1976 DODGE TRUCK

The D series was redesigned for the 1972 model year, giving it a more rounded appearance. An independent front suspension and pocketed tail lights (the iconic reverse-on-top lights were sunken to minimize damage in loading docks and limited places) were introduced during this redesign, which continued until 1980 with minor alterations. Similar styling elements to Plymouth’s 1971 Satellite can be seen on this car, including the scalloped bonnet and circular fender wells. Rust- and corrosion-resistant galvanized steel was used extensively throughout the construction of these vehicles. This article focuses on the 1976 Dodge Truck.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Custom Sports Special, a sporty new model introduced in 1964, quickly became popular. The Custom Sports Special package included carpet and racing stripes, among other things. If you already have a base model truck equipped with Chrysler’s massive 426 cu in (6.981 l) wedge-head V8, you may add the optional high-performance package, or you can buy it separately.

An automobile engine of at least 365 horsepower (272 kW) and 470 pound-feet of torque was necessary to participate in the Detroit muscle-car revolution at the time (637 Newton meters). The high-performance option also included a LoadFlite automatic transmission, a 6000 rpm Sun speedometer with heavy-duty indicators, power steering, dual exhaust, and rear axle torque rods (traction bars) from 1961 Imperials, as well as other high-performance components. In the years 1964 to 1967, Custom Sports Special trucks were manufactured. High-Performance Packages were only available for a brief period of time, from early 1964 to mid-1966, before being phased out.

Design

D-series trucks would appear the same for a long time because of expense, but Dodge maintained that truck consumers were more concerned with dependability and longevity than fashion. This is at odds with their previous stylistic attempts. Despite the various alterations made to Dodge pickup trucks, the fundamental design remained mostly unaltered for the next two decades.

Seating

In 1973, Dodge introduced the Club Cab, the first extended-cab pickup. Two-door Club Cabs were available with either 6.5 feet (2.0 meters) or 8 feet (2.4 meters) of Sweptline bed space behind the seats but were not as lengthy as the four-door crew cab. There were five passenger inward-facing jump seats available. A “Dyna-Trac” option for D300 pickups with a 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) GVWR saw the debut of the 440 cu in engine option in 1974.

The Warlock

The Warlock, a short-wheelbase pickup truck from Dodge’s “adult toys” series of the late 1970s, was built in limited numbers for the 1976 Dodge Truck, then regularly from 1977 to 1979. Warlocks came in various hues, including black, red, green, and blue. As a factory-modified vehicle, dubbed a “trick truck,” it appealed to a younger generation of 4×4 purchasers, in addition to a Utilize bed with wood racks. Five-spoke wheels, bucket seats, tinted glass, a chrome rear bumper, and power steering were all available options. The interiors were all black except for the steering wheel, which had a gold “tuff” accent. Wheel well and body lines were highlighted by gold pinstriping. The Interior doors, dashboard, and instrument panel all had pinstriping. To distinguish the 1979 model from the 1978 model, “Warlock II” was written in gold on the tailgate instead of “Warlock.”

The American Dream

Dodge’s star-spangled pickup was even more obscure than the bicentennial edition A-body! If nothing else, this vehicle embodies the spirit of the American Dream like nothing else I’ve ever seen. That’s the ultimate expression of liberty! I don’t know what else is more emblematic of capitalism than a pickup vehicle produced on Dodge’s 2WD long-bed D250 chassis and said to be the most cost-effective 1976 Dodge Truck. Red, white, and blue were the only colors ordered for the vehicle, which had a longitudinal starry stripe that ran over its body. It also had a “deluxe” interior package, which I assume had the same red, white, and blue color scheme as the Dodge Dart’s interiors.

Specification

• Length: 193.6 in
• Width: 79.5 in

1976 DODGE TRUCK Factory Service Manual

These manuals go through every aspect of how the vehicle operates. The vehicle’s purchase price does not include the service manual for your 1976 DODGE TRUCK.

• Safety Restraints
• Instrumentation
• Before Driving
• Starting and Operating
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Specifications
• Capacities
• Servicing

The service manuals for the 1976 DODGE TRUCK are vast and cover every aspect of the vehicle’s service and repair.

1976 DODGE TRUCK — Owner’s Manual

When consumers purchase a 1976 DODGE TRUCK, they get an owner’s manual containing all the required information for future maintenance, vehicle operation, and features.

• Introduction
• Overview
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting

The owner’s manual for the 1976 DODGE TRUCK provides more operational suggestions to enhance the user experience.