Vehicle Description
unedited To You - THE OWNER OF THE FINEST TRUCK BUILT - You have
made a wise decision in the selection of this Dodge "Job-Rated"
Power Wagon. Your choice exemplifies sound judgement of truck
values and operating economy. Dependability is the key-note of your
Dodge Power Wagon. With proper attention, your Power Wagon will
give you satisfactory operation for many, many miles. - Power Wagon
Owner's Manual T137 230 CI inline 6-cylinder engine 4-speed manual
transmission Hi-Lo range 4-wheel drive transfer case with PTO Dual
Braden MU2 winches with winch control handles Side mount spare
Restored original gauges Professional paint with new glass, tires,
and trim Turn signals in headlight guards Here is a Show Quality
1957 Dodge Power Wagon that is finished in Sea Wolf Green / Black
with grey interior. As with Willys-Overland, Dodge began making
plans for a postwar version of the WC series trucks before the war
actually ended. As it was nearing introduction, the automotive
rumor mill had it called the WDX General Purpose Truck, and there
were even some preliminary materials handed out using this name. By
the time sales began in March 1946, the Power Wagon name had been
applied. This also happened to be the name of one of the earliest
automotive trade magazines and the name of a truck company started
by Max Grabowski. Time soon obscured Max and the trade magazine,
but the Dodge Power Wagon has lived on. The Dodge model T-137 WDX
Power Wagon was loosely based on the T-214 Dodge military trucks
commonly known as the WC Series. The 3/4-ton WC models were
introduced in 1942 and replaced a line of 1/2-ton 4x4s. They came
in a variety of wheelbase lengths, including 98, 114, and 121
inches. For the WDX, a 126-inch wheelbase was chosen so a
good-sized cargo box could be added. The fenders were roughly the
same as the military Dodges, and a new four-stake pocket, 8-foot
pickup bed was developed, though other types of rear bodies were
optional. The truck definitely had a civilian appearance but with a
strong reminder of the military roots. Five colors were available:
Dark Green, Red, Dark Blue, Yellow, and Seawolf Submarine green.
Mechanically, the T-214's 230ci L-head six translated from the
military truck, as did the New Process four-speed transmission.
Where the T-214 Weapons Carrier had a single-speed transfer case,
the WDX used a two-speed divorced unit very similar to the New
Process unit designed for the WWII Dodge 1 1/2-ton 6x6. This
transfer case was, in fact, the direct ancestor of the NP205. The
axles were largely the same as those used for the 6x6 or the
Weapons Carrier and they were very stout dropout units with
9.63-inch ring gears, four pinion differential, and 1.375-inch
chrome alloy 'shafts. The front axle steering knuckle used the
almost-forgotten Tracta-Joint. The WDX came in two weight classes,
the standard 7,600-pound GVW and the 8,700-pound version. The
difference was mostly tires and gearing. This 8,700-pound truck had
higher-rated 9.00-16s with 5.83:1 axle ratios, while the lighter
truck had 7.50-16s with 4.89:1 ratios. The 7,600-pound unit had
8-leaf front spring and 12-leaf rear spring, while this
higher-rated truck got 11-leaf and 14-leaf spring packs. This two
owner truck was first bought by the minnesota telephone company and
then sold to a Army Ranger Korean war veteran and professionally
restored. 30xxx miles are beleived to be actual miles. This beast
of a truck runs and drives great and it has new highway gears
installed that will do about 50 mph on the city roads. Solid, very
thick metal on this frame off restoration. Books and manuals
included.
