Dodge D series
The Dodge D 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 models were designated D, while four-wheel-drive models were designated W.
First generation (1961–1965)
The Chrysler A engine of 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.Besides straight-sided beds, the D series also offered step-sided narrow beds in , , and 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 wedge-head V8 for 1964 and V8 for 1965. The 426 cubic inch engine produced 365 hp and 470 lb·ft —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 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 (1965–1971)
1965–1967
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 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. 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.
1968–1971
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 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 , 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.
"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 (1972–1993)
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 a double-wishbone independent front suspension on 2WD models and pocketed taillights. Styling cues, such as the scalloped hood and rounded fender wells, 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 corrosion, making them very durable. Some other changes included a redesigned interior with recessed gauges, larger pedals and glove box, standard foot-operated parking brake, longer wheelbases, larger brakes, and on Sweptline models, a bed floor with no exposed bolts as well as an optional tool storage box. For the first time, air conditioning and cruise control were optional. Trim levels included Custom, Adventurer, Adventurer Sport, and Adventurer SE.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.
Dodge pioneered the extended-cab pickup with the introduction of the Club Cab for 1973. Available with either a or Sweptline bed, the Club Cab was a two-door cab lengthened by 18 inches with small rear windows, providing 34 cubic feet more space behind the seats than the standard cab. Inward-facing jump seats were available, providing room for five passengers. Other changes for 1973 included front disc brakes on all 2WD models and an optional electronic ignition system for all engines.
For 1974, the grille was refreshed and the "Dyna-Trac" dual-rear-wheel option became available for the D300 Sweptline in conventional cab and Club Cab models, featuring a 10,000-pound GVWR and a 6,900-pound rear axle. The 440-cubic-inch engine replaced the 400-cubic-inch unit as an option. The Club Cab became available on W100 and W200 models, while the electronic ignition system was made standard for all gasoline-powered Dodge trucks. Additionally, the standard fuel tank was relocated from inside the cab to the frame.
For 1975, the instrument panel and side moldings were refreshed. On 4WD models, the front drum brakes were swapped for discs, and the suspension on W100 and W200 models was reworked for a smoother ride, with longer leaf springs, softer spring rates, and new shock absorbers. A full-time transfer case became standard, and the 440 engine and sway bar became optional for 4WD models. To meet EPA emissions standards, trucks up to 6,000 pounds GVWR were equipped with catalytic converters. The nine-foot Utiline bed on D/W 300 models was discontinued.
For 1976, the D/W series saw several mechanical changes: the frame-mounted fuel tank was raised, Sweptline boxes received enhanced corrosion protection, and a glide-out spare tire carrier became available. The rear suspension was revised for added stability under heavy loads, and 4WD models featured raised tie rods for higher ground clearance. Bench seats were modified with hinges for easier access to the rear of the cab. For models up to 5,500 pounds GVWR, a four-speed manual overdrive transmission was introduced with the slant-six for improved fuel economy. Additionally, the 400-cubic-inch engine was made available again. For the first time, all models could be ordered with a "Sky Lite" sunroof, featuring tinted safety glass and capable of operating in three ways: fully latched, partially open or vented, or fully open.
The D/W series received a facelift for 1977, which included an updated grille with rectangular turn signal lights and the "DODGE" name embossed at the top. The body moldings were also refreshed, while the Adventurer Sport trim was discontinued. The interior saw updates with a two-tone instrument panel and new seat and door trim. A new "Fuel Pacer" feature was introduced to help drivers monitor fuel consumption. The 225-cubic-inch slant-six engine used in models above 6,000 pounds GVWR was updated with a two-barrel carburetor. In mid-1977, the D100/W100 models above 6,000 pounds GVWR were redesignated as D150/W150. A new W400 chassis-cab model with an 11,000-pound GVWR and dual rear wheels became available, with the 360-cubic-inch V8 standard and larger V8 options.
For 1978, a tilt steering wheel was introduced, and for the first time, a factory-installed trailer hitch was available. The Sweptline bed was made available with the D300 crew cab. The transfer case shifter on 4WD models was updated with a positive range detent to prevent accidental engagement. Club Cab models could now be equipped with bucket seats, and more radio options were offered, including CB, stereo, and 8-track players. All models could now be had with the Adventurer SE trim. A 243-cubic-inch diesel engine was available in D/W 150 and 200 models. Additionally, an RD200 pickup designed for railway service was introduced, featuring narrower tread, a heavier frame, the 360-cubic-inch V8 with automatic transmission, and increased overall height, as well as a new D400 chassis-cab model with a 10,500-pound GVWR.
For 1979, the front end was refreshed with a new hood, cowl top panel, grille, and quad rectangular headlights on higher trims. The Sweptline tailgate and cowl side outer panels now featured galvanized steel. The interior of Adventurer SE models was upgraded, and Club Cab models now featured available swing-out rear quarter windows. Power door locks became available for the first time, and air conditioning was offered on six-cylinder models. The in-cab fuel tank, 400- and 440-cubic-inch V8 engines, and chassis-cab models below 8,600 pounds GVWR were discontinued. The 225-cubic-inch slant-six was no longer available on W200 or D/W 300 models, and all D/W 300 models came equipped with the 360-cubic-inch V8.
For 1980, the only exterior change was that the grille openings were painted black. In response to the 1979 oil crisis, the three-speed manual transmission was discontinued, and the NP435 became the standard transmission. The 225-cubic-inch slant-six was also discontinued on Club Cabs and crew cabs. The full-time transfer case was replaced with a part-time transfer case. The D100 models merged into the D150 to become the entry-level model. For the first time, power windows on the front doors became available.