Target Audience:
Owners and enthusiasts of 1968-1970 Dodge Charger, Coronet, and Dart models seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and restoration.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, factory-correct information essential for preserving and maintaining these iconic Mopar vehicles, crucial for restoration projects.
Key Selling Points:
Covers multiple popular Mopar platforms of the era, detailed engine options including Hemi and Magnum, comprehensive electrical diagrams, and thorough troubleshooting sections.
Primary Models Covered:
Dodge Charger, Dodge Coronet (including Deluxe, 440, 500, R/T, Super Bee), Dodge Dart (including GT, GTS, Swinger, Demon)
Engine Variants Covered:
Slant-6 (225 ci), 318 V8, 340 V8 (including LA and High Performance), 383 V8 (2-barrel and 4-barrel), 426 Hemi V8, 440 V8 (Magnum and RB)
Transmission Variants Covered:
TorqueFlite Automatic (A727, A904), 3-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Manual (A833)
Type:
Factory-Style Repair & Service Manual
Format:
Printed Book (likely high-quality reproduction)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery (carburetor rebuilds included for Carter, Holley, Edelbrock)
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system (points, condenser, electronic ignition conversions), starting system, charging system (alternator/generator), wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures
Transmission Drivetrain:
TorqueFlite automatic transmission overhaul and repair, manual transmission overhaul and repair, clutch service, driveshaft, rear axle (Dana 44, Chrysler 8.75-inch), differential service
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (ball joints, tie rods, torsion bars, control arms), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks), steering system (steering box rebuild, power steering), wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front drum brakes, front disc brakes (common option), rear drum brakes, brake system diagnosis, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, rust repair guidance, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat mechanisms, interior trim replacement, weatherstripping, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
HVAC And Accessories:
Heating system, ventilation, optional air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core replacement, blower motor service, windshield wipers, horn, radio systems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, spark plug replacement, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), coolant flush, lubrication points, tune-up procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common engine, electrical, and drivetrain issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, carburetor rebuilds, brake system overhauls
Alignment And Adjustment:
Front-end alignment specifications, carburetor adjustments, ignition timing settings, valve lash adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive (suitable for home mechanics and professional technicians), covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Standard Engine Dart:
225 cubic inch (3.7L) Slant-6
Standard Engine Coronet:
318 cubic inch (5.2L) V8
Standard Engine Charger:
318 cubic inch (5.2L) V8 (common), 383 cubic inch (6.3L) V8 (optional)
Engine 340 Hp:
~275 hp (standard), ~290 hp (performance variants)
Engine 383 Hp:
~290 hp (2-bbl), ~330 hp (4-bbl)
Engine 426 Hemi Hp:
425 hp (advertised)
Engine 440 Hp:
~375 hp (Magnum)
Carburetors:
Carter AVS, Holley 2-barrel, Holley 4-barrel (depending on engine and trim)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (typically 91+ octane recommended for high-compression engines)
Standard Transmission:
3-Speed Manual (most base models)
Optional Transmission Manual:
4-Speed Manual (A833, especially on performance models)
Optional Transmission Automatic:
TorqueFlite 3-Speed Automatic (A904 for Slant-6/318, A727 for larger V8s)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Column or floor shift options, P-R-N-D2-1 gear selection
Manual Transmission Features:
Close-ratio options available on performance models
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era, modern oils may extend this)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles, including spark plugs, points, condenser, and distributor adjustments.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate and engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with distilled water (50/50 mix). Capacity varies by engine, typically 4-5 gallons.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+2 or Dexron II (check manual for exact specification). Capacity typically 4-5 quarts for fill, 12-14 quarts for full overhaul.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90)
Rear Axle Fluid:
Hypoid Gear Lubricant, SAE 90 (with limited-slip additive if equipped with Sure-Grip)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, king pins, U-joints, rear main seal leaks, carburetor diaphragm failures, timing chain wear, brake component wear (especially wheel cylinders).
Electrical Gremlins:
Frayed wiring harnesses, corroded grounds, failing voltage regulators, and intermittent switch failures are common due to age.
Rust Prone Areas:
Floor pans, trunk drop-offs, rear quarters, cowl vents, door bottoms.
Dodge Muscle Car Legacy:
Dodge established a strong reputation in the muscle car era with potent engines and aggressive styling, particularly with the Charger.
Charger Second Gen:
The 1968-1970 Charger represented the second generation, characterized by its iconic 'B-body' platform and a sweeping redesign, emphasizing performance and sporty aesthetics.
Coronet Positioning:
The Coronet served as Dodge's mid-size offering, with various trim levels and performance packages (like the R/T and Super Bee) bridging the gap between the Dart and Charger.
Dart Market Segment:
The Dart was Dodge's compact offering, popular for its affordability and maneuverability, but also available with potent V8 engines and sporty trim levels (GT, GTS) making it a contender in its class.
Production Period:
1968, 1969, 1970 model years
Collectible Status:
Highly collectible vehicles, particularly Charger R/T, Coronet R/T, Super Bee, Dart GT/GTS, and Hemi-equipped models.
Performance Reputation:
Recognized as icons of the muscle car era, praised for their powerful engines and aggressive styling.
Documentation Accuracy:
Factory service manuals are the definitive source for accurate repair and maintenance procedures, highly valued by restorers and enthusiasts.