1946 Dodge Power Wagon

Show Quality Restoration

• Correct T137 230 CI inline 6-cylinder engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Hi-Lo range 4-wheel drive transfer case with PTO
• Braden MU2 winch
• Side mount spare
• Restored original gauges
• New glass and trim
• Correct bed and panels
• Turn signals in headlight guards

Here is a Show Quality 1946 Dodge Power Wagon that is finished in Sea Wolf Green / Black with Brown 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. The Grabowski Power Wagon Company of Detroit was in business from 1908 to 1913, but its truck had no relation to the Dodge. 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 6×6. This transfer case was, in fact, the direct ancestor of the NP205. The axles were largely the same as those used for the 6×6 or the Weapons Carrier and they were very stout dropout units with 9.63-inxh 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.