Dodge Power Wagon: История и эволюция легендарного внедорожника.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a four wheel drive medium duty truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1980 by Dodge. The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500. As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model. The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon (FFPW) or "Military Type", was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4 ton WC series of World War II military trucks. The Power Wagon was the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer in a civilian version. It represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four wheel drive trucks in use today. It was marketed as the WDX truck. Until about 1960 it was internally known by its engineering code T137 – a name still used for the original series by enthusiasts. Following Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas, Power Wagons were also marketed around the world under the Fargo and De Soto badges. Starting in the 1957 model year, factory four wheel drive versions of the Dodge C Series trucks were produced and sold as the W 100, W 200, W 300, and W 500, alongside the older Power Wagon. The pickups had the "Power Wagon" badge on the fender. The older design Power Wagon was marketed as the "Military Type" to distinguish it from the styled pickup versions. Later the "Military Type" was given the series number W 300M, and ultimately WM 300. The heavy duty four wheel drive W 300 and W 500 trucks were marketed as "Power Giants". The four wheel drive version of the Dodge Town Wagon also got the "Power Wagon" badge. Some believe the truck was renamed "Power Wagon" after a contemporaneous trucking magazine with that title. Meant to compete with military based Ford/Marmon Herrington and GMC trucks, it had an enclosed all weather civilian cab and a purpose designed 8 foot cargo box. It had a 126 inch (3,200 mm) up to a 147" wheelbase chassis and featured the 230 cubic inch flathead inline six engine, a 4 speed manual transmission, a two speed 1.96 1 ratio low range transfer case for part time 4 wheel drive with a power take off (PTO) which would send power front or rear for operating auxiliary equipment, and 9.00/16 8 ply tires on 16×6.50 inch 5 stud split ring steel rims. In 1961 the 230 was replaced with the 251 cubic inch flat head six.

Includes the following years and model numbers: 1951 B 3 PW; 1952 early 53 B 3 PW; late 1953 B 4 PW; 1954 C 1 PW; 1955 early 56 C 3 PW; Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) slightly curved stake pockets on each side, bed sides are stamped. Looking at these bed sides from the rear, the top rail section of the bed angles out at 45 degrees with a rounded top edge. Group of 4 gauges in the center of the dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with silver/grey faces.

Includes the following years and model numbers: Late 1956 C 4 PW; 1957 W300; 1958 9 W300M; 1960 71 WM300; Additional Distinguishing Features: (3) square stake pockets on each side with stamped bed sides. Looking at the bed sides from the rear, the top of the bed is flat, with a rounded edge. Group of 4 gauges in the center of the dash (Fuel, Amp, Temp, Oil) with black faces. NP420 Synchronized Transmission also used.

5.7L Hemi V8 (345 hp / 375 lb ft of torque) for 2005 2009 model years

The 6 speed manual G56 transmission was standard, with the 5 speed 545RFE automatic transmission optional.

The transfer case was a New Venture 271 and had a 2.72:1 low range gear ratio. A transfer case skid plate was and is standard equipment. A floor mounted manual shift on the fly transfer case is the only choice available.

The axles are manufactured by American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. The front is an AAM 9.25 and the rear is a hybrid AAM 10.5 with the larger axle shafts from the AAM 11.5. Despite the fact the axles have locking differentials, the rear axle is also a helical type limited slip differential when unlocked. The Power Wagon is equipped with a 4.56:1 axle gear ratio not available on other 2500 models.

In 2010 the Dodge trucks were re branded as Ram, and the Heavy Duty lineup received a major redesign. The Power Wagon model continued with its special features for off road prowess. Beginning in 2010, the Power Wagon is only available as a crew cab with a 6.33 feet (2 m) bed on a wheelbase. The Power Wagon features off road tuned suspension, electronically locking differentials, an electronic sway bar disconnects, and a 12,000 lb winch. Due to the softer suspension, the Power Wagon models receive a reduced GVWR, and consequentially a lower payload and towing capacity, as compared to a standard 2500.

5.7 L Hemi V8 (383 hp / 400 lb ft of torque) for 2010 2013 model years
6.4 L Hemi V8 (410 hp / 429 lb ft of torque) for 2014 to current model year

A floor mounted, manual shift transfer case was the only option on the Power Wagon, until the 2021 model year when the electronic shift transfer case was made available as an option. For 2019 the front driveshaft switched to a CV joint connection at the transfer case. +Transfer CaseLow Range RatioModel YearNotesNew Venture 2712.72:12010 2012Floor Mounted Manual Shift On The Fly. Installed in trucks built up to January 2012. Borg Warner 44 472.64:12012–presentFloor Mounted Manual Shift On The Fly. Installed in trucks built January 2012 and later. Borg Warner 44 462.64:12021–presentElectronic Shift On The Fly (Optional)

Power Wagon models use AAM's "TracRite" locking differentials. The EL model for the front and GTL model in the rear, the differentials are electronically lockable on demand using controls located on the dashboard, and the rear is limited slip under normal conditions. 2010 Power Wagon models (along with other Ram trucks) received larger universal joints but retained the AAM 9.25 front and AAM 10.5 rear axle with a 4.56:1 final drive. For the 2014 model year, with the introduction of the more powerful 6.4L engine, the axle ratio was reduced to 4.10:1. The larger AAM 11.5 rear axle is also introduced for the 2014 model year. In the 2019 model year changes, the Power Wagon retained the AAM 9.25 front axle, AAM 11.5 rear axle, and 4.10:1 gear ratio; however rear axle internals were changed including different axle shafts, differential carrier, and larger 32 spline pinion.

The 2014 Ram Power Wagon underwent extensive changes. Starting with 2014 models, the Power Wagon comes standard with the new, larger 6.4L Hemi V8. The transmission and transfer case remain unchanged, but the axle ratio changes from 4.56:1 gear ratio to 4:10 gear ratios. The rear axle is exchanged for the larger 11.5 AAM axle. For 2014 the entire Ram 2500 lineup rear suspension is changed from traditional leaf springs to 5 link coil spring arrangement, and the front suspension has been changed to a radius arm arrangement (3 link) instead of the 5 link previously used. The Power Wagon is equipped with approximately 2" lift over the standard Ram 2500 and is equipped with softer rate springs for off road performance. Unique to the Power Wagon 3 link front suspension is the "Articulink" front radius arms, which add an extra link and rubber bushing, enabling additional axle articulation. The Power Wagon continues to use Bilstein 4600 shocks. The Power Wagon is equipped with a 5th Bilstein damper, connected to the rear axle to dampen "power hop", a symptom of the 5 link rear suspension during wheel spin. Factory equipped tires are changed to Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac but remain 33" (285/70R17). The 2014 Power Wagon is available in 3 trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, and Laramie. The Power Wagon Laramie trim was eliminated after 2017.

For the 2019 model year, Ram provided a major overhaul of the Heavy Duty lineup. This included a new, fully boxed frame, entirely new front end, and interior updated similar to the DT Ram 1500. However, mechanically the Power Wagon stayed mostly unchanged from the 2018 model year. Notably, it received the ZF 8 speed transmission, over the outgoing Chrysler built 66RFE 6 speed unit. The Power Wagon becomes its own trim level, while "Power Wagon Package" is still available for "Tradesman" trim 2500's, adding the same suspension, axles, wheels/tires, skid plates, and winch as the "Power Wagon" trim version, but in an otherwise more spartan package. For the 2019 model, the winch is updated with a Warn Zeon 12 based unit, with synthetic rope.

For the 2021 model year, the Power Wagon is offered with a special "75th Anniversary Edition Package", celebrating the Power Wagon name plate heritage going back to 1946. The 75AE featured a special "jail bar" vertical bar grille, special badging including an individually numbered plate on dashboard, electronic shift transfer case, new 17x8.0 beadlock capable wheels, rock slider steps, special "Mountain Brown" leather bucket seats with center console, and LED projector headlamps borrowed from the top trim "Limited" models. The 75AE was the first Power Wagon ever available with an electronic shift transfer case, though the option quickly became available on regular Power Wagons. The beadlock capable wheels and rock slider steps were also later added as available options to regular "Power Wagon" models.

A large part of the Power Wagon name is its bold styling. The 2010 2013 Power Wagons were available with a red and black graphics package, with large "Power Wagon" lettering on the tailgate and hood. 2014 2016 Power Wagons in SLT trim received a special red grille, and colorful "splash" graphics down the side of the truck with "Power Wagon" spelled out in large lettering on the doors. A large "Power Wagon" decal is also added to the tailgate and blackout hood decal. Blackout projector headlamps are standard. The Laramie Power Wagon receives only a chrome "Power Wagon" emblem on the tailgate. 2017 2018 saw a slightly more subtle graphics package that pays homage to the late 1970s Dodge Macho Power Wagon, with black lower 2 tone paint tying into a vertical black stripe on the bedsides with "Power Wagon" spelled out. It received a slight change to the "Power Wagon" decal on the tailgate and a black out decal on the top of the hood. Starting in 2017 Power Wagons get a unique matte black "handlebar mustache" grille, and black powder coat front and rear bumpers, blackout emblems, as well as new black 8 spoke wheels. Laramie and Tradesman trim Power Wagons retained chrome bumpers and regular grilles. 2019 graphics package was largely the same as 2018, but with a slight change in font. A "handlebar mustache" grille is retained but redesigned for the new front end. Blackout LED headlamps are standard as well as blackout emblems. In 2021, the 75AE received special "outline" Power Wagon decals on the front doors and tailgates and did not have the standard hood decal or vertical bed side decal. It received a new "jail bar" vertical bar grille, and special "75 Years of Service" emblems on the C pillars. The “jail bar” grille and outline graphics package became optional on 2022 model year trucks.