Posted by Clint Dixon from 64.215.183.22 (Entegee.s11-0-1-4-0.ar1.KCY1.gblx.net) on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 6:53PM :
In Reply to: Poll: What is your favorite year PW and why? posted by WAD from 63.174.82.139 (psrb-ppp1-139.tcsn.net) on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 5:53PM :
I would have to say 1947, but not necessarily because I have a truck from this year.
Reasons:
- WDX's seem to be found with the most options. Dodge tended to "load up" these early trucks with a lot of options, probably knowing they could sell them because of the little competition to be found during this time period and the increasing needs being found for all-wheel-drive trucks.
- The earlier 1946 WDX seems to be fairly prototypical with all of the changes that were being made early on. By 1947 they seem to have settled upon a combination that worked from both a manufacturing and sales standpoint.
- I like the four pocket bed better. Four stakes are stronger than three when supporting side racks used for carrying bulky loads or livestock.
- The '47 uses the "Up To Type" transmission which has proven to have less problems than the "After Type" which followed it.
- The transmission shift lever is positioned further to the rear and clears the dashboard with more room to spare than the later NP420.
- I like the longer shock absorbers that were used on the early trucks.
- The '47 still used the fully tappered spring leaves with grease grooves. The mainleaf was of the "Split Design" (Three piece leaf designed to seperate slightly for better articulation and twist).
- The '47 still used the slightly longer rear shackles giving the truck a slightly "Tail High" stance.
- The '47 does not rely upon the water pump to provide the "By Pass" feature as is found later on.
- The wiring is simpler, and of a heavier gauge, than what is found on later trucks (especially when compared to the WM300's).
- The '47 had cowl lights which were eliminated later on.
- I like the gauges clustered on either side of the speedometer.
- The approach angle is slightly better than the later trucks once they changed to the 251 engine and had to extend the winch and bumper further forward.
I know I am splitting hairs, but this is my 2 cents worth. Clint.
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