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Dodge Ramcharger

Automotive industry	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1974–1993
Successor	Dodge Durango
Car classification	Full-size SUV
Car body style	2-door SUV
Automobile platform	Front-engine design, Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

First generation

Also called	Plymouth Trailduster (1974-1981)
Production	1974-1981
Automobile platform	Chrysler AD platform
Internal combustion engine	225 CID I6 5.2L V8 5.9L V8 440 CID V8
Transmission (mechanics)	4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite Automatic transmission
Related	Dodge D Series Dodge Ram

Second generation

Production	1982-1993 (1988-1996 In Mexico)
Automobile platform	Chrysler AD platform
Transmission (mechanics)	3-speed Automatic transmission 4-speed Manual transmission
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2692 mm)
Length	1988-1990: 184.6 in (4689 mm) 1991-93: 188.0 in (4775 mm)
Width	79.5 in (2019 mm)
Height	1988-1990 2WD: 69.7 in (1770 mm) 1988-1990 4WD: 73.1 in (1857 mm) 1991-93 4WD: 74.1 in (1882 mm) 1991-93 2WD: 70.6 in (1793 mm)
Related	Dodge Ram

Third generation

Production	1999-2001
Assembly	Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
Automobile platform	Chrysler BE platform
Internal combustion engine	5.2L V8 5.9L V8
Transmission (mechanics)	4-speed Automatic transmission 4-speed Manual transmission
Related	Dodge Ram

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 Trailduster and offered from 1974 to 1981, was Plymouth's only SUV.

Contents 1 First and second generations 1.1 Mechanicals 2 Third generation 3 See also 4 References

First and second generations

The Ramcharger was primarily produced as a two-door, full-time four wheel drive vehicle, although a two wheel drive version was available starting in 1975. During development, it was known as the "Rhino". ^[1]1974 through 1980 models have a removable hard top, although dealer-installed soft tops were available. The first year model differs from the others in that its door pillars are attached to a removable roof.

Like many vehicles, the Ramcharger was used in Rallying, although its use was very limited. It did have some success, as demonstrated by achieving first place at Sno*Drift in 1975. In 1978 and 1979 the 360's horsepower was bumped up to 195hp.1978 was the last year for the 440,which by then only put out 215 horsepower (160 kW).

Mechanicals

The vehicle was usually powered by a Chrysler LA engine, the most common being the 318 CID (5.2 L) V8. Optional was the 360 CID (5.9 L) and even big-block B series 400 CID (6.6 L) and RB 440 CID (7.2 L) were offered in the early years. The 318 gained throttle-body fuel injection in 1988 and the 360 followed in 1989. Power output for the TBI 318 was 230 horsepower (170 kW) and 280 lb (130 kg)-ft of torque. The TBI 360 had 240 hp (180 kW) and 283 to 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m). In 1992 the multiport fuel injected Magnum 318 was the standard engine while the LA 360 with TBI was still offered. In 1993 the Magnum 360 replaced the LA engine version.

Many Manual transmission were offered throughout the years, starting with the A-230 three-speed and ending with the A-535 five-speed in 1992. The NP435 "granny gear" 4 speed was the most common in 4WD models. In 1988 the clutch was converted from a mechanical linkage to a hydraulic system. Automatic transmission models had the Chrysler Loadflite TF-727A or B until, in 1991, it was replaced with the A-500/A-518 four-speed.

A full-time four-wheel drive NP-203 transfer case was standard until 1980, when it was replaced with the part-time NP-208. This was supplanted by the NP-241 in 1988.

Axles were Dana 44 front and 9 1/4" rear. Full time 4WD models (1974-1979) were equipped with the full time version of the Dana 44 that had no provision for locking hubs and had a front wheel bearing design with a somewhat dubious reputation. In 1980 when the part time 4WD system was introduced, the front Dana 44 was equipped with a more conventional front wheel bearing design and automatic locking hubs. Late in the 1984 model year the Dana 44 was switched to a CAD (Center Axle Disconnect) version. The CAD Dana 44 was vacuum actuated by a switch on the transfer case and powered by engine vacuum. The CAD Dana 44 was carried on until the end of Ramcharger production in 1993. Limited slip differentials were available for the 9 1/4" rear axle. It should also be noted that the full time 4WD versions used a 5 on 4 1/2" wheel bolt circle and the part time models used a 5 on 5 1/2" bolt circle.

Third generation

In 1999, a new Ramcharger was produced in Mexico based on the second generation Ram pickup. It was not marketed for the U.S., however, and the model never enjoyed the sales of the first generation Ramcharger. Powered by the 5.9 liter (360 CID) Magnum V8, it was discontinued around 2004. One of the most interesting features of this generation was a small folding seat in the cargo area, facing sideways, not a full-sized seat, making it uncomfortable for long trips. The rear hatch door was borrowed from 1996-2000 model Dodge Caravan. Why the Mexican-market Ramcharger was not marketed in the U.S. -- DaimlerChrysler had two profitable mid-sized SUVs (Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango) -- was probably because the SUV market was favoring 4 or 5-door SUVs as opposed to 2-doors. Two-door SUV sales have been declining, to which GM ended production of its 2-door Tahoe and Yukon. Also having been based on the larger, full-size Ram platform the third generation hurt Chrysler's [CAFE] rating (of even the light trucks) to the point where it was uneconomical to offer it for sale in the United States.

See also

• List of Dodge automobiles

v • Dodge Truck Timeline • e Dodge truck timeline, North America market, 1970s–present
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Crossover SUV																																								Journey
Sport utility vehicle																		Raider																				Nitro
					Ramcharger																								Durango						Durango
Pickup truck													Rampage					Dakota										Dakota								Dakota
										D-50		Ram 50
	D Series											Ram													Ram								Ram							Ram
																																			RamS10
Minivan															Caravan			CV/GCV				CV/GCV					CV/GCV					CV/GCV							GCV
Van		Tradesman								Ram Van/Ram Wagon
																																		Sprinter				Sprinter

v • Plymouth Timeline • e « previous — Plymouth road car timeline, 1970s–2001, North American market
Type	1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1
Subcompact car		Plymouth Cricket							Horizon
										Plymouth Horizon TC3				Turismo
										Colt
Compact car							Arrow											Sundance								Neon
	Colt
	Valiant							Plymouth Volaré				Reliant
Mid-size car																Caravelle				Acclaim							Breeze
	Satellite					Fury							Gran Fury
Full-size car	Fury					Gran Fury					Gran Fury
Sports car	Duster								Sapporo												Laser
	Barracuda
	Road Runner														Conquest													Prowler		Prowler
	GTX
Sport utility vehicle						Trailduster
Pickup truck										Arrow Truck				Scamp
Minivan															Voyager/Grand Voyager
Van						Voyager

References