Dodge D Series

The Dodge D-Series pickup was a series that sold Dodge in 1961 to 1980. Starting in 1980, were called the Dodge Ram pickups, the basic design was retained until the introduction of the completely redesigned Ram 2nd series 1994. The D- series had the same chassis as the Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster the.

The body had the then-common platform with fixed side walls, also contoured rear fenders were available on request. With delay, inspired by Virgil Exner Swept -line platform over the full width of the vehicle with integrated fenders was - as with almost all modern pickups usual - introduced

The D series was inspired by the famous Chrysler six-cylinder engines with 2,786 cc, 3,244 cc or 3,687 cc - driven in the basic equipment - depending on the year. It gave the 3.25 ltr - Motor relatively rare.; only from 1969 to 1973, he was one of the basic equipment. On request, there was practically all engines from the Chrysler - shelf, mind you, except for the Hemi engines.

Another innovation was the introduction of an alternator instead of the old alternator. The three-stage automatic transmission was a major advance; less than 10 years earlier had the pickup still a two- speed automatic transmission.

Another new feature, the ( four-door ) double cabin, was introduced in 1963, the first time at a factory-made pickup. Earlier double cabin structures were manufactured on customer request by coachbuilders. From 1973 there was also a larger single cabin, which had either a third seat transversely behind the front seats or rear bench seat for two children. ( Often, however, this structure was used only for an extra luggage).

The " Custom Sports Special" and the " High Performance Package "

1964, the sporty " Custom Sports Special" has been introduced. He had individual seats, a center console, carpeting and racing stripes. The Special Features High Performance Package was for a CSS Pickup or for the basic model complete with a 6,980 cc - V8 - engine be ordered. This engine produced 365 bhp (272 kW ) and had a torque of 637 Nm - in line with the muscle car wave that just washed over Detroit. The High Performance Package included a LoadFlyte - automatic transmission, a tachometer Sun with up to 6,000 rpm. , Reinforced components, power steering, two exhaust tailpipes and pivot beam axle at the rear axle, the Imperial came from 1961. The " Custom Sports Special" pickups, there were 1964 to 1967; the " High Performance Package " was only from 1964 to have until the first months of 1966.

1965

In 1965, the D- series has been revised. The biggest changes were a larger tailgate and the Chrysler LA engines, which replaced the Chrysler -A engines. The D- series pickups from 1967 had the big 6,276 cc - V8 - engine with dual carburetors as standard equipment.

1968-1971

The 1968 models received a new grille - two rows of four holes. A new " Adventurer " equipment package replaced the old " Custom Sports Special". In essence it contained padded front seats - either as a bench or as individual seats with center console - and carpeting, as well as other highlights, such as chromium equipment and exit lights.

1970, the " Adventurer " was split into three packages: the " Adventurer ", the " Adventurer Sport" and the " Adventurer SE". The Adventurer SE had, for example, a chrome grille, imitation wood on the dashboard, padded, upholstered in vinyl front seats, color-coordinated seat belts, door lights all around, additional sound insulation, Doppeltonhupe, complete carpet equipment, luxury door trim, a vinyl -coded side strips, big tires and imitation wood on the tailgate. The 1970 models also had a new, four-part grille (two rows of two holes ).

The Dude

In August 1969, the " Dude Sport Trim Package" was offered. These were essentially those 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 rear lights and axle caps in " Bowl " - form with trim rings. The tailgate of the Dude was unique in that it showed a Dodge emblem on a flat surface instead of the typical raised logos. The dude was only offered in model years 1970 and 1971; only 1,500 to 2,000 units were produced.

1972

The revision of the D- series in 1972 led to a rounder appearance of the vehicles (similar to the GM C / K series 1973-1987 ) but also provides detail how independent front suspension and recessed rear lights ( known taillights with the above fitting reversing lights were sunk by 6 mm, so that they were not damaged when maneuvering in tight depots ). Styling details like the contoured bonnet or the rounded front wings resembled the rounded, softer look of the 1971 Plymouth Satellite.

1972, the V8 engine 7,210 cc was introduced as standard equipment for the small pickups.

The 1972 D Series was also known by the television series Emergency!, Where they presented the vehicle for the paramedic crew during all seven seasons.

Notable models during this time of Li'l 1978/1979 produced Red Express, the Warlock, the Macho Power Wagon and the Adventurer were (Note: All Li'l Red Express had Adventurer, but not vice versa ). A very rare pickup is also the Midnite Express. This pickup was exactly like the Li'l Red Express equipped. The only difference was that the Midnite Express was painted black instead of red. He had the same engine, the same exhausts, the same wheels and the gold side stripes like the Li'l Red Express, but the inscription " Midnite Express" on the doors. It gave him only in model year 1978. Motorization as "Express" trucks was at the 2 taken out of the police car 360 ci V8 known, he made 165 kW at 3800 rpm. and 400 Nm at 3200 rpm. Also in contrast to the police versions modifications to the crankshaft and the carburettor have been made. All these pickups were considered vehicles as a " lifestyle " and a clientele were offered, the special " customized" pickups wanted. Dodge also saw the need to throw a pickup truck with an extended cab on the market. This had even two doors, but extra space behind the front seats (not to be confused with the four-door Double Cab ).

Thousands of D- Series pickups were the U.S. Army used as transport vehicles of the series '' M880 '' by.

1981

This generation of the D-Series was redesigned in 1981 and renamed the Dodge Ram. Also appeared on the tailgate, the impressed name "DODGE RAM". Obvious changes were seen on the grille, the hood, the taillights and throughout the interior. Subtle was already the new "shoulder" line as the competitor of GM. This version was produced until 1993. Many body parts can be on models from 1972 to 1993 exchange, and so it is not uncommon to see a "hybrid" of a 1978 grille with a 1974 hood and a 1991 cab. In most cases, the year of manufacture refers only to the chassis, no matter what structures are attached to it.

The sales figures were from the era of " Swept Line" bunks until the late 1970s well. The combination of unattractive styling and brand loyalty of buyers (mainly to Chevrolet and Ford) but left in the 1980s and 1990s, the production figures for the first Dodge Ram collapse. So it was in 1994 to a significant revision.

Comments

• Moderate D- series pickups were also produced until 1978
• W - series pickups were all-wheel drive versions of the D- series pickups essentially. They came in mild and moderate execution.
• S- series pickups were moderate D- series pickups for the construction of school buses substantially.
• The military versions were the Dodge M 880 with Vierrradantrieb and the Dodge M 890 with rear wheel drive. Mid-1980 - the year they were replaced by vehicles from GM.

Motors

• Chrysler six-cylinder with 2,786 cc
• Chrysler six-cylinder with 3,687 cc
• Chrysler RB V8 engine with 6,980 cc displacement, 272 kW of power and 637 Nm of torque (1964 )
• Chrysler A- V8 engine with 5211 cc capacity
• Chrysler LA V8 engine with 4,473 cm ³ Displacement ( 1965)
• Chrysler RB V8 engine with 6,276 cm ³ displacement, 258 bhp (192 kW ) of power and 508 Nm of torque ( 1967-1979 )
• Chrysler LA V8 engine with 5211 cc and 160 bhp (119 kW) (1967 )
• Chrysler LA V8 engine with 5899 cc and 180 bhp (134 kW) (1972 )
• Chrysler RB V8 engine with 6554 cc and 200 bhp (149 kW) ( 1972-1979 )
• Chrysler RB V8 engine with 7210 cc and 235 bhp (175 kW) ( 1974-1979 )

In Brazil the car was only offered with the V8 engine with 5211 cc capacity.