The Dodge Power Wagon is a four-wheel drive medium duty truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1980 by Dodge.Press Kit: 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon - Legendary Dodge Ram Power Wagon Returns. Chrysler Corporation, DaimlerChrysler AG, Auburn Hills, Michigan, September 30, 2004 The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four-wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500.Brubaker, Ken - Reviews: 2005 Dodge Power Wagon. Four Wheeler Magazine, September 1, 2004Smith, Bruce - First Drive: 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon. Hard Working Trucks, April 6, 2010 As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four-wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model.Oldham, Scott - 2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Remains a Hulking Heavy-Duty Off-Roader Car and Driver, April 30, 2020
The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon (FFPW) or "Military Type", was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4-ton WC series of World War II military trucks.Montgomery, Monty. Dodge Power Wagon Photo History. United States: Iconografix, Incorporated, 2000. The Power Wagon was the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer in a civilian version. It represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four-wheel drive trucks in use today.Carroll, John. 4 X 4 Vehicles. United States: Chelsea House, 1998. It was marketed as the WDX truck.Bunn, Don. Dodge Trucks. United States: Motorbooks International, 1996. The 230 cubic inch six cylinder engine in the first Power Wagons was known as the T137All Military Vehicles of the United States in WW II. N.p.: DOGMA Verlag, 2012.Allen, Jim - Backward Glances: Survivor, The Earliest Known Remaining Dodge Power Wagon Motor Trend, August 3, 2018 – a name still used for the original series by enthusiasts.About T137 — t137.com 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 Observer's Fighting Vehicles Directory, World War 2. United Kingdom: F. Warne, 1972.
Starting in the 1957 model year, factory four-wheel-drive versions of the Dodge C Series trucks were produced and sold as the W-100, W-200, W-300, and W-500, alongside the older Power Wagon. The pickups had the "Power Wagon" badge on the fender.Ackerson, Robert C.. Standard Catalog of 4 X 4's: A Comprehensive Guide to Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Including Trucks, Vans and Sports Sedans and Sport Utility Vehicles, 1945-1993. United States: Krause Publications, 1993. The older design Power Wagon was marketed as the "Military Type" to distinguish it from the styled pickup versions. Later the "Military Type" was given the series number W-300M, and ultimately WM-300.
The heavy-duty four-wheel-drive W-300 and W-500 trucks were marketed as "Power Giants".Petroleum Week. United States: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Incorporated, 1958. advertisement: "De Soto and Fargo four-wheel-drive models combine all the features of a conventional two-wheel-drive. Available in Body styles, a chassis-cab, chassis-cowl, or the famous military-type Power-Wagon ( W-300M ) are now available ." The four-wheel-drive version of the Dodge Town Wagon also got the "Power Wagon" badge. The "Military Type" sales in the United States ended by 1968, because the vehicle did not comply with new federal light-duty truck regulations. The "Power Wagon" options continued on the Dodge D-Series through the 1980 model year. For the 1981 model year, "Power Ram" became the marketing name for four-wheel-drive Ram pickups, and aside from a 1999 concept vehicle, the "Power Wagon" name was not used until the 2004 revival.
Civilian 1-ton (1945-1978)
The military style Power Wagon had three series during its lifetime, with different model numbers. The nominal one-ton rated Power Wagon's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) was 8,700 pounds. Its maximum payload was 3,000 pounds. It was produced starting in the 1946 model year, and U.S. sales ended in 1968. Export sales continued through 1978.
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 -ton, and the 'X' was added to indicate four-wheel drive, as opposed to all previous civilian two-wheel driven models.The 1947 Dodge WDX Power Wagon That Does Everything – FourWheeler.com1941 Dodge WC-3 – Estrella WarBirds Museum"The Graham Legacy: Graham-Paige To 1932" by M Keller. – Antique Automobile Club of America (archived)
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 4-speed manual transmission, a two-speed 1.96-1 ratio low range transfer case for part time 4-wheel drive 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 split ring steel rims. In 1961 the 230 was replaced with the 251 cubic-inch flat head six.
First series: late 1945-50
Includes the following years and model numbers: 1945-47 WDX; 1948-9 B-1-PW; 1950 B-2-PW; Additional Distinguishing Features: (4) rectangular stake pockets on each side of the bed; round speedometer with a rectangular gauge cluster on each side. The two rectangular gauge housings have the instrument lettering on the glass instead of the face of the gauge.
Second series: 1951-56 Includes the following years and model numbers: 1951 B-3-PW; 1952- early 53 B-3-PW; late 1953 B-4-PW; 1954 C-1-PW; 1955- early 56 C-3-PW; Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) slightly curved stake pockets on each side, bed sides are stamped. Looking at these bed sides from the rear, the top rail section of the bed angles out at 45 degrees with a rounded top edge. Group of 4 gauges in the center of the dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with silver/grey faces.
Third series: 1956-71 Includes the following years and model numbers: Late 1956 C-4-PW; 1957 W300; 1958-9 W300M; 1960-71 WM300; Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) square stake pockets on each side with stamped bed sides. Looking at the bed sides from the rear, the top of the bed is flat, with a rounded edge. Group of 4 gauges in the center of the dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with black faces. NP420 Synchronized Transmission also used.
Third Series EXPORT: 1957-78 M601 open cab, flat-faced cowl models and M615 ambulance
Light-duty pickup trucks and Town Wagons (W100 and W200, 1957-1980)
The first light-duty styled Power Wagons came out in 1957 with the introduction of the four-wheel-drive versions of the Dodge C Series pickups and Town Wagons, Beginning in 1957, -ton two-and four-wheel-drive models were designated D100 and W100s, and -tons as D200 and W200, respectively. These trucks featured the same cabs, bodywork, and cargo boxes used on the conventional models. Their 4WD mechanical components—axles, transfer cases, and transmissions—were sourced from outside manufacturers. Chrysler Corporation owned the New Process Gear Company (competitors generally used Spicer (Dana) transfer cases and Borg-Warner or in-house transmissions).
In 1963, a new 225 cubic-inch Chrysler slant six replaced the 251 cubic-inch six used in 1961 & 1962 W100 & W200 Power Wagon Trucks. The Power Wagon W300 continued to use the 251 cubic-inch L-6 engine. The new 225 cubic-inch engine (the 225–2) was able to power the med. duty trucks due to improvements including roller timing chains, bi-metal connecting rod bearings, stellite-faced exhaust valves, roto caps on exhaust valves, and polyacrylic valve stem seals.
A big-block Chrysler 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. The Town Wagon Power Wagon retained the C Series body style until it was discontinued in 1966. 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 hauling. The 4-door crew cab was far less common and is quite desirable to collectors for restoration. Utility and function were 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.
Medium-duty trucks (W300, W500, and W600, 1957-1980) A one-ton W300 light-duty/civilian type Power Wagon was released in 1958. This also had the styled cab and sheet metal as the D300 Medium duty one-ton trucks.
The two-ton W500 Power Wagon (only a chassis cab was built) was introduced in 1956 as the C3-HW and lasted through the 1971 model year. This was replaced in 1972 with the W600 (also cab and chassis only), which was produced until 1977 when all Dodge medium-duty models were discontinued. To compensate for the loss of the medium-duty W600 a new W400 chassis cab was introduced in 1977.
Dodge Power Ram The Power Wagon nameplate was discontinued in 1981 with the introduction of the Dodge Ram, with the four-wheel-drive models being sold under the "Power Ram" nameplate through 1993.
Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon 2005–2009 (DH)
For 2005, Dodge resurrected the Power Wagon name on a version of the Dodge Ram 2500. It was a special off-road version of the Ram 2500 with a 5.7 L Hemi V8 as the only engine option. Interior configurations remain similar to standard models. From 2005 to 2009, the Power Wagon offered a choice between a regular cab with an bed or a Quad Cab (extended cab) with a bed on a wheelbase.
Special features of the Power Wagon include:
Electronically controlled locking differentials (front and rear) Electronically disconnecting front sway bar Integrated 12,000 lb electric Warn winch 17-inch diameter Alcoa forged wheels Large 33-inch (285/70R17) diameter BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A tires. Bilstein Monotube Gas Charged Shocks Extensive skidplates: front stabilizer bar, transfer case, fuel tank, special skid plate cross members welded to the frame with open bars bolted to them across the midsection. 1.4" factory lift in front, 1.0" in the rear (0.4" front and rear due to larger tires). Softer rate springs. Strengthened torque converter 4.56:1 axle ratio Revised clutch fan Strengthened steering gear Low range 4x4 throttle mapping changed.
Upgraded suspension and larger tires naturally give the truck a taller ride height. Clearance lights and tow hooks are standard equipment. Fender flares are standard equipment as well. The fender flares assist with tire coverage due to the Power Wagon's wider tires.
Powertrain 5.7 L Hemi V8 (345 hp / 375 lb-ft of torque) for 2005 - 2009 model years
Transmission The 6-speed manual G56 transmission was standard, with the 5-speed 545RFE automatic transmission optional.
Transfer case The transfer case was a New Venture 271 and had a 2.72:1 low range gear ratio. A transfer case skid plate was and is standard equipment. A floor-mounted manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case is the only choice available.