2004 Dodge Article

Dodge Pickup Trucks: History of the D Series

The Dodge Pickup Truck D Series was sold by the Chrysler cooperation that was part of Dodge. It was in the 1980’s that the trucks were decided to be called Dodge Ram, they were completely redesigned from the basic model that had stood steadfast from 1980 to 1994.

When the transformation was in full swing, many innovations were introduced, such as the alternator rather than a generator. Also, for this Dodge Pickup Truck the introduction of a four speed transmission was a huge leap in the advancement of the soon to be renamed Ram.

Another engineering design which was added was the crew cab, which had four doors, it had been introduced much earlier, not by Dodge but by customers. Normally what had happened before this introduction, was that the cab had been customised by the owner, but now it was available off the production line, which increased sales as it was what the customer had wanted for a long time.

The Dodge Pickup Truck D series had a sporty offspring that had the obligatory bucket seats, a modern console for the era it was made in 64’. It was carpeted and of course the racing stripes, where would we have been without those.

There was also the optional high performance package that came with a V8 engine. This engine produced 365 horsepower. The engineering design also provided an automatic transmission, power steering, and an amazing dual exhaust.

The Dodge Pickup Truck was continuously being redesigned, as it is today with its more modern naming the Ram. In 1965 it was given a wider tailgate, in 1972 it was given a more rounded look, which moved it into another era, and the technology then provided it with a independent front suspension and pocketed tail lights. On previous models the reverse lights were on top and this caused problems for when loading and unloading in confined spaces and damage would have been caused, but by recessing them it made all the difference.

The image of the Dodge Pickup truck went through many stages also, as much as the design itself, they were considered lifestyle pickups and their target market was those that wanted something special and trucks for their own personal use, but not to be left standing Dodge, saw other gaps in the market and released the Club cab which had an extended cab and the Crew Cab which had the four doors as mentioned earlier.

When the D series turned its name to Ram, another market opened, they had made changes to the grille and hood and more specifically the whole on the interior had undergone an overhaul. This revived any flagging sales and made those who already owned a dodge pick up truck to want the new and improved Ram.