual construction with the cylinders inclined to the side, which results in a particularly low overall height of the engine. The engine replaced all side-controlled six - cylinder engines in the group and was the base engine for most D-series models. Virtually every engine from the Chrysler shelf was available on request; The V8 Hemi engines developed for racing were an exception . A major innovation was the introduction of a three-phase alternator instead of the old alternator. This was their first broad application in the commercial vehicle sector. The three-stage automatic transmission was also a major step forward. It was not until 1950 that the FluiDrive semi-automatic system was also introduced in the B series for Dodge commercial vehicles; a fully automatic transmission with typical two forward gears followed in 1953.

The light models were offered as D / W100 with 500 lbs (450 kg) payload, D / W200 with 750 lbs (680 kg) and D / W300 with 1 sh tn (900 kg) payload.

1962

1963

Another innovation, the (four-door) double cab, was introduced in 1963, the first time in a factory-made pickup. Earlier double cabin superstructures were only manufactured by coachbuilders at the request of customers. From 1973 there was also an enlarged single cabin that had either a third seat across the front seats or a rear bench seat for two children. (More often, however, this structure was only used for extra luggage).

1964

The “Custom Sports Special” and the “High Performance Package”

In 1964 the sporty “Custom Sports Special” was introduced. It had single seats, a center console, carpeting and racing stripes. The special equipment High Performance Package could be ordered for a CSS pickup or for the basic model complete with a 6,980 cm³ V8 engine called "426 Wedge". This engine developed 365 bhp (272 kW) and had a torque of 637 Nm - in line with the muscle car wave that just rolled over Detroit . The High Performance Package included a LoadFlyte automatic transmission, a Sun tachometer with up to 6,000 rpm, reinforced components, power steering, two exhaust pipes and drawn trailing arms on the rear axle that came from the 1961 Imperial . The “Custom Sports Special” pickup was available from 1964 to 1967; the “High Performance Package” was only available from 1964 to the first few months of 1966.

1965

In 1965 the D series was revised. The biggest changes were a bigger tailgate and the Chrysler LA engines, which replaced the Chrysler A engines. The 1967 D-series pickups had the large 6,276 cc V8 engine with two carburetors as basic equipment.

1968-1971

The 1968 models got a new grille - two rows with four openings each. A new "Adventurer" equipment package replaced the old "Custom Sports Special". Essentially, it contained upholstered front seats - either as a bench or as individual seats with a center console - and carpeting, as well as other highlights, such as chrome trim and exit lights.

In 1970 the “Adventurer” was divided into three packages: the “Adventurer”, the “Adventurer Sport” and the “Adventurer SE”. The Adventurer SE had z. B. a chrome-plated grille, imitation wood on the dashboard, padded, vinyl-covered front seats, color-matched seat belts, exit lights all around, additional soundproofing, double-tone horn, complete carpeting, luxurious door panels, a vinyl-lined side stripes, large hubcaps and imitation wood on the tailgate. The 1970s models also had a new, four-part grille (two rows of two openings).

The dude

Dodge Dude (1970)

In August 1969 the “Dude Sport Trim Package” was offered. These were essentially the already produced D 100 with black or white, C-shaped decorative lines, a "Dodge Dude" emblem on the side wall near the rear marker lights, chrome surrounds for the taillights and axle caps in "Fressnapf" - Shape with decorative rings. The Dude's tailgate was unique in that it featured a Dodge badge on a flat surface rather than the typical raised logo. The Dude was only offered in the 1970 and 1971 model years; only 1,500 to 2,000 pieces were produced.

1972 to 1980: AD platform

Without changing the designation "D-series", the series received a new platform called AD from 1972 . The revision led to a rounder appearance of the vehicles (similar to that of the GM C / K series from 1973 to 1987), but also offered new details, such as an independent front suspension and taillights recessed into the body (the familiar taillights with the reversing lights on top were sunk by 6 mm so that they were not damaged when maneuvering in narrow depots). Some styling details, such as the contoured bonnet or the rounded front fenders, were reminiscent of the rounded, softer look of the current " Fuselage Styling " for the Group's passenger cars.

In 1972 the V8 engine with a displacement of 7,210 cm³ was introduced as basic equipment for the small pickups.

Dodge D300 Rescue vehicle from 1972 from the TV series "Emergency!" ( California 911 , 1972–1978)

The 1972 D-series was also made famous by the television series Emergency California , where it provided the vehicle for the paramedic crew for all seven seasons.

Notable models during this period were the 1978/1979 Li'l Red Express , the Warlock , the Macho Power Wagon, and the Adventurer (note: all Li'l Red Express were Adventurers, but not the other way around!). Another very rare pickup is the Midnite Express . This pickup was equipped just like the Li'l Red Express. The only difference was that the Midnite Express was painted black instead of red. It had the same engine, the same exhaust pipes, the same wheels and the golden side stripes as the Li'l Red Express, but with the words "Midnite Express" on the doors. It was only available in model year 1978. The motorization of the 2 "Express" trucks was the 360 ​​ci V8 known from police cars, with an output of 165 kW at 3800 rpm. and 400 Nm at 3200 rpm. In addition, in contrast to the police versions, modifications were made to the crankshaft and the carburetor. All of these pickups were viewed as “lifestyle” vehicles and were offered to a clientele who wanted special “customized” pickups. Dodge also saw the need to launch an extended cab pickup truck. This also had two doors, but additional space behind the front seats (not to be confused with the four-door double cab).

Thousands of D-series pickups were used by the US Army as transport vehicles of the "M880 series".

1981

This generation of the D-series was revised in 1981 and renamed the Dodge Ram . The embossed name "DODGE RAM" also appeared on the tailgate. Obvious changes were seen on the grille, hood, taillights and throughout the interior. The new "shoulder" line was more subtle than that of GM's competitor. This version was produced until 1993. Many body panels are interchangeable on 1972-1993 models, so it is not uncommon to see a “hybrid” of a 1978 grille with a 1974 hood and a 1991 cab. Most of the time, the year of construction only refers to the chassis, regardless of which superstructure is attached to it.

Sales have been good from the Swept Line era to the late 1970s. The combination of unattractive styling and brand loyalty on the part of buyers (primarily to Chevrolet and Ford ) in the 1980s and 1990s caused the production figures for the first Dodge Ram to collapse. In 1994 there was a significant revision.

Remarks

  • Medium D-series pickups were also made through 1978
  • W-Series pickups were essentially all-wheel drive versions of the D-Series pickups. They were available in light and medium-weight versions.
  • S-series pickups were essentially medium-duty D-series pickups used to build school buses.
  • The military versions were the Dodge M 880 with four wheel drive and the Dodge M 890 with rear wheel drive. In the mid-1980s they were replaced by GM vehicles.

Engines

  • Chrysler in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,786 cm³
  • Chrysler in-line six-cylinder with 3,687 cm³ displacement
  • Chrysler RB V8 engine with 6,980 cm³ displacement, 272 kW output and 637 Nm torque (1964)
  • Chrysler A-V8 engine with a displacement of 5,211 cc
  • Chrysler LA V8 engine with 4,473 cc displacement (1965)
  • Chrysler RB-V8 engine with 6,276 cm³ displacement, 258 bhp (192 kW) output and 508 Nm torque (1967–1979)
  • Chrysler LA V8 engine with 5,211 cm³ displacement and 160 bhp (119 kW) output (1967)
  • Chrysler LA V8 engine with 5,899 cm³ displacement and 180 bhp (134 kW) output (1972)
  • Chrysler RB V8 engine with 6,554 cm³ displacement and 200 bhp (149 kW) output (1972–1979)
  • Chrysler RB V8 engine with 7,210 cm³ displacement and 235 bhp (175 kW) output (1974–1979)

In Brazil , the car was only offered with the V8 engine with a displacement of 5,211 cc.

literature

  • Robert Gabrick: American Delivery Truck: An Illustrated History. Enthusiast Books, 2014, ISBN 978-1-58388-311-2 .
  • GN Georgano (Ed.), G. Marshall Naul: Complete Encyclopedia of Commercial Vehicles. MBI Motor Books International, Osceola WI, 1979, ISBN 0-87341-024-6 .
  • John A. Gunnell (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Light Duty Trucks, 1896-1986. MBI Motor Books International, Osceola WI, 1993, ISBN 0-87341-238-9 .
  • Albert Mroz: Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Trucks and Commercial Vehicles. Krause Publications, Iola WI, 1996, ISBN 0-87341-368-7 .

Web links

Commons : Dodge D-Series  - Collection of Pictures, Videos and Audio Files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Allpar: C Series Dodge Pickup Trucks, 1954-1960.
  2. ^ Mroz: Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Trucks and Commercial Vehicles. 1996, p. 104.
  3. ^ Gunnell: Standard Catalog of American Light Duty Trucks, 1896-1986. 1993, p. 144.
  4. ^ Allpar: The Chrysler Slant Six Engine (170-198-225).
  5. ^ Mroz: Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Trucks and Commercial Vehicles. 1996, p. 105.
  6. ↑ Allpar: Dodge D-series pickups, 1961–1971.