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Dodge D series

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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.

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53-474: 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

106-411: 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

159-488: 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 ,

212-419: 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

265-607: A bump on the road) independently of the others. This is contrasted with a beam axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked. "Independent" refers to the motion or path of movement of the wheels or suspension. It is common for the left and right sides of the suspension to be connected with anti-roll bars or other such mechanisms. The anti-roll bar ties the left and right suspension spring rates together but does not tie their motion together. Most modern vehicles have independent front suspension ( IFS ). Many vehicles also have an independent rear suspension ( IRS ). IRS, as

318-423: 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). In August 1969,

371-568: 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

424-399: A distinction can be drawn between systems where the spring also acts as a locating link and those where the spring only acts as a spring member. The AC Cobra is an example of a transverse, multi-leaf steel spring suspension that uses the leaf spring as the upper suspension arm. Alternatively, the 1963 Corvette 's rear suspension is an example where the transverse leaf spring is used only as

477-439: A ride spring. In both examples, the leaf spring is centrally mounted, preventing displacement of the wheel on one side from affecting the wheel on the other side. In 1981, General Motors pioneered the use of a FRP plastic transverse leaf spring on the third-generation Corvette . As in the examples above, the spring used a single, central mount which isolated the left and right movements. The FRP spring reduced weight and eliminated

530-463: Is 299.6 cu in (4,910 cc), thanks to the larger 3 + 29 ⁄ 32  in (99.2 mm; 3.91 in) bore. These dimensions are entirely different from the 1955 Chrysler 301 . This engine was also installed in the 1957–1958 Facel Vega FV3B. The 1956 Plymouth 303 displaces 302.5 cu in (4,957 cc) and uses the same connecting rods as the 277; the bore is 3 + 13 ⁄ 16  in (96.8 mm; 3.81 in) and

583-413: Is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms. A wider definition considers any independent suspensions having three control links or more multi-link suspensions. These arms do not have to be of equal length, and may be angled away from their "obvious" direction. It was first introduced in the late 1960s on

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636-417: Is allowed to pivot inside of the mounts which allows the displacement of the spring on one side to affect the other side. This mechanical communication between the left and right sides of the suspension results in an effect similar to that of an anti-roll bar . Chevrolet Corvettes, starting with the 4th generation in 1984 have combined the dual pivot mounts with FRP leaf springs . The transverse leaf spring

689-442: Is the only component that separates the driver and/or passenger from the ground. The suspension in a vehicle helps absorb harshness in the road. There are many systems and designs that do this, such as independent suspension. This system provides many advantages over other suspension systems. For example, in solid axle suspension systems, when one wheel hits a bump, it affects both wheels. This will compromise traction, smoothness of

742-652: 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

795-455: The differential unit does not form part of the unsprung elements of the suspension system. Instead, it is either bolted directly to the vehicle's chassis or more commonly to a subframe . The relative movement between the wheels and the differential is achieved through the use of swinging driveshafts connected via universal joints (U joints) , analogous to the constant-velocity (CV) joints used in front-wheel-drive vehicles. Suspension

848-482: 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

901-515: The 1957 model year. Power for the two-barrel version is 187 hp (139 kW); this increased to 200 hp (149 kW) for the four-barrel "Power Pack" version which also came equipped with dual exhausts. The Power Pack was also fitted to the Facel Vega FV3 , of which 48 examples were built in 1956 and 1957. The Plymouth 301 replaced the 277 in 1957 and kept that engine's 3.125 in (79.4 mm) stroke. Its piston displacement

954-528: 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. 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

1007-666: 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,

1060-458: 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. Rebadged models, mostly from Japanese or Korean manufacturers – Rebadged Chrysler/Plymouth models for external markets Chrysler A engine The Chrysler A engine is an OHV small-block V8 gasoline engine built by Chrysler from 1956 until 1967. It featured polyspherical combustion chambers , and

1113-575: The 3.3125 in (84.1 mm) stroke. A high-performance version called the V-800, offered in 1957 and 1958, used two four-barrel Carter carburetors to produce 290 hp (216 kW), making it the highest-output factory A engine. It was used in the 1957 and 1958 Plymouth Fury , but was also an option on Plymouth models lower in the model range. Bristol Cars introduced the 318 in the Mark II model of their 408 (in 1965) and continued to use it in

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1166-509: 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

1219-427: The 318, but with the largest bore of any A engine at 3 + 61 ⁄ 64  in (100 mm; 3.95 in). It uses hydraulic valve lifters , unlike the other A engines that used solid lifters, and was used in the 1959 Dodge Coronet . Independent front suspension Independent suspension is any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i.e. reacting to

1272-511: 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

1325-667: 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

1378-653: 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

1431-570: 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. 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

1484-793: 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. 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

1537-617: The Mercedes-Benz C111 prototype and put into production later on their W201 and W124 series. This is the most common, widely used front suspension system in cars today. It is a very simple and effective design that uses a strut-type spring and shock absorber that work as a team that will pivot on a single ball joint. This system was popularized in British Fords in the 1950s, then adopted by BMW (1962) and Porsche (1963). Later, this space-efficient system became widespread with

1590-513: 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

1643-412: The ability of each wheel to address the road undisturbed by activities of the other wheel on the vehicle. Independent suspension requires additional engineering effort and expense in development versus a beam or live axle arrangement. A very complex IRS solution can also result in higher manufacturing costs. The key reason for lower unsprung weight relative to a live axle design is that, for driven wheels,

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1696-508: 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

1749-492: The exhaust manifold. The High Performance Package was only offered from 1964 to early 1966. 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,

1802-556: 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

1855-531: The following vehicles, amongst others: The 318 is the most common version of the A engine, produced from 1957 through 1966 in the US and 1967 in some export markets when it was replaced in all markets by the LA 318 . Only Plymouth used this 318 in 1957 and 1958, but it was shared with Chrysler from 1959 on and Dodge from 1960 on. It displaces 318.2 cu in (5,214 cc) and has a 3.91 in (99.3 mm) bore and

1908-685: The growing popularity of front-wheel drive vehicles. One problem with this system is that once the spring or the top plate becomes worn, the driver of a car with this system may hear a loud "clonk" noise at full lock (i.e. steering wheel turned to the extreme left or extreme right positions), as the strut's spring jumps back into place. This noise is often confused with CV-joint knock. Several independent suspension designs have featured transverse leaf springs. Most applications used multi-leaf steel springs, although more recent designs have used fiber reinforced plastic (FRP, typically fibers are fiberglass) springs. In addition to spring type (multi-leaf steel, FRP),

1961-455: The inner leaf friction as compared to the multi-leaf metal spring which was standard on the car. Rather than centrally mounting the transverse leaf spring and thus isolating the left and right sides of the springs, some manufacturers, starting with Fiat used two widely spaced spring mounts. This was first used on the front of the 1955 Fiat 600 and later at the rear on the Fiat 128 . The spring

2014-419: 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

2067-422: The name implies, has the rear wheels independently sprung. A fully independent suspension has an independent suspension on all wheels. Some early independent systems used swing axles , but modern systems use Chapman or MacPherson struts , trailing arms , multilink , or wishbones . Independent suspension typically offers better ride quality and handling characteristics, due to lower unsprung weight and

2120-443: The ride, and could also cause a dangerous wheel shimmy when moving at high speeds. With independent suspension systems, the bump primarily affects only the contacted wheel. This offers many advantages such as greater ride comfort, better traction, and safer, more stable vehicles on the road. In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate

2173-399: 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

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2226-427: 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,

2279-407: The stroke is 3 + 5 ⁄ 16  in (84.1 mm; 3.31 in). This engine was used in the following vehicles: A 313 cu in (5,121 cc) version of the A engine called the 313 was produced from 1957 to 1967 primarily for Canadian and export markets. This engine has a bore of 3.875 in (98.4 mm) and the common 3.3125 in (84.1 mm) stroke, and was used in

2332-462: The succeeding 409 and 410 until 1969. From 1962 until early 1965, Checker used this engine for their Aerobus limousines. The 326 was launched in 1959 Dodges. Its actual piston displacement is 325.25 cu in (5,330 cc) but it was marketed as a 326 to avoid confusion with the Dodge Red Ram 325 . The 326 uses the same 3 + 5 ⁄ 16  in (84.1 mm) stroke as

2385-465: The wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control vertical movement. Double wishbone designs allow the engineer to carefully control the motion of the wheel throughout suspension travel, controlling such parameters as camber angle , caster angle , toe pattern , roll center height, scrub radius , scuff and more. A multi-link suspension

2438-643: 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. 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

2491-526: 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

2544-674: Was made famous in the television show Emergency! , where a D300 chassis cab was the featured paramedic rescue squad vehicle for all seven seasons. 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

2597-530: Was not related to the Plymouth A Engine, using its own heads and the same bottom end as the Dodge and Desoto Red Ram Hemi. The A engine cylinder bore center distance is 4.46 in (113.3 mm), larger than the earlier Dodge-based poly engines. The A engine formed the design basis of the Chrysler LA engine, evidenced in the many parts that interchange between the two engine families. The 277 "Hy-Fire"

2650-614: Was offered in displacements from 276.1 cu in (4.5 L) to 325.2 cu in (5.3 L), and in various high-power configurations. It began to be replaced by the wedge-head LA engine in 1964, and is not related to the hemispherical-head Hemi engine of the 1950s or 1960s. The A engine was released in 1956, and was used exclusively in Plymouths until 1958 and in Chryslers and Dodges from 1959 on. The DeSoto and Dodge 270/315/325 poly used similar head architecture but

2703-559: 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. 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

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2756-460: Was the first A-block engine, produced for 1955 in the fall of 1954 and sharing almost nothing but the basic concepts with other engines built by Chrysler. Bore is 3 + 3 ⁄ 4  in (95.3 mm) and stroke is 3 + 1 ⁄ 8  in (79.4 mm; 3.13 in) for a piston displacement of 276.1 cu in (4,525 cc). It was replaced by the 301 in 1957, except for in low-priced Plaza models where it continued to be used during

2809-407: 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

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