🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Truck (Light Duty - D/W Series), Van (B Series), Ramcharger, Motorhome Chassis, School Bus Chassis

Production Years Covered:

1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, restorers, mechanics, and parts suppliers for 1978-1981 Dodge light-duty trucks, vans, and SUVs.

Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for accurately identifying and sourcing original Mopar parts for these classic Dodge vehicles.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers a wide range of Dodge models from the late 70s and early 80s, offering extensive parts information across multiple vehicle types.

Breadth Of Coverage:

Extends beyond standard pickup trucks to include vans, Ramchargers, and chassis intended for motorhomes and buses, showcasing significant breadth.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Vehicles:

Dodge D/W-100, D/W-150, D/W-200, D/W-250, D/W-300, D/W-350, B-100, B-150, B-200, B-250, B-300, B-350, Ramcharger (F-Series), Motorhome Chassis, School Bus Chassis

Total Pages:

2062

Type:

Parts Catalog / Parts Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Group:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, valves, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor and injection), exhaust system, engine accessories (alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, starter motor), diesel engine components (where applicable)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions (A727, A833, NP435, SM465), Automatic transmissions (TorqueFlite A727, A904, A518), Transfer cases (203, 205, 208), Driveshafts, Axles ( Dana 44, Dana 60, Ford 9-inch rear), Wheel bearings, U-joints

Brakes Suspension Steering:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake system components (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake lines, parking brake), suspension components (leaf springs, shocks, ball joints, control arms, sway bars), steering components (steering gear, tie rods, drag links, power steering system)

Electrical Chassis:

Wiring harnesses, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition system, starting system, charging system, instrumentation cluster, horn, wipers, washers, power windows, power door locks, radio, speakers, fuse box, relays, switches, body control modules (if applicable)

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, hoods, doors, bed, tailgate, cab), chassis components, bumpers, grille, glass, seals, trim, interior components (seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting), HVAC system components, fuel tank, exhaust system routing, exterior hardware

Body Hardware:

Covers exterior and interior hardware, latches, hinges, emblems, weatherstripping, and trim pieces.

Accessories:

Includes parts for factory-installed accessories like air conditioning, trailer towing packages, and optional drivetrain components.

Identification Of Parts:

Detailed diagrams and exploded views with part numbers for precise identification of all components.

Part Number Cross Referencing:

Provides official Mopar part numbers for ordering genuine replacement parts.

Assembly Disassembly Sequences:

Illustrative diagrams often depict the order of assembly and disassembly for various components.

Vin Decoding Assistance:

Parts manuals of this era often provide information that can assist in VIN decoding to identify specific vehicle configurations.

Interchangeability Of Parts:

While not explicitly stated, detailed diagrams can help experienced individuals identify potential part interchangeability within the model range.

Depth:

Comprehensive part identification and sourcing for repair and restoration. Not a diagnostic or repair manual, but essential for parts acquisition.

Assembly Instructions For Parts:

While not a step-by-step repair manual, the diagrams often provide visual cues for correct part orientation and assembly order.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed Book

Searchability:

Original print format. Digital versions (if available elsewhere) would be searchable.

Quality:

High-quality paper and printing for durability and legibility of diagrams.

Binding:

Typically a sturdy, professional binding suitable for workshop use.

Paper:

Durable paper stock designed for frequent reference.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

225 Slant Six, 318 V8, 360 V8, 400 V8, 440 V8 (gasoline), Cummins 6BT, Perkins Diesel (diesel conversions, though manual may focus on gasoline variants primarily).

Horsepower Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine. Example: 318 V8 (approx. 150-170 hp), 360 V8 (approx. 170-195 hp).

Fuel Delivery:

Primarily carburetor-based (e.g., Carter, Holley, Edelbrock), with some early electronic fuel injection (EFI) for certain V8s.

Engine Identification:

Key for identifying specific engine build codes or displacements referenced in part listings.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Manual transmissions (e.g., A833 4-speed, NP435 4-speed) and automatic transmissions (e.g., TorqueFlite A727 3-speed).

Overdrive Options:

Some models may have featured optional automatic transmissions with overdrive (e.g., A518).

Transfer Cases:

Four-wheel-drive models feature robust transfer cases like the NP203 (full-time) or NP205 (part-time).

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions, and transfer cases, are detailed for each component.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Varied extensively by model and configuration: e.g., 115" for standard cab pickups, 127" for long bed pickups, 109.7" for short bed pickups, 109.6" for vans, 106" for Ramcharger.

Body Style Variations:

Covers Fleetside beds, Stepside beds, Regular cabs, Club cabs, panel vans, passenger vans, and Ramcharger SUV body styles.

Gvwr Range:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ranged from approximately 5,000 lbs (1/2 ton) to over 10,000 lbs (1-ton and heavier chassis).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Crash test data from this era is not comparable to modern standards. Vehicles were designed to meet the safety regulations of their time.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Power brake assist was common on most models. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not available.

Occupant Protection:

Lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear. Padded interior surfaces and energy-absorbing steering column were standard safety considerations.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with optional 8-track or cassette player. Speaker options were typically limited to 2 or 4.

Safety Features:

Basic safety features of the era: seat belts, padded dashboard, safety glass. No electronic driver assistance systems.

Connectivity Options:

None by modern standards. Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Recommendation:

Generally every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult specific engine recommendations within a detailed service manual.

Engine Oil:

Refer to owner's manual for specific API service classifications and viscosity grades (e.g., API SF or SG service, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40). Diesel engines may require different specifications.

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic: ATF+3 or equivalent (for TorqueFlite). Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Coolant:

Traditional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., green coolant) mixed with distilled water. Specific capacities vary by engine and cooling system size.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid is typically specified for hydraulic brake systems of this era.

Common Wear Items:

Leaf spring bushings, U-joints, brake wear components, carburetor issues (per the era), electrical connector corrosion, exhaust system rust.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Slant Six reliability, potential overheating in early V8s with inadequate cooling, carburetor tuning.

Electrical System Aging:

Fraying wires, corroded connectors, and failing switches are common due to age, necessitating careful part replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Truck Legacy:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for building durable and capable trucks, known for their utility and heavy-duty applications.

Third Generation Dodge Trucks:

This period (1972-1980, with extended runs) represents the '9th Generation' or 'New' Dodge trucks, characterized by their crisp, squared-off styling.

Powertrain Transitions:

Reflects the transition in engine options and transmission technologies common in that period, including the continued prevalence of V8s and robust manual gearboxes.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced at Dodge assembly plants in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Perception:

While specific awards for these workhorse vehicles are rare, they were consistently recognized for their utility and durability in their respective segments.