Dodge Power Wagon History (1946-1968)
Article by Mark Trotta
A year after WW2 ended, American consumers could purchase one of two 4x4 trucks, both byproducts of military vehicles. On one end of the scale, the diminutive Willys Jeep, on the other end, the Dodge Power Wagon.
Origins
During the 1940's, Dodge produced nearly half a million vehicles for the U.S. Military. In addition to heavy duty 4x4's and 6x6's, they produced a series of 3/4 ton vehicles, which included command cars, ambulances, telephone installation trucks, and weapons carriers. The Dodge Power Wagon is a direct descendant of the weapons carriers (WC) military vehicles.
First Series (late 1945 to 1950)
Officially announced in March 1946, the Power Wagon rode on a 126 inch wheelbase with an overall length of 199 inches. Maximum gross vehicle weight was 7,600 pounds.
The frame featured seven cross-members with reinforced side channels. Behind the enclosed cab, a 4.5' x 8' cargo box gave 58 cubic feet of storage.
Drivetrain
Dodge's venerable 230ci flathead straight-six cylinder engine produced 94 horsepower at 3200 rpm with 185 lb/ft of torque.
The four-speed manual transmission and two-speed transfer case gave eight forward speeds and two in reverse.
A heavy-duty pintle hook attached to the rear of the frame, aiding many types of pulling jobs.
Dash Gauges
Early Power Wagons had a round speedometer with a rectangular gauge cluster on each side. The two rectangular gauge housings had the instrument lettering on the glass instead of the face of the gauge.
The Power Wagon's mobile power source was achieved by using a two-sided power take-off next to the four-speed transmission. Power could be transmitted rearward through the tail-shaft or forward to an optional power winch. An adjustable front draw-bar made off-center towing possible.
Weighing nearly 6,000 pounds and running a 5.83 final gear, top cruising speed was about 45 mph. For highway use, the front-wheel-drive is easily disengaged from inside the cab.
An easy way to identify a 1st-series truck is by the four rectangular stake pockets on each side of the bed.
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Second Series (1951 to early 1956)
Model year 1951 saw many changes, including a new pickup bed, and new rubber mounts for cab, cargo box, and engine. Axle capacities increased and optional, stiffer springs became available. The rear axle capacity was increased from 5,500 pounds to 6,500 pounds, and front axle capacity increased from 3,500 to 3,750.
A new carburetor with a governor was seen in 1952, and engine compression was raised slightly from 6.7 to 7.0:1 in 1953.
1953 - A longer-duration cam brought engine compression to 7.25:1, and the intake manifold was redesigned.
On 2nd series trucks, dash instruments changed from military style to civilian style. The center of dash now had a group of four gauges (fuel, amp, temp, oil) placed at the center of the dash, and all featured silver-grey faces.
With a base price of $2,307, a total of 5,601 Power Wagons were made in 1954.
1955 - 12-volt electrics replaced the original 6-volt system, synchromesh transmission now available, and another increase in engine compression (7.25 to 7.6:1).
1956 - Power steering became optional.
Identifying features for 2nd series trucks include three sculptured stake pockets on each side, with stamped bed sides.
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Third Series (late 1956-1968)
Despite low sales, Dodge tried keeping the Power Wagon current. The original military style version, with its two big headlights prominently mounted on flat front fenders, now shared it's nameplate with the more modern-looking W-100 and W-200 Dodge pickups.
The older design was designated W-300 and marketed as the 'Military Type'.
1957 - Power brakes were offered, and key-actuated starting was implemented.
1957 was the best sales year with 8,706 produced.
1958 - Buyers could order a 10,000 pound winch and Leece-Neville alternator (many municipalities ordered them for police and fire vehicles).
1961 - Upgrades included an alternator replacing the generator, and the motor now a 251 cubic-inch flathead. Maximum GVW increased to 9,500 pounds.
The group of four gauges in the center of dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) now had black faces.
You can identify 3rd series by the three square stake pockets on each side of the stamped bed sides.
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End of Production
Unable to comply with upcoming federal safety regulations, the flat fender Power Wagon was discontinued in North American markets after the 1968 model year. They continued to be built for export through 1978.
From 1946 to 1968, a total of 95,145 Dodge WDX and WM300 Power Wagons were sold in the United States.
With super-low rear-axle gears, a military style Power Wagon will climb a mountain, but not very quickly. At 40 mph, you've reached cruising speed. At 50 mph, the 100 horsepower motor is tapped-out.
In today's collector market, restored examples are highly sought after; several have sold for six-figure prices at auctions.
Today's Power Wagon
In 2005, the Power Wagon made it's return as a special off-road version of the Dodge Ram 2500, featuring 33" tires on 17" wheels, and a 5.7 Hemi V8. These were offered through 2009/2010, then transitioned to being sold under the newly formed Ram Trucks brand.
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