Dodge T-, V-, W-Series

1939 Dodge Pickup with wooden bed.

Ram hood ornaments adorned every Dodge car and truck from 1932 to 1954.^[7]

After Dodge joined forces with Graham Brothers trucks from 1925 onwards, Dodge and Graham trucks, marketed through Dodge's vast dealer network, were offered in various capacities, ranging from a half ton to three tons. In May 1928 Power Wagon magazine already computed a "truly impressive" 1,842 possible configuration combinations, of available models, styles, payload ratings and other options.^[8]

For 1939, Dodge rolled out a striking, modern design, new from the ground up, except for the updated drivetrains – and, as before, offering an exceptionally large number of available variants. In the later 1930s, streamlined styling had become a virtual requirement for anything from appliances, cars, boats, planes — even trucks, trains, and architecture.^[6] The new, 'Job-Rated' Dodge trucks followed suit, and were completely representative of the 'Streamline Moderne', Art Deco based style, inspired by aerodynamic design, and characterized by elongated horizontal lines and curving forms, to give the impression of sleekness and modernity.

The all new, all-steel cabs featured a front-end design with a barrel-shaped base, and a sharp V-shaped grille; long, sleek, crowned front and rear fenders, with embossed "speed lines" on the lower rears of each fender – and a new sloped, two-piece windshield, that could be opened for increased airflow. The headlamps were still free-standing, but were mounted in bullet-shaped pods. From the half-tons to the three-ton models, the new trucks all featured the same distinctive design – the heavy-duty models only stood out taller, on larger wheels and tires.^[6]

The unique styling of the trucks, was only really changed in 1940, when Dodge trucks began using sealed-beam headlamps and were equipped with marker lights mounted on the headlamp housing. For the most part, after 1940, year-to-year appearance changes were very minimal.^[9] The grille design was slightly changed again in 1941, and this style continued through 1947, except for the lower chrome strips, which were omitted post war.^[6]

The Job-Rated trucks had stronger frames than previous Dodge trucks, using steel with a higher tensile strength, and the frame-rails extended further forward past the engine than before, such that the truck's beefy, channel-type bumpers tied the rails together, reinforcing the frame. After World War II, several changes were made to production truck chassis parts, based on reliability experience gained during military service – for instance stronger differentials and larger axle shafts were used in post-war trucks, and steering boxes were beefed up as well.^[9]

All in all, Dodge advertised as many as 175 basic chassis models, and seven engine variants, as well as different "job-rated" choices of clutches, transmissions, axles, gear ratios, springs, tires and brakes.^[10] In 1941, General Motors introduced new trucks for Chevrolet and GMC, that literally became known as their Art Deco trucks, and advertised them as "The Right Trucks for all Trades".^[11] Both Dodge's 'job-rated' trucks, and GM's 'Art-Decos' are recognized as prime truck examples of the 1930s Streamline Moderne architecture and design style.

Model name codes

Introduced as the T-Series for the 1939 model year, the line evolved into the V-series for 1940, and W-series for 1941, but the 'W' was retained until the end of sales in 1947.

The bottom of the range TC, and its successors VC and WC, were 1⁄2-ton rated, on a 116 in (295 cm) wheelbase. As the second letter in the model code progressed in the alphabet, the payload rating typically also went up, however this was not implemented consistently. Although the TD-15, VD-15 and WD-15 were 3⁄4-ton rated, the TD-20 and -21 and its later VD and WD versions were one-tonners. The -15s and the -20s had a 120 in (305 cm) wheelbase, but the 1-ton could also be had with 133 in (338 cm) (the TD-/VD-/WD-21). Second letter 'E' models only existed in the form of the 1939 TE versions. TF-, VF-, and WF-models were either 1-ton or 1+1⁄2-ton,^{[nb 2]} ranging in wheelbase from 126–190 in (320–483 cm). Second letter G- and H-models were consistently 1+1⁄2-ton and 2-ton rated, respectively, ranging in wheelbase from 136–220 in (345–559 cm). The 2+1⁄2-ton rated J-models weren't introduced until the 1946 WJ-55 through WJ-59, ranging from 136–235 in (345–597 cm) in wheelbase. The K-lettered models were consistently 3-ton rated, but the L-lettered models went against the naming pattern – they were only 2-ton rated. Both were offered in wheelbases ranging 152–205 in (386–521 cm) through 1942. From 1946 instead there were 3-ton WK- and WR-models ranging in wheelbase from 136–196 in (345–498 cm).

Discover more about General related topics

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

A drivetrain is the group of components that deliver mechanical power from the prime mover to the driven components. In automotive engineering, the drivetrain is the components of a motor vehicle that deliver power to the drive wheels. This excludes the engine or motor that generates the power. In marine applications, the drive shaft will drive a propeller, thruster, or waterjet rather than a drive axle, while the actual engine might be similar to an automotive engine. Other machinery, equipment and vehicles may also use a drivetrain to deliver power from the engine(s) to the driven components.

Art Deco

Art Deco

Art Deco, short for the French Arts Décoratifs, and sometimes just called Deco, is a style of visual arts, architecture, and product design, that first appeared in France in the 1910s, and flourished in the United States and Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. Through styling and design of the exterior and interior of anything from large structures to small objects, including how people look, Art Deco has influenced bridges, buildings, ships, ocean liners, trains, cars, trucks, buses, furniture, and everyday objects like radios and vacuum cleaners.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics, from Ancient Greek: ἀήρ aero (air) + Ancient Greek: δυναμική (dynamics), is the study of the motion of air, particularly when affected by a solid object, such as an airplane wing. It involves topics covered in the field of fluid dynamics and its subfield of gas dynamics. The term aerodynamics is often used synonymously with gas dynamics, the difference being that "gas dynamics" applies to the study of the motion of all gases, and is not limited to air. The formal study of aerodynamics began in the modern sense in the eighteenth century, although observations of fundamental concepts such as aerodynamic drag were recorded much earlier. Most of the early efforts in aerodynamics were directed toward achieving heavier-than-air flight, which was first demonstrated by Otto Lilienthal in 1891. Since then, the use of aerodynamics through mathematical analysis, empirical approximations, wind tunnel experimentation, and computer simulations has formed a rational basis for the development of heavier-than-air flight and a number of other technologies. Recent work in aerodynamics has focused on issues related to compressible flow, turbulence, and boundary layers and has become increasingly computational in nature.

Chevrolet AK Series

Chevrolet AK Series

The Chevrolet AK Series truck was a light duty truck sold under the Chevrolet brand, with production beginning in 1941 until 1947. It used the GM A platform, shared with the Chevrolet Deluxe. The AK series was also branded and sold at GMC locations, with the primary visual difference being the Chevrolet had vertical bars in the grille, while the GMC had horizontal bars. The 1941-45 GMC models were sold as C-Series and became the E-Series for the 1946 and 1947 model years.

Streamline Moderne

Streamline Moderne

Streamline Moderne is an international style of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. Inspired by aerodynamic design, it emphasized curving forms, long horizontal lines, and sometimes nautical elements. In industrial design, it was used in railroad locomotives, telephones, toasters, buses, appliances, and other devices to give the impression of sleekness and modernity.

Dodge's Job-Rated trucks used flathead sixes, originally developed by Plymouth,^[3] throughout the 1939–1947 range. In the light half-ton trucks initially a 201.3 cu.in. engine was standard; with 70 hp (52 kW) in 1939, but uprated to 79 hp (59 kW) in 1940,^[12] and 82.5 hp (61.5 kW) by 1941. The three-quarter and one-ton trucks used a 217.8 cu.in. engine from 1939 to 1941, rated at 77 hp (57 kW) initially, then at 82 Hp, and at 85 hp (63 kW) in 1941.

Starting in 1942 (just before civilian production ended), the 201.3 cu.in. engines were dropped from the range, and the 1⁄2-ton light-duty models received the larger 218 cu.in. six, like the 3/4-ton pickups, going up to 95 hp (71 kW) gross after the war, while the one-ton trucks got a larger 230.2 cu.in. (instead of the 218), with 102 hp (76 kW), until the line-up was replaced in 1947.^[6] A three-speed manual was standard issue, while a four-speed with a compound first gear was an option.^[9]

The 1939–1947 TK- and TL- through WK- and WL-models were also available with a diesel engine – Dodge's own diesel engine – Dodge and Mack Trucks were the only two American automakers of the period before World War II, to have their own diesel engines.^[3] An additional 6-volt auxiliary generator debuted in 1941 on the diesel engines. The unit furnished power for lighting, instruments, and horns. Diesel sales were extremely limited however, counting as many as 75 units sold in 1939, 134 units in 1940, and 195 rigs in 1941.^[13]

Besides with the "Express" pick-up bodywork, the Job-Rated trucks were available in cab/chassis, cowl/chassis, or bare chassis (for third party custom body) versions.

At the bottom of the range, Dodge offered the three now common pick-up classes (1⁄2-ton, 3⁄4-ton and one-ton), as well as a 11⁄2-ton pick-up. Dodge's half-ton pickups, on a 116 in (2.95 m) wheelbase with a 71⁄2-foot box, were changed to the 70 HP 201 cu.in. L-head straight-six. The 3/4- and 1-ton models kept the 75 HP 218 cubic inch L-head six, either on a 120 in (3.05 m) wheelbase with a 71⁄2-foot box, or a 133 in (3.38 m) wheelbase with a 9-foot bed. Dodge's 11⁄2-ton pick-up, offered from the Job-Rated trucks launch in 1939 until the 1942 switch to all-wartime production, consisted of the long-wheelbase one-ton model with 9-foot bed, but on bigger wheels and tires.

Aside from as pickups, the lightest models in the range, the 116 in (2.95 m) wheelbase TC/VC/WC half-tons, were also offered as a delivery truck, either with solid steel "panel" van body, or open canvas-covered canopy or screenside configuration.^[14]

After the war, both the 11⁄2-ton pickup, and the long one-ton pickup with the nine-foot bed were dropped.^[6] Post-war available equipment options included a larger clutch, four-speed transmission, oversize tires, electric driver's wiper, heater, chrome windshield frame, adjustable visor, driver's armrest, dome light, turn signals, "airfoam" seat with leather upholstery, and an AM radio.^[5]

Purpose-built four-wheel drive

1940 Fargo-badged truck at the Australian Army History Unit museum.

After Dodge supplied the U.S. Army with its first four-wheel drive truck in 1934, more modern 1+1⁄2-tonners were developed, and 1,700 RF-40-X-4(USA) trucks were supplied in 1938, and 292 TF-40-X-4(USA) in 1939.^[15][16] In 1940, Dodge gained an Army contract to design and build 1⁄2-ton 4×4 military trucks in several styles using many commercial truck parts. Based on the VC-Series, and internally called the T-202 series, the VC-1 through VC-6 came with essentially stock front-end sheetmetal. Similarly, their 116-inch wheelbase and 201-cubic-inch 79-horsepower six-cylinder engine shared much with Dodge's civilian 1⁄2-ton VC. The following year, the T202 was replaced by the T-207 series trucks. Again rated as 1⁄2-tonners, they featured a military-specific hood, grille, and fenders. These trucks were powered by the 218-cubic-inch six of 85 horsepower taken from Dodge's 3⁄4- and one-ton commercial models.^[12] Eventually, the military trucks were substantially redesigned, and uprated to 3⁄4-tons with a 230-cubic-inch engine with 92 hp. Together with the 1941 1⁄2-tons, these were built from 1942 until the end of the war as the Dodge WC series military trucks. Some 30 were modified as armored trucks by the French in Syria prior to WWII and known as the Automitrailleuse Dodge Tanake.^[17] The Tanake was fitted with a 37mm cannon M1916 and two or three FM 24/29 light machine guns and a crew of 5.^[18] The vehicles served with French Foreign Legion, both Vichy and Free French units during WWII and post-war used by the Syrian government in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.^[17]

Stock models and specifications

Dodge T-234 Lend-Lease truck

The U.S. military also used some of Dodge's light truck models in mostly stock, two-wheel drive form. Technical manuals of U.S. Army military vehicles offer some more detailed specifications on three such models: the 1947 model year WC and WD-15 models, and the 160 inch wheelbase version of the SNL G-number 618 aka the WF-32.

Additionally there were 4x2, civilian based variants built either as Canadian "Modified Conventional Pattern" or "Canadian Military Pattern trucks", called the D15 (15cwt, or ¾-ton – engineering code T-222), and the D60S and D60L (60cwt, or 3-ton, engineering code T-110, with a short 136 in (3,500 mm) or long 160 in (4.1 m) wheelbase).^[1] The Canadian models were built with a 236.6 cu in (3,877 cm³) engine with a 25" block, that was unique to them, and they had beefed up rear axles. Chrysler Corporation of Canada produced a total of 180,816 military Dodge trucks during 1939-1945.^[19][20]

Dodge T-234 "China / Burma" truck

A special case in between stock commercial and dedicated military trucks, was the T-234 "China / Burma Road" truck, which was built as part of the Allied cooperation with China against Japan, in the war and just thereafter. From October 1944 through March 1946, Dodge built 15,000 trucks, that used a special order combination of their most heavy-duty off-the-shelf components, to overland supplies from India to China over the very rough Ledo Road (later renamed after Joseph Stilwell), to an extent to specifications personally drawn up by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, then president and commander of the Nationalist Chinese forces.^[21] Chiang Kai-shek asked Roosevelt himself for 15,000 two-and-a-half-ton trucks capable of handling the Burma Road, requiring them to have an engine of at least 300 cubic inches and a 5-speed transmission.^[21]
The trucks were built with a near standard civilian closed cab – right-hand drive because Burma was under British rule – but fitted with a flat, military-style grille & brush guard, and wide open, almost flat fenders, to avoid mud build-up clogging the wheels rotating,^[21] and otherwise stood out by having a 60-gallon fuel tank.^[22] In order for the trucks to function on the gruelling 4,700 mi (7,600 km) journey over the Himalayas, Dodge fitted not only heavy-duty springs and steering gear, but went sofar as to fit tri-metal aircraft grade bearings and aeroplane-type shock absorbers. Radiators were fitted with an overflow tank, to return the cooled water to the sealed cooling system. Ground clearance was 13 in (33 cm), with a 50° approach angle, and 28.5° departure.^[23] Front axles were widened to give wider tread. Nevertheless, the average life of the trucks was only about five trips.^[24]

It has been commented that the front sheet metal design of the T-234 Burma Dodge shows remarkable resemblance to that of the post-war Dodge Power Wagons, and may well have influenced it.^[24]

• 

  Burma Dodge frame – 170 in (4.32 m) wheelbase

• 

  T-234, 331 CI engine, originally a diesel

• 

  T-234 interior dashboard

• 

  T-234 – prototype

Discover more about Models used by the military related topics

Dodge WC series

Dodge WC series

The Dodge WC series is a range of light 4WD and medium 6WD military utility trucks, produced by Dodge and Fargo during World War II. Together with the 1⁄4-ton jeeps produced by Willys and Ford, the Dodge 1⁄2‑tons and 3⁄4‑tons made up nearly all of the light 4WD trucks supplied to the U.S. military in WWII – with Dodge contributing some 337,500 4WD units.

Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon

Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon

The Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon (1923−1946) was a League of Nations mandate founded in the aftermath of the First World War and the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire, concerning Syria and Lebanon. The mandate system was supposed to differ from colonialism, with the governing country intended to act as a trustee until the inhabitants were considered eligible for self-government. At that point, the mandate would terminate and an independent state would be born.

Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP

Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP

The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP was a French infantry support gun, first used during World War I. TRP stands for tir rapide, Puteaux. The tactical purpose of this gun was the destruction of machine gun nests.

FM 24/29 light machine gun

FM 24/29 light machine gun

The Fusil-mitrailleur Modèle 1924 M29, designed in 1924 by the Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault, was the standard light machine gun of the French Army from 1925 until the 1960s and was in use until 2000-2006 with the National Gendarmerie. A robust and reliable weapon, it equipped the French army for much of the twentieth century and had the reputation of being a trustworthy and quality weapon.

1948 Arab–Israeli War

1948 Arab–Israeli War

The 1948 Arab–Israeli War was the second and final stage of the 1948 Palestine war. It formally began following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine at midnight on 14 May 1948; the Israeli Declaration of Independence had been issued earlier that day, and a military coalition of Arab states entered the territory of British Palestine in the morning of 15 May.

Canadian Military Pattern truck

Canadian Military Pattern truck

Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) trucks were mutually coherent ranges of military trucks, made in large numbers, in several classes and numerous versions, by Canada's branches of the U.S. 'Big Three' auto-makers during World War II, compliant to British Army specifications, primarily intended for use in the armies of the British Commonwealth allies, but also serving in other units of the British Empire.

Ledo Road

Ledo Road

The Ledo Road was an overland connection between India and China, built during World War II to enable the Western Allies to deliver supplies to China and aid the war effort against Japan. After the Japanese cut off the Burma Road in 1942 an alternative was required, hence the construction of the Ledo Road. It was renamed the Stilwell Road, after General Joseph Stilwell of the U.S. Army, in early 1945 at the suggestion of Chiang Kai-shek. It passes through the Burmese towns of Shingbwiyang, Myitkyina and Bhamo in Kachin state. Of the 1,726 kilometres (1,072 mi) long road, 1,033 kilometres (642 mi) are in Burma and 632 kilometres (393 mi) in China with the remainder in India. The road had the Ledo-Pangsau Pass-Tanai (Danai)-Myitkyina--Bhamo-Mansi-Namhkam-Kunming route.

Joseph Stilwell

Joseph Stilwell

Joseph Warren "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell was a United States Army general who served in the China Burma India Theater during World War II. An early American popular hero of the war for leading a column walking out of Burma pursued by the victorious Imperial Japanese Armed Forces, his implacable demands for units debilitated by disease to be sent into heavy combat resulted in Merrill's Marauders becoming disenchanted with him. Infuriated by the 1944 fall of Changsha to a Japanese offensive, Stilwell threatened Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek that lend-lease aid to China would be cut off, which led Ambassador Patrick J. Hurley to decide Stilwell had to be replaced. Chiang had been intent on keeping lend-lease supplies to fight the Chinese Communist Party, but Stilwell had been obeying his instructions to get the CCP and the Kuomintang to co-operate against Japan.

Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai‐shek, also known as Jiang Zhongzheng and Jiang Jieshi, was a Chinese politician, revolutionary, and military leader who served as the leader of the Republic of China (ROC) and the Generalissimo from 1928 to his death in 1975 – until 1949 in Mainland China and from then on in Taiwan. Following the Kuomintang's defeat by the Communist Party of China in the Chinese Civil War, he continued to lead the ROC government in Taiwan until his death.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and political leader who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. A Democrat, he previously served as the 44th governor of New York from 1929 to 1933, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 1920, and a member of the New York State Senate from 1911 to 1913.

British rule in Burma

British rule in Burma

British rule in Burma lasted from 1824 to 1948, from the successive three Anglo-Burmese wars through the creation of Burma as a province of British India to the establishment of an independently administered colony, and finally independence. The region under British control was known as British Burma, and officially known as Burma from 1886. Various portions of Burmese territories, including Arakan and Tenasserim were annexed by the British after their victory in the First Anglo-Burmese War; Lower Burma was annexed in 1852 after the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The annexed territories were designated the minor province of British India in 1862.

Dodge Power Wagon

Dodge Power Wagon

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.

This table offers specifications for a few high-profile models in the extensive 1939–1947 range only.

1939 Dodge TXE32 Wrecker

1946 Dodge pickup

Australian National Airways Freighter Service van, 1946 model

1947 Dodge pickup

1947 Dodge 1 ton Truck

Dodge offered their 1939–1947 'Job-Rated' trucks in many variants.^{[27][28][29][30][31][32]} complemented with information about Dodge engine & engineering codes from the same website,^[1].^[2]

Models with a "D" as the third letter in the model code, and marked with "D" behind the engine code, indicate models that were offered with a diesel engine.