The D series (also called D/W series) is a line of pickup trucks that was sold by Dodge from October 1960 to September 30, 1993. The same basic design was retained until the October 1993 introduction of a completely redesigned Ram. The D/W series shared its AD platform with the Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth Trail Duster twins. 4×2 models were designated D, while 4×4 models were designated W.
First generation (1961–65)
The Chrysler A engine of was the smallest V8 option; and all of Chrysler's larger engines, with the notable exception of the Chrysler Hemi engine, were available as factory options. The original design was built until the spring of 1965, when the facelifted, single-headlamp version arrived. For 1963, Dodge introduced a four-door crew-cab version of the D series, becoming the first "Big Three" American manufacturer to market a factory-produced truck with two rows of seating (following the 1961 introduction of the International Travelette).
Besides straight-sided beds (called Sweptline), the D series also offered step-sided narrow beds (called Utiline) in (D-100 only), (D-100 and 200), and (D-300 only) lengths.
The first generation of the D series was manufactured in Warren, Michigan. They were given the Dodge and Fargo brands. The trucks were produced by the Dodge Division of the Chrysler Corporation.
Custom Sports Special and high-performance package
1964 saw the introduction of the sporty Custom Sports Special. The Custom Sports Special included bucket seats, console, carpeting and racing stripes. The optional high-performance package could be ordered with a CSS truck or by itself on a base model truck complete with Chrysler's big wedge-head V8 for 1964 and V8 for 1965. The 426 cubic inch engine produced 365 hp (272 kW) and 470 lb·ft (637 N·m)—in line with the muscle-car revolution that was then sweeping Detroit. The high-performance package also included the LoadFlite automatic transmission, a 6000 rpm-rated Sun tachometer with heavy-duty gauges, power steering, dual exhaust and rear axle torque rods (traction bars) sourced from 1961 Imperials. Custom Sports Special trucks were produced from 1964 to 1967. The high-performance package required customized fabrication including tailor-made traction bar brackets, alterations to the frame cross members and an enlarged firewall to make room for the exhaust manifold. The High Performance Package was only offered from 1964 to early 1966.
Second generation (1965–71)
1965–67
The D series was mildly redesigned in spring of 1965, hence there are both two-headlight and four-headlight models titled as 1965s. Updates for mid-'65 included a wider tailgate and the replacement of the A-series engines with the updated LA series, as well as a six-inch wheelbase stretch on bed models. In 1967, the D-series trucks received big-block 383 2-barrel engines as a standard option.
From 1965 until the early 1980s, D-series trucks were assembled in Warren, Michigan, by the Chrysler Corporation. Foreign models were manufactured by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Israel at a new factory located at Nazareth-Illit, using straight-four and straight-six gasoline engines mated to a manual transmission. This factory also produced the Jeep Wagoneer SUV for the Israeli army, and British Ford Escort and Ford Transit vehicles for the civilian market. The D series were made both for the civilian market and for the Israeli Army. The models were D100 and D200 light trucks, D500 truck, and the D600 truck with the straight-six engine and having on-demand four-wheel drive. There was also a bus version made (mainly for army use). This bus was a 20-seat bus built on the chassis of the D500 truck using the straight-four engine with front and rear hydraulic doors, as well as the complete D500 front end and dashboard.
1968–71
The 1968 models received a new front grille—two rows of four holes each. A new Adventurer trim package replaced the old Custom Sports Special; basically, it included a padded front seat with vinyl trim (either full bench or buckets with console) and carpeting, plus other hallmarks such as extra chrome trim and courtesy lighting. This generation continued to be built in South Africa as well. Sold as the D300 or the D500, the lighter model received the 225 Slant-Six, while the heavier-duty D500 had the 318 ci V8. Power outputs are (net), respectively; SAE claims are 140 and 212 hp.