The Dodge Ramcharger is a large sport utility vehicle built by Dodge from 1974 to 1994 (and from at least 1986 until 2001 in Mexico) based on the shortened wheelbase of the Dodge D Series/Ram pickup truck chassis. A Plymouth version, named the Trailduster was offered from 1974 to 1981, the brand's only SUV.
The Ramcharger was built using a nine-inch shortened pickup Chrysler AD platform that was introduced for 1972. First available in four-wheel drive with a rear-wheel drive only version available starting in 1975.
The 1974 through 1980 models came without a roof, with a dealer-installed fabric top, or an optional removable steel roof with a flip up rear tailgate window. The 1974 year model differs from the others in that its door pillars are attached to the removable roof. Marketed as a basic utility vehicle, only the driver's seat was standard equipment with the passenger seat optional up to 1976.
The vehicle was powered by a Chrysler LA engine, the most common being the 318 cubic inch V8. Optional was the 360 cubic inch V8, with big-block B series 400 cubic inch V8 and RB 440 cubic inch V8 were optional.
In 1978 and 1979 the 360 cubic inch output was increased to 195 HP. 1978 was the last year for the 400 cubic inch, which by then was rated at 215 HP.
The Ramcharger followed the D-series pickup's 1981 redesign into the Ram and is considered the second generation. These models had a non-removable welded steel top instead of the removable top.
Initially a normally aspirated carburetor, in 1988 the 318 gained throttle-body fuel injection with the 360 following in 1989. Power output for the TBI 318 was 230 HP and 280 lb·ft of torque. The TBI 360 had 240 HP and 283 to 295 lb·ft. In 1992 the multiport fuel injected Magnum 318 was the standard engine while the LA 360 with TBI was still offered. In 1994 the Magnum 360 replaced the LA engine version.
Many manual transmissions were offered throughout the years, starting with the A-230 three-speed and ending with the A-535 five-speed in 1992. The NP435 "granny gear" 4 speed was the most common in 4WD models, as well as the close ratio version, the NP445. In 1988 the clutch was converted from a mechanical linkage to a hydraulic system. Automatic transmission models had the Chrysler Loadflite TF-727A or B until, in 1991, it was replaced with the A-500/A-518 four-speed.
