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Dodge WC series
The most produced variants in the range were the ​3⁄4-ton, 4x4, WC-51 and WC-52 Weapons Carriers
Type	​1⁄2-ton, ​3⁄4-ton 4x4 truck ​1 1⁄2-ton 6x6 truck
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Wars	World War II Korean War
Production history
Manufacturer	Dodge / Fargo
Produced	1940-1945
No. built	Total: ~377.710 excl. variants Consisting of: ​1⁄2-ton 4x2 models 1,542 units All 4x4 Models ~332,950 units — across: ~77,750 ​1⁄2-ton units (1940–1942) [1][2][nb 1][nb 2] and 255,195 ​3⁄4-ton units (1942–1945) ​1 1⁄2-ton 6x6 Models 43,224 units [4][5]
Variants	VC-1 – VC-6 ​1⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1940): 4,640 units VF-401 – VF-407 ​1 1⁄2-ton, 4x4 (1940): 6,411 units
Specifications (WC-51 / WC-52[6])
Mass	5,250 lb (2,380 kg) empty (5,550 lb (2,520 kg) with winch)
Length	166 7⁄8 in (424 cm) (176 1⁄2 in (448 cm) with winch)
Width	82 3⁄4 in (210 cm)
Height	81 7⁄8 in (208 cm)
Engine	Dodge T-214 92 hp (69 kW)
Payload capacity	1,500 pounds (680 kg)
Transmission	4 speed x 1 range
Suspension	Live beam axles on leaf springs
Ground clearance	10 23⁄32 in (27.2 cm)
Fuel capacity	30 US gal (114 l)
Operational range	240 mi (386.2 km)
Speed	55 mph (89 km/h)

The Dodge WC series was a prolific range of light 4WD and medium 6WD military utility trucks, produced by Dodge / Fargo during World War II.^{[nb 3]} Together with the ​¹⁄₄-ton jeeps produced by Willys and Ford, the Dodge ​¹⁄₂-tons and ​³⁄₄-tons made up nearly all of the light 4WD trucks supplied to the U.S. military in WWII – with Dodge contributing some 337,500 4WD units^{[nb 4]} – over half as many of these as the jeep.^{[7][5][nb 5]} Contrary to the versatility of the highly standardized jeep, which was mostly achieved through field modification, the Dodge WC-series came in many different, purpose-built, but mechanically uniform variants from the factory, much akin to the later family of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. The WC series evolved out of, and was part of a more extended family of trucks, with great mechanical parts commonality, that included open- and closed-cab cargo trucks and weapons carriers, (radio) command cars, reconnaissance vehicles, ambulances, carryalls, panel vans, and telephone installation and mobile emergency / field workshop trucks.

From 1940 to 1942, almost 82,400 G-505 ​¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 Dodge trucks were built — initially called the VC series, but the great majority (from 1941) in the WC series, and in more variants.^[10][2] However in 1942, the truck grew into the G-502 ​³⁄₄-ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) and the G-507 ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 6x6 personnel and cargo truck (Dodge) — retaining the Dodge WC model code. Although the ​³⁄₄-tons featured significant design improvements, they retained some 80% interchangeable components and service parts with the ​¹⁄₂-ton models.^[10]

Dodge was the U.S. Army's main supplier of ​¹⁄₂-ton trucks, and its sole supplier of both ​³⁄₄-ton trucks and ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton six-by-six trucks in World War II.^[5] With over a quarter million units built through August 1945, the G502 ​³⁄₄-tons were the most common variants in the WC-series.^[5]

After the war, Dodge developed the ​³⁄₄-ton WC-series into the civilian 4x4 Power Wagons; and in 1951, the WCs were replaced by the very similar ​³⁄₄-ton 4x4 Dodge M-series vehicles .

WC was not an abbreviation of "Weapons Carrier", but a Dodge model code – initially W for 1941, and C for half-ton rating. However, the 'WC' model code was retained for both the ​³⁄₄-ton and ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 6x6 Dodges – as well as for the subsequent model years.^[10]

History and design

Dodge had been the United States military's primary supplier of light wheeled vehicles, since before the U.S. joined the First World War.^[11] After starting business in 1900, producing precision engine and chassis components for other car builders in Detroit – Ford and Olds chief among these – Dodge introduced their first own car, the Model 30/35 tourer, in 1914. It was stronger and more high quality than the ubiquitous Ford Model T, and in 1916, Dodge cars proved their durability, both in the 1910s U.S. Mexico Border War — the U.S. military’s first operation to use truck convoys,^[12] as well as in World War I, when some 12,800 Dodge cars and light trucks were used,^[11] primarily as ambulances and repair trucks.^[13], but also as staff and reconnaissance vehicles. All the while, Dodge maintained its reputation for high quality truck, transmission and motor parts they made for other successful manufacturers.

Dodge light trucks were initially based largely on their passenger cars, but later specific truck chassis and bodies were designed. Light- and medium-duty models were offered first, then a heavy-duty range was added during the 1930s and 1940s. Dodge developed its first four-wheel drive truck in 1934 — an experimental 1½ ton for the U.S. Army, designated K-39-X-4(USA), of which 796 units were built in several configurations.^[11][14]Timken supplied driven front axles and transfer-cases, which were added to a militarized commercial truck. The Timken transfer case was the first part-time design,^[15] that allowed the driver to engage or disengage four-wheel drive using a lever inside the cabin.^[13][16] In spite of the limited 1930s U.S. military budgets, the ’34 truck was liked well-enough that the ​1 ¹⁄₂ tonners were further developed. Dodge built the U.S. Army further batches of 4WD ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton cargo trucks in 1938, 1939 and 1940.^[17] 1,700 RF-40-X-4(USA) trucks were procured in 1938, and 292 TF-40-X-4(USA) in 1939.^[11] All of these ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton Army 4x4s rode on a 143 in (363 cm) wheelbase, and the 1938 RF-40 and 1939 TF-40 trucks were the first to receive a Dodge engineering code in the 200 range (T-200 and T-201 respectively).^[14]

However, Dodge also eagerly pursued military contracts for half-ton four-by-fours at the same time. The smaller size had outperformed the ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 during testing in 1938,^[18] and Dodge had invested greatly in half- to one-ton trucks in prior years. In 1936, Dodge's light, car-based trucks had been crucially redesigned — dropping the old car frames and for the first time using modern, truck-style chassis, with side rails welded to the cross members on their half-ton to one-ton rated trucks.^[19] Additionally, Dodge had built the all new, very large Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan for its light and medium trucks, opened in 1938. In 1939 again, Dodge presented a completely redesigned line of pickups and trucks. The modern looking, "Job-Rated" trucks aimed to fit every job.^[19]

1940 — ​¹⁄₂-ton VC and ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton VF models

Well before the onset of World War II, it was clear that the USA needed to update its military. The Quartermaster Corps (Q.C.), responsible at the time for providing the military with non-combat vehicles, moved to standardize truck designs, and by 1939, as the war in Europe exploded, the Army had settled on five payload-based general-purpose truck chassis: ​¹⁄₂-ton, ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton, ​2 ¹⁄₂-, 4- and ​7 ¹⁄₂-ton.^[20] By June 1940 the Q.C. had tested and approved its first three standard commercial based, all-wheel drive trucks: the ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 Dodge, the GMC ​2 ¹⁄₂-ton 6x6 and a Mack 6-ton 6x6.^[21] Moreover, in the summer of 1940 the largest truck contract awarded went to Chrysler's Dodge / Fargo Division for more than 14,000 (mostly) 4x4 trucks.^[22]

The government's preferences were however reshuffled. Although in 1936, a Marmon-Herrington converted Ford had become the Army's first half-ton 4-wheel drive,^[23] and initially, the Army had standardized Dodge's ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 truck — after mid 1940 it was decided they preferred to have Dodge build light-duty four-wheel drives, contracting for a series of half-ton trucks,^[17] while GM / Chevrolet was instead going to become the standard supplier for ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton trucks.^[5]

Dodge started developing designs for a 4x4 half-ton in 1939, and began production for the U.S. military build-up for the war in earnest in 1940 — both 4x4 half-tons, as well as 1½-ton 4x4 and 4x2 trucks. On all 1940 trucks, front sheetmetal was mostly identical to the commercial VC and VF models, with the addition of a big brush guard mounted in front of the grille and headlights — except for the addition of 4-wheel drive, and the custom bodies of the command cars, following the 1939 procurement doctrine, to "use commercial trucks with only a few modifications such as brush guards and towing pintles to fit them for military use." ^[9]

The first prototypes of the ​¹⁄₂-ton, 4x4, VC series military trucks, were based on their civilian, 1939 model TC-series. Six variants, numbered VC-1 to VC-6, were presented: open and closed cab pick-ups, with or without rear troop-seats, reconnaissance / radio cars, and a carry-all.^[24] The military VC models retained the civilian engine and wheelbase, but gained four-wheel drive, and a new technical code: T-202.

Production of the Dodge VC series (SNL number G-505) began in 1940, making these the Army's first half-ton 4WD trucks. The soldiers also called these light command reconnaissance vehicles "jeeps",^[25] — before that term migrated to the quarter-tons, starting in 1941.^[26][27] A total of 4,640 units were built – mostly pick-ups and reconnaissance cars. Only 34 radio cars and 24 carry-alls were made.^[1] While proving successful, the 1/2-ton VC trucks were replaced in 1941 by the G-505, 1/2-ton WC models. Although obsolete, the VC trucks remained in use until the end of the war.^[24]

In 1940, Dodge also built some 6,400 four-wheel drive ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton models, called VF-401 to VF-407, or T-203 by Dodge, and G-621 by the Army, riding on a 143 inch wheelbase, a continuation of their experimental pre-war predecessors, the RF-40 and TF-40 (or T-200 / T-201). They consisted of 6,000 regular closed cab, open bed trucks, a thousand of which equipped with winch, and just under 400 dump-trucks. Three ambulance units were also made, likely experimental.^[1][28] These proved to be the last of Dodge's ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 trucks for the war. Although the Army had steadily taken the bulk of its trucks in this bracket from Dodge / Fargo up til then, further production of ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton 4x4 trucks was instead awarded to GM's Chevrolet G506, which became the standard in this segment for the rest of the war.^[18]

Aside from four-wheel drive trucks, production started for a militarized commercial ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton, rear-wheel drive truck in 1940 — initially Dodge's model VF-31, cargo (engineering code T-98) under the government SNL number G-618. The 4x2 model VF-31 was succeeded by the model WF-31 (internally T-118) for 1941 (closed cab tractor) and 1942 (cab and chassis) – both on a 135 inch wheelbase – and the 1942 model WF-32, closed cab, stake and platform cargo truck, on a 160 inch wheelbase.^[29][1] After a modest production of 516 units of the WF-31,^[28] at least 9,500 Dodge WF-32 trucks were built, mostly for lend-lease to Russia.^[30][31][32]

External video

Dodge trucks in 1940 U.S. war promotion film

"Army on Wheels" – WW II-era U.S. Army exercise stock film on Periscope Archives. Made by the U.S. War Department, together with Dodge, the May 1940 film opens with news of 7,000 new Dodge trucks for use by Uncle Sam (from 02:34) — showing VC and VF models. The four-wheel drive off-road capability, ruggedness, and the diverse uses for the vehicles are expounded, for instance: officers employ portable desks in their command cars to study maps and plot strategies (mark 13:00).

1941–1942 — ​¹⁄₂-ton WC series

The ’40 VC-series Dodge 1/2-ton 4x4s were well liked but considered only an interim solution because they were essentially a modified civilian truck. At the outset of World War II a more military layout was designed.^[11] Dodge replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 with the equally half-ton rated WC series of military light trucks, produced in 38 model variants, in varying numbers — thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made. While the military VC-series used much civilian sheet-metal, distinguished by a brush-guard in front of the grille — the WC-series came with wide-open, almost flat fenders that prevented mud build-up, clogging rotation of the wheels — as well as a redesigned nose with an integrated, round, grated grille / brush-guard. A new ambulance with a fully enclosed, all-steel box rear body was designed, on a longer, 123 inch wheelbase.

The ​¹⁄₂‑ton WC models were the first all-military design Dodge developed in the build-up to full mobilization for World War II,^[10] and they were the U.S. Army's first standard light truck – prior to the jeep – when the U.S. formally declared war in December 1941.^[11]

Both the Dodge half-ton VC and WC trucks were part of the Army G-505 series. Some 77,750 of the ​¹⁄₂‑ton WC named trucks were produced during late 1940 to 1942 under War Department contracts.^{[1][2][nb 2]}

Half-ton rated WC series models were numbered, roughly chronologically, in the WC-1 to WC-50 range, but skipping numbers WC-2, WC-28 to WC-35, and WC-44 to WC-46. Aside from the fully military 4WD models, a small total of 1,542 two-wheel drive units retaining civilian sheet-metal were also supplied to the U.S. military, bearing WC model numbers in this range. These models (WC-36 through WC-39, and WC-47 through WC-50 — mostly carry-alls and pick-ups) carried the SNL-code G-613.

1942–1945 — ​³⁄₄-ton and ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton WC series

In 1940 the Army revised its range of standard, payload-based, general-purpose truck classes: a ​¹⁄₄-ton chassis requirement was added; the ​¹⁄₂-ton was to be replaced by a ​³⁄₄-ton, and additional heavy categories were specified. The Quartermaster General wanted to start direct negotiations with Dodge, GM and Mack for certain models immediately, but not until after February 1941 could the Quartermaster Corps choose manufacturers directly, based on their engineering and production capabilities.^[33] One deciding factor had to do with availability of certain critical components, like transfer cases and especially constant-velocity joints, not used much on commercial trucks, but all-wheel drive vehicles all needed these; plus additionally, they would use two or three times the amount of driven axles, meaning more gears to cut for all the differentials. Produced up to the war by a few specialized firms with limited capacity, from spring 1942 Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet joined in fabricating these in mass quantity,^[22] with Dodge's experience in making quality, precision parts dating back from the earliest beginnings of the company.

In late 1941, Dodge introduced a redesigned WC-series 4×4 trucks uprated to ​³⁄₄-ton and their SNL code changed to G-502. The ​³⁄₄-ton featured a lower profile truck bed that could seat eight troops, plus under seat stowage compartments, and maintain 80 percent parts interchangeability with the ​¹⁄₂-ton series.^[11] Throughout the war, Dodge was the U.S. Army's sole producer of ​³⁄₄-ton trucks, and built a total of 255,193 of these across all variants from April 1942 to August 1945.^[5][34][35]
Standard vehicles in the ¾ ton 4×4 class were the WC-51 / WC-52 Weapons Carrier, Telephone Installation Trucks, WC-53 Carryall, and the WC-54 Ambulance. In the cargo trucks, the WC-51 was identical to the WC-52 but the latter had a front bumper-mounted winch.^[36]

The ​³⁄₄-ton 4x4 WC truck was also stretched into a ​1 ¹⁄₂‑ton 6x6 troops and weapons carrier for larger 12-troop squads (the G-507).

Models table – overview

The table includes data on the relation between government and Dodge identification numbers, chassis payload rating, wheels and drive, and types of body fitted, according to the US Army Ordnance SNL supply list.^[29][37] The initial Dodge VC series ​¹⁄₂-ton trucks are seen as part of the SNL G-505 range by the military.

External image

Restored VF truck (archived)

In the case of vehicle identifications separated by a slash, the first number refers to a vehicle without winch, and the second to a vehicle fitted with a winch, typically resulting in a 10 in (25 cm) longer front overhang, and significantly reduced approach angle. Not only were the winches driven by a power take-off from the engine,^[6] but unlike the later Dodge M-series trucks, on which an extension was bolted to the frame when mounting a winch – on the WC-series the winch equipped versions actually had a different frame.^[38][39]

On the ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton rated VF-400 series trucks, the PTO-driven winch had a 10,000 pound capacity, but added almost 1000 pounds to the vehicles weight, reducing the payload to 2400 pounds.^[40]

Numbers separated by a comma indicate similar models but with different secondary details.

	​1⁄2-ton 4 x 4 — G-505				​1⁄2-ton 4 x 2	​3⁄4-ton 4 x 4 — G-502	​1 1⁄2-ton 4 x 4	​1 1⁄2-ton 4 x 2	​1 1⁄2-ton 6 x 6
	T202	T207	T211	T215	G-613 / T112	T214	G-621 / T203	G-618 / T118	G-507 / T223
Pick-up, closed cab, w. troop seats	VC3	WC1	WC12, WC14	WC40	WC38, WC47
Pick-up, closed cab, no rear seats	VC4	WC5					VF401 / VF402, VF404 / VF405
Pick-up, open cab, weapons and troops	VC5	WC3 / WC4	WC13	WC21 / WC22		WC51 / WC52			WC62 / WC63
Carry-all	VC6	WC10	WC17	WC26	WC36, WC48	WC53
Dump truck							VF403, VF406
Command / Reconnaissance	VC1	WC6 / WC7	WC15	WC23 / WC24		WC56 / WC57
Radio truck	VC2	WC8	WC16	WC25		WC58, (WC54)
Panel Van		WC11	WC19	WC42	WC37, WC49
Emergency Repair (mobile workshop)				WC41		WC60
Maintenance				WC43		WC60
Portee gun truck [nb 6]						WC55
Ambulance		WC9	WC18	WC27		WC54, WC64 (KD)	VF407
Telephone installation / maintenance				WC43	WC39, WC50	WC59, WC61
closed cab, bare chassis			WC20	WC41				WF31

Engines and drivetrains

All engines were liquid-cooled, straight-six Chrysler flathead gasoline engines, mated to four-speed manual transmissions and a single-range transfer-case offering part-time four-wheel drive.^[41][42] Only the T203 and the T223 configurations applied in the ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton VF-400 models, and in the G-507 6x6 trucks had a dual-ratio transfer-case.^[40][8]

Tech. code	Since [43]	Block [44]	Bore (mm)	Stroke (mm)	Displacement [45]	Compression	Torque	Power (HP)
T112	1941	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 3⁄8 in (111 mm)	217.7 cu in (3,567 cm3)	6.8:1 [46]	170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [47]	85 @ 3000 rpm [47]
T118	1941	25 inch	3.44 in (87 mm)	4 1⁄4 in (108 mm)	236.6 cu in (3,877 cm3)		190 lb⋅ft (258 N⋅m) @ 1500–2200 rpm	104 @ 3000 rpm [48]
T202	1940	23 inch	3 1⁄8 in (79 mm)	4 3⁄8 in (111 mm)	201.3 cu in (3,299 cm3)	6.7:1	154 lb⋅ft (209 N⋅m) [49]	79 @ 3000 rpm [41][24]
T203	1940	25 inch	3 3⁄8 in (86 mm)	4 1⁄2 in (114 mm)	241.5 cu in (3,957 cm3)	6.5:1	188 lb⋅ft (255 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm	99 @ 3000 rpm [50]
T207 [nb 7]	1941	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 3⁄8 in (111 mm)	217.7 cu in (3,567 cm3)	6.5:1	170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [52]	85 @ 3000 rpm [52][41]
T211	1941	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 3⁄8 in (111 mm)	217.7 cu in (3,567 cm3)	6.5:1	170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [52]	85 @ 3000 rpm [52]
T211 from August 1941 [10]		23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 5⁄8 in (117 mm)	230.2 cu in (3,772 cm3)	6.7:1		92 [16]
T214	1942	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 5⁄8 in (117 mm)	230.2 cu in (3,772 cm3)	6.7:1	180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [53]	92 gross / 76 net @ 3200 rpm [54][11]
T215	1941	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 5⁄8 in (117 mm)	230.2 cu in (3,772 cm3)	6.7:1	180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [55]	92 @ 3100 rpm [55][41]
T223	1943	23 inch	3 1⁄4 in (83 mm)	4 5⁄8 in (117 mm)	230.2 cu in (3,772 cm3)	6.75:1	180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm [56]	92 gross / 76 net @ 3200 rpm [56]

Descriptions — Half-ton models

VC series

The 1940 Dodge / Fargo VC-1 through VC-6 models formed the first series of the U.S. military's G-505 range of four-wheel drive, half-ton, light military trucks. Created based on Chrysler's civilian one-ton rated range of light trucks and carry-all,^[24] the VC models formed the foundation for the subsequent WC series. All six variants used the same 116 in (295 cm) wheelbase as the commercial trucks, but with the addition of four-wheel drive. Bodywork and sheet metal on the pick-ups and carryall were largely copied from the civilian models — however, for the reconnaissance and radio cars, a dedicated open four seater body was created. Also the same 201.3 cu in (3.3 l) engine block was used, but horsepower was raised from a 70 HP civilian rating in 1939 ^[57][58] to
79 HP at 3000 rpm in the G-505.^[41][24]

Half-ton WC series

From production start in 1941, until replacement by the ​³⁄₄-ton models in 1942, the G-505 half-ton, 4WD, Dodge WC models evolved from the VC series, through no less than three mechanical engineering versions – T-207, T-211, and T-215 – in not much more than a year; while receiving the T-215 specification engine midway production of the T-211 coded versions.

Based on Chrysler Corporation Mopar's 1946 annual model chart and serial number guide, the distribution across the versions was: ^[3]

• 31,935 units of the WC-1 through WC-11 models, with the T-207 engineering code and a 217.7 cu in (3,567 cm³) engine with 85 HP;


• 17,293 units of the WC-12 through WC-20 models, with the T-211 engineering code and initially the same engine, however during August 1941 the T211 engine was increased to 230.2 cu in (3,772 cm³) and 92 HP, but the overall T-code number was not changed on affected models (e.g. WC-18) ^{[10][nb 8]}
  


• 28,537 units of the WC-21 through WC-27 and WC-40 through WC-43 model, with the T-215 engineering code and a 230.2 cu in (3,772 cm³) engine with 92 HP.

T-207 range units initially received only front axles with Bendix-Weiss constant-velocity joints, whereas T-211 and T-215 models were either given front axles made by Bendix or with Rzeppa design CV joints, made by Ford. Additionally, the latter received larger rear brakes, and on the T-215 a military instead of a civilian design dash panel was introduced.^[10]

Among the T-211 range versions, no single WC model number was explicitly used for any winch equipped units.

Common specifications of the 1/2 ton WC trucks were:

• Drive: four-wheel drive — except for WC-36 to WC-39 and WC-47 to WC-50


• Wheelbase: 116 in (295 cm) – both on four-wheel and two-wheel drive models
  
  • except 123 in (312 cm) for ambulances and phone line / emergency repair trucks
  
  


• Track width: 59 ³⁄₈ in (151 cm) front — 61 ³⁄₈ in (156 cm) rear
  
  • except 55 ³⁄₄ in (142 cm) front track on rear-wheel drive models
  
  


• Tires: 7.50x16


• Brakes: Hydraulic


• Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, L-head


• Transmission: 4 forward/1 reverse, manual


• Transfer case: Single speed

WC1, WC5, WC12, WC14, WC40

Closed cab, two seater pickups with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1,000 lb (450 kg). Some portion of these models were manufactured with winch,^[60] at least of the WC-12, the WC-14 (pictured), and the WC-40, reducing the payload to 700 lb (320 kg) — but no distinct model number was assigned for such units. The WC-12's engine displacement was increased to the T-215's volume of 230.2 cu in (3,772 cm³) mid-series, after engine No. 42001.^[60]

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WC3, WC13, WC21

Weapon carriers, two seater pickups with open cab. The open cab pickups could be fitted with an optional M24 machine gun mount, which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, as well as the M1919 Browning machine gun, and the M2 Browning machine gun.

• 
  Length: 181- 1/16 inches


• 
  Height: with top 88-1/8 inches


• 
  Weight: 4440 net


• 
  Width: 75-13/16 inches


• 
  Height:


• 
  Payload: 1300 LB

WC4, WC22

Open cab weapons carrier, with Braden MU winch, and transverse seats, designed to tow the M3 anti-tank cannon as well as carry the gun crew and ammunition. This type was usually issued to early tank destroyer units. 5570 built.

• 
  Length: 191- 5/16 inches


• 
  Height: with top 88-1/8 inches


• 
  Weight: 4775 net


• 
  Width: 75-13/16 inches


• 
  Height:


• 
  Payload: 1000 LB

WC6, WC15, WC23

Command / reconnaissance cars.

WC7, WC24

Command / reconnaissance car with winch.

WC8, WC16, WC25

Radio car / Command reconnaissance car with radio, 12 volt.

WC9, WC18, WC27

Entering production during 1941 to early 1942,^[61] they were specifically designed to serve as military ambulances. These early variants are distinguishable from the later ones by having a curved radiator grille, while the later ones (WC-51 onwards) featured a flat grille. These versions were given a longer 123 in (3,100 mm) wheelbase.

• 
  Length: 195 inches


• 
  Height: 90 inches


• 
  Weight: 5340 net


• 
  Width: 75-13/16 inches


• 
  Height:


• 
  Payload: 1300 LB

WC10, WC17, WC26, WC36, WC48

Carryall trucks with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1,000 lb (450 kg).

WC11, WC19, WC42

Panel van trucks and panel van bodied radio communication cars. Some 450 units of WC-11 and WC-19 were built as regular panel van trucks, however the WC-42 models were furnished and equipped as radio communication cars. The 650 WC-42 radio panel cars outnumbered their bare transportation siblings, and they were also the only radio communication cars that Dodge built in a panel van body style in the entire VC and WC series range.

WC39, WC43, WC50

These models were built as technical service trucks for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, designed to install and repair hard telephone lines. Together with some earlier 1/2-ton GMC/Chevrolet models, and the later 3/4-ton WC-59 and WC-61, they were also known by the Signal Corps as the K-50 trucks.

Of the two-wheel drive WC-39 and WC-50, only a single unit of each were built, but the four-wheel drive WC-43 numbered 370 pieces.

WC41

Fitted with dual rear tires. Mostly employed as the M1 emergency repair trucks, whose purpose was to provide mobile facilities for emergency ordnance repair (G-061 / G-502). Other types of bodies were produced, such as an oil service vehicle. 902 of these chassis were built.

Descriptions — Three-quarter-ton models

In 1942, the Dodge WC range was significantly revised. All four wheeled models were uprated to a nominal three-quarter ton payload rating, and in 1943 a ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton six-wheel drive variant was derived (see appropriate section). All models were widened to a 64 ³⁄₄ in (164 cm) front and rear track, while at the same time the bulk of production (pick-up / weapons carrier and radio / command reconnaissance) models were significantly shortened, from a 116 in (295 cm) to a 98 in (249 cm) wheelbase, giving the vehicles considerably more squat proportions. Ambulances, carry-alls, and telephone installation / emergency repair trucks received a wheelbase reduction of only 2 inches (5 centimetres).

The volume production pick-up / weapons carrier models received a redesigned rear bed, seating troops on top of the rear wheels, instead of between them, further widening these models to 6 ft 11 in / 2.11 meters. A single such unit, though compact, offered practical all-terrain transportation to a full eight man rifle squad and their gear.

WC51

WC-51 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carrier. 123,541 were built. The open cab pickup could be fitted with an optional M24A1 machine gun mount, which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, the M1919 Browning machine gun, or the M2 Browning machine gun.

• 
  Length: 13 ft 11 in / 4.24 m


• 
  Height (with canvas cover): 6 ft 10 in / 2.08 m


• 
  Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1.57 m


• 
  Weight: 5,250 lb / 2 382 kg net


• 
  Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2.11 meters


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg


• 
  Tires 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply

WC52

WC-52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carriers was identical to the WC-51, but fitted with a Braden MU2 7,500 lb / 3 402 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 59,114 built.

• 
  Length: 14 ft 9 in / 4,48 m


• 
  Height (with canvas cover): 6 ft 10 in / 2,08 m


• 
  Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1,57 m


• 
  Weight: 5,550 lb / 2 518 kg net


• 
  Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2,10 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg


• 
  Tires: 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply


• 
  Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, L-head 99 hp (73 kW)

WC53

A carryall, mechanically it was virtually identical to the WC-54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were opening wind-up and the seating consisted of front folding passenger seat to allow rear access, two person second row leaving space to access to the rear full width three person seat. The spare was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened (driver had to enter from passenger side). The rear end had split tailgates.^[62]

WC-53 were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 WC-53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G502) were built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch though there was a field modification available.^[63]

• 
  Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4,73 m


• 
  Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,06 m


• 
  Weight: 5,700 lb / 2 590 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC54

The WC-54 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance, Dodge (G502), was produced as an ambulance, but a few were modified to serve as radio/telephone trucks with the US Signal Corps. A total of 26,002 WC-54 units were built from 1942 through 1944, after which the ambulance was redesigned, and replaced by the WC-64 in 1945.^[64][65]

• 
  Length: 16 ft 3 in / 4,95 m


• 
  Height: 7 ft 6 in / 2,30 m


• 
  Weight: 5,920 lb / 2 685 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 6 in / 1,98 m


• 
  Payload: 1,800 lb / 816 kg

WC55

The M6 37 mm Gun Motor Carriage (3/4-ton, 4x4) (or GMC), also known as M6 Fargo, and by Dodge as the WC-55 Truck, was a modified G-502 Dodge WC-52, designed and built to carry an M3A1 37mm antitank gun and shield, mounted on its cargo bed. The WC-55 with gun combination was designated M6 Fargo Gun Motor Carriage with 37mm Anti-tank Gun, with supply catalog Standard Nomenclature List number (G-121). A total of 5,380 were built by Fargo in 1942,^[66] but most were later dismantled / downgraded and returned to service as WC-52 cargo trucks.

• 
  Length: 13 ft 11 in / 4,25 m


• 
  Height: 8 ft 2 in / 2,49 m to top of gun shield


• 
  Weight: 5,600 lb / 2 540 kg


• 
  Width: 7 ft 2 in / 2,18 m


• 
  Payload: 80 rounds 37mm

WC56

The WC-56 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) was a command and reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large Willys Jeep. It did not prove popular as it was heavier and not as maneuverable as the Jeep, and its distinctive profile made it a target. The soft-top included side-curtains, for better weather shielding. 21,156 built.^[67][65]

• 
  Length: 13 ft 10 in / 4,22 m


• 
  Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,07 m


• 
  Weight: 5,335 lb / 2 420 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC57

The WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) was identical to the WC-56 but fitted with a Braden MU2 5,000 lb / 2268 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 6,010 built.^[67][65]

• 
  Length: 14 ft 8 in / 4,46 m


• 
  Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,07 m


• 
  Weight: 5,644 lb / 2 560 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC58

The WC-58 Truck, Radio, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch, Dodge (G502) was identical to the WC-56 Command / Reconnaissance Car, but fitted with a Signal Corps Radio set in front of the rear seat, and a 12-volt electrical system.^[68][69] Some WC-58 models may have been built, based on the WC-57 with winch, as well.^[11][70] A total of 2,344 radio equipped units were built,^[69] but it is unclear whether these were included as part of the WC-56 / WC-57 production, or constituted an additional 2,344 WC-58 radio car units.

• 
  Length: 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m) / 14 ft 7 in (4.46 m) with winch


• 
  Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2.07 m


• 
  Weight: 5,335 lb / 2 420 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2.00 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC59

The WC-59 Truck, Telephone Maintenance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Based on the same chassis as the WC-54, but with a wheelbase increased by 50 cm. The spare wheel was carried behind the seats, with a step ladder fitted to where the spare wheel would have been. 549 were built. The bed was known by the Signal Corps as the K-50 truck, and was fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.

• 
  Length: 16 ft 0 in / 4,88 m


• 
  Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,06 m


• 
  Weight: 5,357 lb / 2 430 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 6 in / 1,98 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC60

The WC-60 chassis, fitted with a bed similar to the WC-61 by American Coach and Body Co. (Cleveland, Ohio), formed the "M2 Emergency Repair truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge" (G-61 / G-502), a mobile workshop designed for field maintenance. Its open-topped service-type bed featured numerous tool trunks and stowage bins, accessible from the outside. 296 built.

• 
  Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4.73 m


• 
  Height: 7 ft 5 in / 2.26 m


• 
  Weight: 5,952 lb / 2 700 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 10 in / 2.08 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC61

The WC-61 Light Maintenance Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Replacement for the WC-59, the WC-61 had the step ladder fitted to the roof, the spare wheel was fitted behind the seats, and the tool trunks were accessible from the outside. 58 built. The US Signal Corps referred to these as the K-50B truck.

• 
  Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4,73 m


• 
  Height (without ladder): 7 ft 5 in / 2,26 m


• 
  Weight: 5,952 lb / 2 700 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 10 in / 2,08 m


• 
  Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg

WC64

The WC-64 KD Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G502) was an ambulance based on the same chassis as the WC-54 but with a knock-down body designed to increase the number of vehicles that could be shipped at the same time. The rear boxes were supplied in two major parts: lower and upper. The lower part of the box was attached to the chassis at the factory, while the upper box was crated for installation in the field.^[71] 3,500 were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war.^[72]

One-and-a-half-ton models

WC62

The G507 Cargo and Personnel Carrier, ​1 ¹⁄₂-ton, 6x6 Truck, Dodge (WC-62 w/o Winch) was based on a lengthened WC-51 Weapons Carrier with an extra axle added. When the army enlarged rifle squads from eight to twelve men, the ​³⁄₄-ton no longer sufficed, and a 48-inch longer 6x6 variant was created that used most of the mechanical parts and some of the sheet metal of the G-502. The G507 trucks could be driven by all six wheels (6x6) or by the four rear wheels only (6x4).^[73] A number of components were strengthened in this design, and many of these changes were also incorporated in subsequent ​³⁄₄-ton production. Production amounted to 43,224 units total,^[5] — 23,092 WC-62 units without winch, and 20,132 WC-63 variants with winch.^[65][4] One prototype was produced as an armored car.^[74]

• 
  Length: 17 ft 11 in / 5.47 m


• 
  Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in / 2.21 m


• 
  Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1.57 m


• 
  Weight: 6,925 lb / 3 141 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2.11 m


• 
  Payload: 3,300 lb / 1500 kg

WC63

The WC-63 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2 ton, 6x6 with Winch Dodge (G507) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened WC-51 with an extra axle added. Identical to the WC-62 but fitted with a PTO powered Braden MU2 winch, initially of 5,000 pound, later 7,500 pound capacity.

• 
  Length: 18 ft 9 in / 5,72 m


• 
  Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in / 2,21 m


• 
  Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1,57 m


• 
  Weight: 7,175 lb / 3 250 kg


• 
  Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2,10 m


• 
  Payload: 3,300 lb / 1500 kg

Former operators

Gallery

• 
  

  

  
  

  
  

  General George Patton and French Gen. Auguste Nogues reviewing American and French troops in a WC-56 during combined parade in Morocco
  

  
  

  
  


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  WC-62 armored car prototype
  

  
  

  
  


• 
  

  

  
  

  
  

  WC-55 in a posed picture; note the left front tire is mounted with the directional tread pattern facing the wrong direction
  

  
  

  
  


• 
  

  

  
  

  
  

  WC-54 in period Greek Airforce colors
  

  
  

  
  


• 
  

  

  
  

  
  

  French Army draisine, converted WC-51
  

  
  

  
  


• 
  

  

  
  

  
  

  WC-51 'Beeps' served in the Polish and Hungarian armies in the '40s and '50s.^[77] Photo Hungarian.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Diorama of George C. Marshall at Liberty Park, Overloon, Netherlands
  

  
  

  
  


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  Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Dodge jeep in the taking of the Sinai peninsula (1956)
  

  
  

  
  

See also

• Canadian Military Pattern truck


• List of Dodge automobiles


• Standard nomenclature vehicle G-numbers — G-061, G-121, G-502, G-505, G-507, G-613, G-618, G-621


• 
  Humvee – another U.S. light military wheeled vehicle platform, with many variants built using the same mechanicals


• 
  World War II jeep — the other of the two American light wheeled vehicles, mass-produced for World War II

Notes

References

Some parts of this article are translated from French and Portuguese Wikipedia, tables are adapted and corrected from Italian Wikipedia.

General references

• 
  Chief of Ordnance Office; Military Vehicle Preservation Association, eds. (2010). Summary Report of Acceptances, Tank-Automotive Materiel, 1940-1945 (Revision). Detroit: U.S. Army Service Forces, Office: Chief of Ordnance-Detroit, Production Division, Requirements and Progress Branch (published December 1945).
  


• 
  Crismon, Fred W. (2001). US Military Wheeled Vehicles (3 ed.). Victory WWII Pub. pp. 96, 98, 240–241. ISBN 0-970056-71-0.
  


• 
  Doyle, David (2003). Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 45–49, 55–62, 100–101. ISBN 0-87349-508-X.
  


• 
  Doyle, David (2011). Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles - 2nd Edition. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 9781440225727.
  


• Richards, T. and Clarke, R.M. Dodge WW2 military portfolio 1940-45. Brookland Books LTD (Surrey, UK)
  ISBN 1-85520-533-5
  


• 
  Ware, Pat (2010). The World Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles. Lorenz Books. pp. 232–233. ISBN 0-7548-2052-1.
  


• 
  SNL G-657 – Master Parts List, Dodge Trucks. Standard Nomenclature Supply Catalog. Ordnance Department, United States Army Service Forces. 1 December 1943.
  Ten page sample here (pdf)


• 
  TM 9-808 – ​³⁄₄-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge), Technical Manual (PDF). Technical Manual. U.S. War Department. 31 January 1944.
  


• 
  TM 9-810 – ​1 ¹⁄₂-Ton 6x6 Truck (Dodge T-223, models WC-62 and WC-63) (PDF). Technical Manual. U.S. War Department. 28 February 1945.
  


• 
  TM 9-2800 – Standard Military Motor Vehicles (PDF). Technical Manual. Washington: U.S. War Department. 1 September 1943.
  


• 
  TM 9-2800 – MILITARY VEHICLES (PDF). Technical Manual. Washington: Department of the Army. 27 October 1947.
  

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dodge WC series.

Dodge company promo film of their WW II trucks, mostly WC models (YouTube)

• 
  Dodge WC, Primal4x4 Dodge WWII 4x4 – includes the retired "WW2 Dodge Motor Pool" site


• Gordon's WW2 Army Trucks


• A WC-52 Restoration Project


• command-car.com - Dedicated to Dodge Command Car of WW2


• WC-4 towing M-3 37mm antitank cannon


• 
  The Jeep Gets a Big Brother, November 1942, Popular Science early article introducing the American war public to the WC-series