Dodge Ramcharger

The Dodge Ramcharger was a large sport utility vehicle

built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993 based on a shortened- Dodge Ramcharger
wheelbase version of the Dodge D Series/Ram pickup
truck 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, 4x4

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. It was powered
by a Chrysler LA engine, usually a 318 in³ (5.2 L) or 360
in³ (5.9 L), but in the early years, a big-block RB 440 in³
Overview
(7.2 L) engine was offered.
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation
The Ramcharger was discontinued at the end of the 1993 (1974–1996)
model year in North America. In Mexico, it continued to DaimlerChrysler (1999–
run that platform until 1996. It was then brought back
2001)
from 1999 to 2001 as a 2-door Dodge Ramcharger with a
'94-'01 Ram front end. Approximately 30,000 were Also called Plymouth Trail Duster
produced and were all two-wheel drive. Engine choices Production 1974–2001
were the 5.2 L/318 c.i. Magnum or the 5.9 L/360 c.i.
Assembly Warren, Michigan, United
Magnum.
States (Warren Truck
Assembly)
Body and chassis
Contents
Class Full-size SUV
First generation: 1974–1980
Body style 2-door SUV
Second generation: 1981–1993
Platform Front engine, rear-wheel
Third generation: 1999–2001 drive / four-wheel drive
See also Chronology
References Predecessor Dodge Town Wagon
External links Successor Dodge Durango Indirect-
Jeep Wagoneer (WS)

First generation: 1974–1980

During development, it was known as the "Rhino".[1] The First generation
Ramcharger/Trail Duster were built using a nine-inch
(228.6  mm) shortened pickup Chrysler AD platform that
was introduced for 1972. First available in four-wheel
drive with a rear-wheel drive only version 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.[2] 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 6-
10-74, 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 in 1974, the big
block 440 V8 became an option, but turned out to be the
only year with the option.[2] Also available was an
insulated center console for keeping items cool when filled
Plymouth Trail Duster
with ice.[2]
Overview
Also called Plymouth Trail Duster
(1974–1981)
Production 1974–1980
Body and chassis
Platform Chrysler AD platform
Related Dodge D Series
Dodge Ram
1974 Ramcharger with optional Powertrain
passenger and rear bench seats
Engine 225 cu in (3.7 L) I6
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8
The Ramcharger was entered in rallying and placed first in 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
the 1975 Sno*Drift event. 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) V8
The vehicle was powered by the "LA" series Chrysler
small block engines, the most common being the 318 cu in Transmission 4-speed manual
(5.2 L) V8, with the optional 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8. Also, 3-speed TorqueFlite
available were the larger big-block "B" and "RB" wedge automatic
series 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 and B 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 as
additional options. In 1978 the 360  cu  in (5.9  L) output was 175  hp (130  kW; 177  PS). In 1979, the
360 cu in (5.9 L), was rated at 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS).

Second generation: 1981–1993

The Ramcharger and Trail Duster followed the D-series Second generation
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
generation two 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
Overview
the removable top. The Trail Duster was only available for Also called Plymouth Trail Duster
one year with the Ram design and steel non-removable Production 1981–1993
top, as it was dropped after the 1981 model year.
1988–1996 (Mexico)
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
1990 Dodge Ramcharger rear 3-speed manual
4-speed manual
From 1981 through 1987, all models were carbureted, but 5-speed manual
in 1988, throttle-body fuel injection (TBI) was added to Dimensions
the 318 ci V8 engine. Fuel injection was added to the 360
Wheelbase 106.0 in (2,692 mm)
ci 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 Length 1988–1990: 184.6 in
torque. The 360 with TBI was rated at 193 hp (144 kW; (4,689 mm)
196  PS) and 285  lb⋅ft (386  N⋅m) of torque. In 1992, the 1991–93: 188.0 in
multiport fuel injected Magnum 318 was the standard (4,775 mm)
engine while the LA 360 with TBI was still offered as an
Width 79.5 in (2,019 mm)
option. In 1993, the Magnum 360 replaced the LA engine.
Height 1988–1990 2WD: 69.7 in
Many manual transmissions were offered throughout the (1,770 mm)
years, starting with the A-230 three-speed and ending with 1988–1990 4WD: 73.1 in
the A-535 five-speed in 1992. The NP435 "granny gear" (1,857 mm)
4 speed was the most common in 4WD models, as well as
1991–93 4WD: 74.1 in
the close ratio version, the NP445. In 1988 the clutch was
(1,882 mm)
converted from a mechanical linkage to a hydraulic
system. Automatic transmission models had the Chrysler 1991–93 2WD: 70.6 in
Loadflite TF-727A or B until, in 1991, it was replaced (1,793 mm)
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 9¼" or 8 1/4"
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 4½" wheel bolt circle and the part-
time 4WD models used a 5 on 5½" bolt circle. Two wheel drive models used the 5 on 4.5" wheel bolt
circle and in 1985 changed to the 5 on 5.5" pattern.

The Ramcharger continued to be sold in Mexico and Canada until 1996, with minor running changes from
the last version sold in the U.S. in 1993.
Third generation: 1999–2001
The third generation Ramcharger was produced in Mexico Third generation
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.[3] 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 Overview
360 cu in (5.9 L) Magnum V8 engines and offered only in
Production 1998-2001
rear-wheel drive versions, it was discontinued after the
2001 model year. Model years 1999-2001
Assembly Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
One of the features of this generation was a small third
row folding seat in the cargo area that faced sideways, Body and chassis
making it less practical for long trips. The rear of the Related Dodge Ram, Dodge
vehicle had looked very similar to the 1996-2000 model Durango
Chrysler minivans.
Powertrain
This version of the Ramcharger was not sold in the US for Engine 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8
numerous reasons: 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Two-door SUV sales had been declining (GM
soon ended production of its two-door Tahoe and 4-speed manual
Yukon, and Ford replaced the long-running two- Dimensions
door only Ford Bronco around the same time
with the four-door only Ford Expedition). Wheelbase 113.7 in (2,888 mm)

DaimlerChrysler had just launched two Length 198 in (5,029 mm)

successful mid-sized SUVs (Jeep Grand Curb weight 5,300 lb (2,404.0 kg)
Cherokee and Dodge Durango), which would
have been showroom-competitors with a third generation Ramcharger.
Finally, this large SUV would have negatively affected the company's Corporate Average
Fuel Economy for a very small projected sales return.

See also
List of Dodge automobiles

References
1. Off-Road Adventures, June 2007: page 90
2. Blackwell, Rusty (25 September 2012). "Collectible Classic: 1974-1980 Dodge" (http://www.
automobilemag.com/features/collectible_classic/1210_collectible_classic_1974_1980_dod
ge_ramcharger/). Automobile magazine. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
3. Mazur, Eligiusz, ed. (2002). "Katalog Samochody Świata 2003" [World Car Catalogue 2003].
Samochody Świata. Warsaw, Poland: Print Shops Prego - Polska Sp. z o.o.: 217.
ISSN 1234-8198 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/1234-8198).
External links
Media related to Dodge Ramcharger at Wikimedia Commons

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