Cars - Dodge D Series

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	Cars - Dodge D Series

The D Series was a line of pickup trucks sold by the Chrysler Corporation's Dodge division from 1961 to 1980. After 1980, the trucks were renamed as the Dodge Ram
and the same basic design was retained until the 1994 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram. The D Series shared its AD platform with the Dodge Ramcharger and the Plymouth Trailduster.

The body offered the then-traditional step-side bed, with distinct fenders as an option. As default, it introduced the first Virgil Exner-inspired "Swept-Line" bed where the bed was the width of the vehicle and the fenders were inboard, as can be seen in virually all modern pickup trucks.

The D Series used the familiar Chrysler Slant 6 engine in 170 in³, 198 in³ and 225 in³ displacements as the base models, depending on the year. (The 198 was relatively rare, available as the base engine only from 1969 to 1973). All of Chrysler's larger engines, with the notable exception of the Hemi were available as factory options.

Another innovation was the introduction of an alternator rather than a generator for electrical power. A four-speed automatic transmission was a major advance - the truck used a two-speed automatic less than a decade earlier.

Yet another innovation, a Crew Cab (four-door) body style was introduced in 1963, a first for a factory pickup. Prior crew cabs were custom conversion jobs. A Club Cab was also available, providing transverse seating for either a single third passenger or two small third and fourth passengers (most often, the Club Cab was used as extra cargo space).

Custom Sports Special and High Performance Package

1964 saw the introduction of the sport based 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 426 in³ wedge-head V8. This engine produced 365 hp (272 kW) and 470 ft.lbf (637 Nm) - in line with the muscle car revolution that was then sweeping Detroit. The High Performance Package also included the loadflite automatic transmission, 6000 RPM Sun brand tach with heavy duty gauges, power steering, dual exhaust and rear axle torq rods (traction bars) sourced from 61 Chrysler Imperials. Custom Sports Special trucks were produced from 1964 thru 1967. The High Performance Package was only offered from 1964 thru 1965. In the June 1998 Issue of MoparMuscle magazine, Galen Govier (noted Chrysler muscle car historian), wrote a response to a letter written to him regarding a 1964 CSS with a 426 installed. Of all the things he commented on the collectibilty of the CSS/HPP trucks is the most notable. Govier wrote "...you can be assured the Custom Sport Special with the 426S 4BBL Wedge is by far the most valuable Dodge pickup ever made, in my opinion."

The D Series was redesigned for 1965. Big news was a wider tailgate and the replacement of the A series engines with the updated LA series. The D Series trucks got big-block engines in the 1970s, eventually including the 440 in³ engine.

1972 Redsign

A redesign of the D Series for 1972 introduced a more rounded look (similar to the 1973 to 1987 GM C/K series), but included features such as an independent front suspension and pocketed taillights (the distinctive reverse on top lights were recessed to 1/4 in to avoid damage in loading docks and confined spaces).

Notable models produced during this era of Dodge truck production were the 78-79 lil' Red Express Truck, the Warlock, the MACHO PowerWagon and the Adventurer. All of these trucks are considered "lifestyle" pickups and were marketed to an audience that wanted specialty, personal use trucks.

1981 Redsign - the Dodge RAM

This generation was facelifted in 1981 when the D Series was rebadged as the Dodge Ram pickup, including an embossed "DODGE RAM" name on the tailgate. Obvious changes were the grille and hood, the taillights, and the entire interior. More subtle was the addition of a "shoulder" line reminiscent of the GM competition. This bodystyle continued until 1993. Many body panels are interchangeable for all models from 1972 to 1993, so it is not impossible to see a "hybrid" of a 1978 grille mounted with a 1974 hood and a 1991 cab. 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.

Sales were good during the Swept-Line era and into the late 1970s. A combination of tired styling and brand loyalty (primarily Chevrolet and Ford) during the 1980s and 1990s reduced sales volume for the first generation Dodge Ram. A massive redesign and restyle was adopted for the 1994 model year.

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