This article needs additional citations for verification .(March 2019) |
Dodge Ramcharger | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation (1974–1996) DaimlerChrysler (1999–2001) |
Also called | Plymouth Trail Duster |
Production | 1974–2001 |
Assembly | Warren, Michigan, United States (Warren Truck Assembly) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-size SUV |
Body style | 2-door SUV |
Platform | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Dodge Town Wagon |
Successor | Dodge Durango |
The Dodge Ramcharger is a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993, based on a shortened-wheelbase version of the Dodge D series/Ram pickup chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Plymouth Trail Duster, offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV.
The Ramcharger was mostly produced as a two-door, 4×4 vehicle, although a two-wheel-drive version was available. As a full-size SUV, it competed with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and the 1978–1996 Ford Bronco.
The Ramcharger was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year in North America. In Mexico, however, production continued until 1996. It was then brought back from 1999 to 2001, still as a two-door SUV and sharing the design of the contemporary Ram pickup. Approximately 30,000 were produced, with all examples being two-wheel-drive only.
In November 2023, Stellantis announced that the Ramcharger nameplate would be revived for a plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle truck version of the 2025 Ram 1500. [1]
First generation | |
---|---|
![]() 1977-1980 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
Overview | |
Also called | Plymouth Trail Duster (1974–1981) |
Production | 1974–1980 |
Body and chassis | |
Platform | Chrysler AD platform |
Related | Dodge D Series Dodge Ram |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | 4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
During development, it was known as the "Rhino." [2] The Ramcharger/Trail Duster were built using a version of the Dodge Ram's Chrysler AD platform with a nine-inch shorter wheelbase. Originally available in four-wheel-drive exclusively, a rear-wheel-drive only version was available starting in 1975. The 1974 through 1980 models came without a roof, with a dealer-installed fabric top, or an optional removable steel roof with a flip-up rear tailgate window. [3] The early 1974 year model differs from the others in that its door pillars are attached to the removable roof. The "half doors" were used up to the build date of June 10, 1974; afterwards, the roof was changed to use normal pickup-style doors. Marketed as a basic utility vehicle, only the driver's seat was standard equipment with the passenger seat optional up to 1976. Also available was an insulated center console for keeping items cool when filled with ice. [3]
The Ramcharger was entered in rallying and placed first in the 1975 Sno*Drift event.
The standard engine was a 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant Six. 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 360 cu in (5.9 L) versions of the "LA" series Chrysler small-block V8 were available, along with the larger big-block "B" and "RB" wedge series in 400 cu in (6.6 L) and 440 cu in (7.2 L). In 1978, the 360 cu in (5.9 L) output was 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS). In 1979, it was rated at 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS).
Second generation | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Overview | |
Also called | Plymouth Trail Duster |
Production |
|
Body and chassis | |
Platform | Chrysler AD platform |
Related | Dodge Ram |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 |
Transmission | 3-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 106.0 in (2,692 mm) |
Length | 1988–1990: 184.6 in (4,689 mm) 1991–93: 188.0 in (4,775 mm) |
Width | 79.5 in (2,019 mm) |
Height | 1988–1990 2WD: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) 1988–1990 4WD: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 1991–93 4WD: 74.1 in (1,882 mm) 1991–93 2WD: 70.6 in (1,793 mm) |
The Ramcharger and Trail Duster followed the D-series pickup's 1981 redesign into the Ram and is considered the second generation. They had an egg crate-style grille which was used until the 1986 model year, when the front was redesigned to the crosshair grille that remains common on many Dodges today. In 1991, there were another batch of grill changes that lasted until 1993 when American Ramcharger production stopped. The second-generation trucks had a few different trim and interior option levels, but not much changed over the years. These models had a non-removable welded steel top instead of the removable top. The Trail Duster was only available for one year with the Ram design and steel non-removable top, as it was dropped after the 1981 model year.
From 1981 through 1987, all models were carbureted, but in 1988, throttle-body fuel injection (TBI) was added to the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 engine. Fuel injection was added to the 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine in 1989. Power output for the TBI 318 was 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) and 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) of torque. The 360 with TBI was rated at 193 hp (144 kW; 196 PS) and 285 lb⋅ft (386 N⋅m) of torque. In 1992, the multiport fuel-injected Magnum 318 was the standard engine, while the LA 360 with TBI was still offered as an option. In 1993, the Magnum 360 replaced the LA engine.
Many manual transmissions were offered throughout the years, starting with the A-230 three-speed and ending with the A-535 five-speed in 1992. The NP435 "granny gear" 4 speed was the most common in 4WD models, as well as the close ratio version, the NP445. In 1988 the clutch was converted from a mechanical linkage to a hydraulic system. Automatic transmission models had the Chrysler Loadflite TF-727A or B until, in 1991, it was replaced with the A-500/A-518 four-speed.
An all-wheel-drive NP-203 transfer case was standard until 1980, when it was replaced with the part-time NP-208. This was supplanted by the NP-241 in 1988. Axles were Dana 44 front and 9.25" or 8.25" Chrysler corporate rear. AWD models (1973–1979) were equipped with the full-time version of the Dana 44 that had no provision for locking hubs and had a front wheel bearing design with a somewhat dubious reputation. In 1978, when the part-time 4WD system was introduced, the front Dana 44 was equipped with a more conventional front wheel bearing design and automatic locking hubs. Late in the 1984 model year, the Dana 44 was switched to a CAD (Center Axle Disconnect) version. The CAD Dana 44 was vacuum-actuated by a switch on the transfer case and powered by engine vacuum. The CAD Dana 44 was carried on until the end of Ramcharger production in 1993. The vacuum switch on the transfer case would occasionally fail and either leave the CAD engaged or not engage the CAD at all. Limited-slip differentials were available for the 9¼" rear axle. The AWD versions used a 5 on 4.5" wheel bolt circle and the part-time 4WD models used a 5 on 5.5" bolt circle. 2WD models used the 5 on 4.5" wheel bolt circle, which was changed to the 5 on 5.5" pattern in 1985.
The Ramcharger continued to be sold in Mexico until 1996, with minor running changes from the last version sold in the U.S. and Canada in 1993.
Third generation | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Overview | |
Production | 1998–2001 |
Model years | 1999–2001 |
Assembly | Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Dodge Ram |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 113.7 in (2,888 mm) |
Length | 198 in (5,029 mm) |
Curb weight | 5,300 lb (2,404.0 kg) |
The third generation Ramcharger was produced in Mexico from 1998 for the 1999 model year, based on the same platform as the Dodge Ram pickup and sharing most of its componentry with the Ram as well. [4] It had also shared some of its parts and components with the third-generation Chrysler minivans (Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager) as well. It was only sold in Mexico where the previous-generation Ramcharger had been successful. It was available in the ST, SLT, SLT Plus, and Sport trim levels. Powered by the 318 cu in (5.2 L) or 360 cu in (5.9 L) Magnum V8 engine and offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive, it was discontinued after the 2001 model year.
One of the features of this generation was a small third-row folding seat in the cargo area that faced sideways, making it less practical for long trips.
Dodge is an American brand of automobiles and a division of Stellantis North America, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Dodge vehicles have historically included performance cars, and for much of its existence Dodge was Chrysler's mid-priced brand above Plymouth.
The Plymouth Road Runner is a mid-size car with a focus on performance built by Plymouth in the United States between 1968 and 1980. By 1968, some of the original muscle cars were moving away from their roots as relatively cheap, fast cars as they gained features and increased in price. Plymouth developed the Road Runner to market a lower-priced, basic trim model to its upscale GTX.
The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.
The original Plymouth Duster is a semi-fastback two-door coupe version of the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant automobile that was marketed by Plymouth in the U.S. from 1970 to 1976 model years.
The Dodge Dart is a line of passenger cars produced by Dodge from the 1959 to 1976 model years in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets.
The LA engine is a family of overhead-valve small-block 90° V-configured gasoline engines built by Chrysler Corporation between 1964 and 2003. Primarily V8s, the line includes a single V6 and V10, both derivations of its Magnum series introduced in 1992. A replacement of the Chrysler A engine, they were factory-installed in passenger vehicles, trucks and vans, commercial vehicles, marine and industrial applications. Their combustion chambers are wedge-shaped, rather than polyspheric, as in the A engine, or hemispheric in the Chrysler Hemi. LA engines have the same 4.46 in (113 mm) bore spacing as the A engines.
The Slant-Six is the popular name for a Chrysler inline-6 internal combustion engine with an overhead valve reverse-flow cylinder head and cylinder bank inclined at a 30-degree angle from vertical. Introduced in 1959 for the 1960 models, it was known within Chrysler as the G-engine. It was a clean-sheet design that began production in 1959 at 170 cubic inches (2.8 L) and ended in 2000 at 225 cubic inches (3.7 L). It was a direct replacement for the flathead Chrysler straight six that the company started business with in 1925 until the old design was discontinued in the 1960s.
The Dodge Magnum is a nameplate used by several Dodge vehicles, at different times and on various markets. The name was first applied to a large Chrysler B platform-based 2-door coupe marketed from 1978 to 1979 sold in the United States and Canada. From the 2005 to the 2008 model years, the nameplate was revived for a Charger-based station wagon on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform, produced in Canada and sold on the American and Canadian market.
The Ram pickup is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
The Dodge Dakota, known as the Ram Dakota for the final two years of production, is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram division. The first Dakota was introduced in late 1986 as a 1987 model. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed under the Dodge brand, and for the final two years under the Ram brand.
The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV produced by Dodge starting with the 1998 model year. The first two generations were very similar in that both were based on the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram, both featured a body-on-frame construction and both were produced at the Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware through the 2009 model year.
The Dodge Aspen, and its badge engineered variant, the PlymouthVolaré, are compact rear-drive cars manufactured and marketed by Chrysler for model years 1976-1980 in four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and four-door wagon styles.
The Dodge Diplomat is an American mid-size car that was produced by Dodge from 1977 to 1989. At launch, it shared a common design with the Chrysler LeBaron and for much of its later production run was the counterpart of the more upscale Chrysler Fifth Avenue and lower priced Plymouth Gran Fury. It was also sold in Mexico between 1981 and 1982 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet. The Diplomat was initially offered in a coupe and a sedan; in 1978, station wagons were added as replacements for the discontinued full-sized C-body wagons.
The Dodge Monaco is an automobile that was marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation. Introduced as the flagship of the Dodge product line, the Monaco was introduced for the 1965 model year to replace the Custom 880, then later joined as a sub-model of the Dodge Polara. During its production, the Monaco was offered in several body configurations, including two-door and four-door hardtop sedans, four-door sedans, two-door convertibles, and station wagons.
The Dodge Ram Van is a range of full-size vans that were produced by Chrysler Corporation from the 1971 to 2003 model years. Replacing the Dodge A100, the Ram Van transitioned to a front-engine drivetrain configuration. Mostly offered as a cargo van and a passenger van, the model line was also initially offered as a cutaway van chassis.
TorqueFlite is the trademarked name of Chrysler Corporation's automatic transmissions, starting with the three-speed unit introduced late in the 1956 model year as a successor to Chrysler's two-speed PowerFlite. In the 1990s, the TorqueFlite name was dropped in favor of alphanumeric designations, although the latest Chrysler eight-speed automatic transmission has revived the name.
The Dodge Super Bee is a mid-sized muscle car marketed by Dodge, that was produced for the 1968 through 1971 model years.
The 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 (4×2) models were designated D, while four-wheel-drive (4×4) models were designated W.
The Chrysler Hemi engine, known by the trademark Hemi or HEMI, refers to a series of high-performance American overhead valve V8 engines built by Chrysler with hemispherical combustion chambers. Three generations have been produced: the FirePower series from 1951 to 1958; a famed 426 cu in (7.0 L) race and street engine from 1964-1971; and family of advanced Hemis (displacing between 5.7 L 6.4 L from 2003 to the present.