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Dodge D series
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Also called	Dodge Ram (1980–1993) Dodge W series (4×4 models) Dodge Power Ram (4×4 models from 1980–1993)
Production	1960–1993
Assembly	Warren Truck Assembly, Warren, Michigan, United States Santo André, Brazil (1968–1984) Windsor Assembly, Canada Bogotá, Colombia (1969–1976)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size pickup truck
Body style	2-door truck 4-door truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive Front engine, four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler AD platform
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge C series
Successor	Dodge Ram (newer platforms have "D" prefixed in their identity)

The D series (also called D/W series) is a line of pickup trucks that was sold by Dodge from October 1960 to September 30, 1993. The same basic design was retained until the October 1993 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram. The D/W series shared its AD platform with the Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth Trail Duster twins. Two-wheel-drive (4×2) models were designated D, while four-wheel-drive (4×4) models were designated W.

First generation (1961–65)

First generation
First generation Dodge D-100
Overview
Production	1960–1965
Body and chassis
Body style	2/4-door pickup truck
Powertrain
Engine	170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-six I6 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-six I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) A V8 413 cu in (6.8 L) RB V8 426 cu in (7.0 L) RB V8
Transmission	3/4-speed manual 3-speed push button automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114 in (2,896 mm) (regular cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed) 122 in (3,099 mm) (regular cab 8 ft (2.4 m) bed) 133 in (3,378 mm) (regular cab 9 ft (2.7 m) Utiline bed) 146 in (3,708 mm) (crew cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed)

The Chrysler A engine of 318 cu in (5.2 L) was the smallest V8 option; and all of Chrysler's larger engines, with the notable exception of the Chrysler Hemi engine, were available as factory options. The original design was built until the spring of 1965, when the facelifted, single-headlamp version arrived. For 1963, Dodge introduced a four-door crew-cab version of the D series, becoming the first "Big Three" American manufacturer to market a factory-produced truck with two rows of seating (following the 1961 introduction of the International Travelette).

Besides straight-sided beds (called Sweptline), the D series also offered step-sided narrow beds (called Utiline) in 6.5 ft (2.0 m) (D-100 only), 8 ft (2.4 m) (D-100 and 200), and 9 ft (2.7 m) (D-300 only) lengths.

A Perkins 354-cubic-inch six-cylinder diesel engine option was offered in the D series for 1962, but was dropped because of lackluster demand.

The first generation of the D series was manufactured in Warren, Michigan. They were given the Dodge and Fargo brands. The trucks were produced by the Dodge Division of the Chrysler Corporation.

Custom Sports Special and high-performance package

1964 saw the introduction of the sporty Custom Sports Special. The Custom Sports Special included bucket seats, console, carpeting and racing stripes. The optional high-performance package could be ordered with a CSS truck or by itself on a base model truck complete with Chrysler's big 413 cu in (6.8 L) wedge-head V8 for 1964 and 426 cu in (7.0 L) V8 for 1965. The 426 cubic inch engine produced 365 hp (272 kW) and 470 lb·ft (637 N·m)—in line with the muscle-car revolution that was then sweeping Detroit. The high-performance package also included the LoadFlite automatic transmission, a 6000 rpm-rated Sun tachometer with heavy-duty gauges, power steering, dual exhaust and rear axle torque rods (traction bars) sourced from 1961 Imperials. Custom Sports Special trucks were produced from 1964 to 1967. The high-performance package required customized fabrication including tailor-made traction bar brackets, alterations to the frame cross members and an enlarged firewall to make room for the exhaust manifold. The High Performance Package was only offered from 1964 to early 1966.

Second generation (1965–71)

Second generation
1971 Dodge D-100
Overview
Production	1965–1971
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup truck 4-door pickup truck
Powertrain
Engine	225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 361 cu in (5.9 L) B V8 383 cu in (6.3 L) B V8 421 cu in (6.9 L) RB V8 426 cu in (7.0 L) RB V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
Transmission	3/4-speed manual 3-speed, dash or column mounted automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114 in (2,896 mm) (regular cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed) 128 in (3,251 mm) (regular cab 8 ft (2.4 m) bed) 133 in (3,378 mm) (regular cab 9 ft (2.7 m) Utiline bed) 146 in (3,708 mm) (crew cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed)

1965–67

The D series was mildly redesigned in the spring of 1965, so there are both two-headlight and four-headlight models titled as 1965s. Updates for mid-1965 included a wider tailgate and the replacement of the A-series engines with the updated LA series, as well as a six-inch wheelbase stretch on 8 ft (2.4 m) bed models. In 1967, the D-series trucks received big-block 383 2-barrel engines as a standard option.

From 1965 until the early 1980s, D-series trucks were assembled in Warren, Michigan, by the Chrysler Corporation. Foreign models were manufactured by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Israel at a new factory located at Nazareth-Illit, using straight-four and straight-six gasoline engines mated to a manual transmission. This factory also produced the Jeep Wagoneer SUV for the Israeli army, and British Ford Escort and Ford Transit vehicles for the civilian market. The D-series trucks were made both for the civilian market and for the Israeli Army. The models were D100 and D200 light trucks, D500 truck, and the D600 truck with the straight-six engine and having on-demand four-wheel drive. There was also a bus version made (mainly for army use). This bus was a 20-seat bus built on the chassis of the D500 truck using the straight-four engine with front and rear hydraulic doors, as well as the complete D500 front end and dashboard.

1968–71

The 1968 models received a new front grille—two rows of four holes each. A new Adventurer trim package replaced the old Custom Sports Special; basically, it included a padded front seat with vinyl trim (either full bench or buckets with console) and carpeting, plus other hallmarks such as extra chrome trim and courtesy lighting. This generation continued to be built in South Africa as well. Sold as the D300 or the D500, the lighter model received the 225 Slant-Six, while the heavier-duty D500 had the 318 ci V8. Power outputs are 127 and 177 hp (95 and 132 kW) (net), respectively; SAE claims are 140 and 212 hp.

By 1970, the Adventurer would be expanded into three separate packages: the base Adventurer, the Adventurer Sport and the top-line Adventurer SE. The Adventurer SE included such things as a chrome grille, wood trim on the dashboard, the padded vinyl front seat with color-keyed seatbelts, full courtesy lighting, extra insulation, dual horns, full carpeting, luxury door panel trim, a vinyl-embossed trim strip ran along the sides of the truck, full wheel discs and a woodgrain-insert panel on the tailgate. The 1970 models also featured a new four-section grille (two rows of two holes each).

"The Dude"

In August 1969, the "Dude Sport Trim Package" was released. This was essentially the D100 already in production, with an added black or white body-side "C" stripe decal; a Dodge Dude decal on the box at the rear marker lamps; tail lamp bezel trim; and dog dish hub caps with trim rings. The Dude's tailgate was unique, featuring a Dodge decal on a flat tailgate surface, without the typical tailgate's embossed logo. The Dudes were only offered in the 1970 and 1971 model years and only 1,500 to 2,000 Dudes were produced. Actor Don Knotts promoted The Dude in its marketing campaigns.

Third generation (1972–93)

Third generation
Overview
Production	1971–1993
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup truck 4-door pickup truck
Related	Dodge Ramcharger
Powertrain
Engine	170 cu in (2.8 L) Slant-6 I6 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant-6 I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) B V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8 243 cu in (4.0 L) 6DR5 I6 Diesel
Transmission	3/4-speed manual 3-speed column-mounted automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	115 in (2,921 mm) (regular cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed) 131 in (3,327 mm) (regular cab 8 ft (2.4 m) bed) 133 in (3,378 mm) (Club Cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed) 135 in (3,429 mm) (regular cab 9 ft (2.7 m) Utiline bed, 1972 only) 149 in (3,785 mm) (crew cab 6.5 ft (2.0 m) bed and Club Cab 8 ft (2.4 m) bed) 165 in (4,191 mm) (crew cab 9 ft (2.7 m) bed)

A redesign of the D series for the 1972 model year introduced a more rounded look. This redesign, which lasted until 1980 with minor changes, included new features such as an independent front suspension and pocketed taillights (the distinctive reverse-on-top lights were recessed to .25 in (6.4 mm) to avoid damage in loading docks and confined spaces). Styling cues, such as the scalloped hood and rounded fenderwells, were similar to the rounded, smooth look of the 1971 Plymouth Satellite. These trucks were built with a considerable amount of galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion, making them very durable.

Dodge pioneered the extended-cab pickup with the introduction of the Club Cab for 1973. Available with either a 6.5 ft (2.0 m) or 8 ft (2.4 m) Sweptline bed, the Club Cab was a two-door cab with small rear windows which had more space behind the seats than the standard cab, but was not as long as the four-door crew cab. Inward-facing jump seats were available, providing room for five passengers. 1974 saw the introduction of the 440 cu in engine as an option for the light trucks, as well as a "Dyna-Trac" dual-rear-wheel option on D300 pickups with a 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) GVWR.

The 1972 D series was made famous in the television show Emergency!, where a D300 chassis cab was the featured paramedic rescue squad vehicle for all seven seasons.

Special models

Notable models produced during this era were the 1978–1979 Li'l Red Express, the Warlock, the Macho Power Wagon, the Macho Power Wagon Top Hand, Macho Power Wagon Palomino, and the Adventurer.

The Warlock, as part of Dodge's "adult toys" line from the late 1970s, is a short wheelbase truck produced in limited production in 1976 and regular production from 1977 to 1979. Warlocks came in black, red, green, and blue; however, other colors could be special-ordered. Its main draw was being a factory customized truck, also known as a "trick truck," and was designed to appeal to young 4×4 buyers. The Warlock featured custom gold wheels, wide tires, bucket seats, and a Utiline bed with oak racks. Optional equipment included five-spoke wheels, bucket seats, tinted glass, chrome rear bumper, and power steering. All had black interiors, with gold accents on the dash and the doors, and a "tuff" steering wheel. The exterior was accented by gold pin striping around the wheel wells and the body lines. The pin striping continued inside onto the doors, dashboard, and instrument panel. On the 1976 model, Dodge was printed in gold on the tailgate, while Warlock was printed in gold on the tailgate through 1978; the 1979 model instead had "Warlock II" printed.

The colors of the Dodge Macho Power Wagon Palomino were the same as a Palomino horse (all Li'l Red Express trucks were Adventurers, but not vice versa). The Li'l Red Express was not available for sale in California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, or Washington state, and did not meet special noise standards in certain locations. Because of this, the Midnite Express was born.

The Midnite Express was not a factory option like the Li'l Red Express; it was a dealer-installed package. Dealers that could not sell the Li'l Red Express used high-optioned Warlocks, repainted them metallic black, and ordered all of the Li'l Red Express parts through their parts department. The Midnite Express was available for the 1978 model year only. This truck was equipped much like the Li'l Red Express with exhaust stacks, wheels, and gold pinstriping. The Midnite Express was painted black instead of red and featured a "Midnite Express Truck" decal on the door. Most Midnite Express trucks were powered by the 440 engine, instead of the 360 like the Li'l Red Express. All of these trucks were considered "lifestyle" pickups and were marketed to an audience that wanted specialty, personal-use trucks.

Between 1976 and 1977, about 44,000 D-series trucks entered military service as the M880 series CUCV. The CUCVs were based on the W200 and powered by a 318 V8 mated to a Torqueflite 727 3-speed automatic transmission. There was also a 4×2-only version called the M890.

Diesel

The 1978 models also saw the introduction of the second diesel-powered Dodge pickup truck. Available as an economy choice in the D/W 150 and 200 trucks was Mitsubishi's 6DR5 4.0L inline six-cylinder naturally-aspirated diesel, rated at 105 hp (78 kW) at 3500 rpm, and 230 N·m (169 lb·ft) at 2200 rpm. The diesel used standard Dodge manual and automatic transmissions via a custom adapter plate which had the B/RB Big Block V8 bolt pattern. This rare factory option, VIN code H, was the result of the 1973 oil crisis and the collaboration of Chrysler and Mitsubishi. The engine, while being trustworthy and having far better economy than any other engine in the Dodge lineup at the time, suffered from low power output and was considered to be underpowered by American standards, despite having been previously used in the Japanese 3.5-ton cab-over Mitsubishi T44 Jupiter Truck and in industrial applications. It was not available in California. Because of the low sales, it was phased out quickly, and as a result, it became practically a single-year specialty.

Dodge Ram (1981–93)

This final generation received a facelift in October 1980 when the D series was rebadged as the Dodge Ram pickup around when Lee Iacocca took charge of the ailing Chrysler Corporation. Such things including an embossed "DODGE RAM" name on the tailgate along with other obvious changes like the grille and hood, the taillights, and the entire interior. More subtle was the addition of a "shoulder" line reminiscent of the GM competition. Beginning in 1982, even more corrosion-resistant steel was used in the construction of the trucks. This body style continued until 1993 and many of these vehicles are still on the road. Many body panels are interchangeable for all models from 1971 to 1993, so it is not uncommon to see a "hybrid" with, as an example, a 1978 grille mounted with a 1974 hood and a 1991 cab. Sometimes the bed is swapped with a moving truck style box. In most jurisdictions, the year is dictated by the year of the truck's chassis regardless of the body which has been bolted to it. Also kept was the narrow Utiline bed that dated back to the 1940s; this was dropped in 1985. Throttle-body injection was introduced in 1988.

A narrower range of engines was offered: the base power plant was the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-6, now with top-fed hydraulic tappets, and the 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA-series V8s. The slant-6 was replaced by the 3.9 L (237 cu in) V6 for 1988; in 1992, it and the V8s became Magnum engines. The 6BT 5.9 L (360 cu in) 12-valve Cummins B-series diesel engine became an option in 1989.

Sales were good during the Sweptline era and into the late 1970s. A combination of stagnant styling that was nearly two decades old plus brand loyalty primarily to Chevrolet and Ford during the 1980s and 1990s reduced sales volume for the first-generation Dodge Ram. A wholly new Dodge Ram was released for the 1994 model year.

Engines

See also

• Fargo Trucks

Notes

1. "SweptlineTruck.com | Historical Data". www.sweptlinetruck.com. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
2. "Directory Index: ChryslerTrucksVans/1963_Trucks_and_Vans/1963_Dodge_Truck_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
3. "SweptlineTruck.com | Historical Data". www.sweptlinetruck.com. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
4. ^ Niedermeyer, Paul (2012-11-26). "The Case Of The Very Rare 1978 Dodge Diesel Pickup And The Missing Diesel Van". Automotive History. Curbside Classics. Retrieved 2014-05-13.
5. "1964 CSS sales brochure". www.cssregistry.com. Retrieved 2018-07-11.
6. Florea, Ciprian (12 December 2021). "Remembering the 1964 Dodge D-100 Street Wedge, America's First Muscle Truck". autoevolution. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
7. Dodge D300 and D500 (brochure), Pretoria, South Africa: Chrysler South Africa, 1971, pp. 3–4
8. "The 1970-1971 Dodge Dude pickups". 16 November 2020.
9. "The Official Dodge Dude Pickup Truck Website Home Page".
10. Fuller, David (2023-03-21). "Top 10 Engines of All Time (#6): Chrysler 225 Slant Six". On All Cylinders. Summit Racing. Archived from the original on 2023-07-13.
11. "The B Engines: 350, 361, 383, and 400". allpar.com. 14 July 2021. Retrieved 2022-05-01.
12. "Mopar LA Series V8 Engines: 318, 340, 360, and 273". allpar.com. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
13. "The 400 V8: Final Mopar Big Block Engine". allpar.com. 23 August 2021. Retrieved 2022-05-01.
14. ^ "The Cross-Ram Wedge (Long Ram 413): 1959 Dyno Tests". allpar.com. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 2022-05-01.

External links

• sweptline.com, a website covering 1961–1971 Dodge trucks
• olddodges.com, a website covering medium- and heavy-duty Dodge trucks through the 1970s

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