Dodge Power Wagon |
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Wikipedia: Dodge Power Wagon
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History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Dodge Power Wagon page on 25 April 2018, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Dodge Power Wagon is a four wheel drive light truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1981 by Dodge, then as a nameplate for the Dodge Ram from 2005 to 2013, and, most recently, as an individual model marketed by Ram Trucks. It was developed as the WDX truck, and until about 1960 it was internally known by its engineering code T137 – a name still used for the original series by enthousiasts.
The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon or FFPW, was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4-ton WC series of World War II military trucks. The Power Wagon was the first mass-produced 4x4 light truck, and represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four wheel drive trucks in use today. Updated variants continued in production until 1964.T
Following Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas, Power Wagons were also marketed around the world under the Fargo and De Soto badges.
The civilian Power Wagon continued the lineage of limited production Dodge 4WD trucks from the 1930s, that proved basic four wheel drive design concepts, primarily for the military. Mechanically derived from Dodge's 1942–1945 3/4-ton WC series military trucks, the Power Wagon was introduced in 1946 as the first civilian production 4x4 truck. During its development phase, it was initially named the WDX General Purpose Truck, a name still used on some of the preliminary materials handed out by Dodge, before sales began in March 1946. The 'W' was a continuation of the 1941–1947 model year series, followed by a 'D' instead of a 'C', because the civilian truck was a 1-ton rating instead of the Army's 3⁄4-ton, and the 'X' was added to indicate four-wheel drive, as opposed to all previous civilian two-wheel driven models.
Meant to compete with military-based Ford/Marmon-Herrington and GMC trucks, it had an enclosed all-weather civilian cab and a purpose-designed 8-foot cargo box. It had a 126 inch (3,200 mm) up to a 147" wheelbase chassis and featured the 230 cubic-inch flathead inline-six engine, a two-speed transfer case, a 4-speed manual transmission with a power take off (PTO) which would send power front or rear for operating auxiliary equipment, and 9.00/16-8 ply tires on 16×6.50 inch 5-stud wheels. In 1961 the 230 was replaced with the 251 cubic-inch flat head six.
In 1963, a new 225ci slant six replaced the 251ci six used in 1961 & 1962 W100 & W200 Power Wagon Trucks. The Power Wagon W300 continued to use the 251ci. L-6 engine. The new 225ci engine (the 225-2) was able to power the med. duty trucks due to; a roller timing chain, bi-metal connecting rod bearings, stellite-faced exhaust valves, roto caps on exhaust valves and polyacrylic valve stem seals.
The nominal one-ton rated Power Wagon's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) was 8,700 pounds. Its maximum payload was 3,000 pounds. A big-block 383 V8 engine became an option starting in 1967. From 1961 to 1971 the body was called the "Sweptline," then transitioned to a more modern body image from 1972 through 1980 with varied grilles and paint schemes. In 1975 the 4-wheel drive became full-time with a 2-speed transfer case; this was changed back to part-time 4-wheel drive in 1980 due to the energy crisis. A huge boost in sales followed the 1974 release of the extended "Club Cab," popular with families and camper towing. The 4-door Crew Cab was far less common and is quite desirable to collectors for restoration. Utility and function was unmatched by few competing models, as the towing, payload, and snow plowing capacity of the Power Wagon equipped with "Dana 60" 8-lug axles was very popular with municipal and regional road crews.
The Power Wagon was sold through the 1980 model year. A number of engineering and styling improvements were made over the years as the truck grew in size and weight, but the basic package remained generally constant throughout its life and underwent one last major body change in 1972.
| Type & Item # | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Die Cast - Hot Wheels 53728-0910 | Dodge Power Wagon | small scale, metallic black |
