Dodge Ramcharger (1st gen) / Plymouth Trail Duster 1974-1980

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The Dodge Ramcharger was a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1993, and based on a shortened-wheelbase version of the Dodge D Series/Ram pickup truck chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Plymouth Trail Duster and offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV. The Ramcharger was primarily produced as a two-door, four wheel drive 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 and the most common was the 318 in³ (5.2 L) and the 360 in³ (5.9 L) and in the early years, the big-block RB 440 in³ (7.2 L) engines powered the Ramcharger. It was discontinued at the end of the 1993 model year in North America. In Mexico, it continued to run that platform until 1996. Then brought back in from 1999-2001 as a 2 door Dodge Ramcharger with a '94-'01 Ram front end. Approximately 30,000 were produced and were all two-wheel drive. Engine choices were the 5.2 318 c.i. Magnum or the 5.9 360 c.i. Magnum.

Source: Wikipedia

Dodge Ramcharger threads:
Dodge Ramcharger (1st gen) / Plymouth Trail Duster 1974-1980
Dodge Ramcharger (2nd gen) 1981-1996

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First generation 1974-1980
During development, it was known as the "Rhino". The Ramcharger and 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. 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. Also available was an insulated center console for keeping items cool when filled with ice.

The Ramcharger was entered in rallying and placed first in the 1975 Sno*Drift event. The vehicle was powered by the "LA" series Chrysler small block engines, the most common being the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8, with the optional 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8. Also, available were the larger big-block "B" and "RB" wedge series 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 and B 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 as additional options. In 1978 and 1979 the 360 cu in (5.9 L) output was increased to 256 hp (191 kW; 260 PS). In 1979, the 360 cu in (5.9 L), was rated at 275 hp (205 kW; 279 PS).

Source: Wikipedia

[Man of Steel]

Dodge Ramcharger (1st gen) / Plymouth Trail Duster #3