Dodge WC series#Half-ton WC series

The name of this article would at first suggest a focus on models that are indeed called Dodge WC-numbers, either 4x4 or 6x6. However, the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps' central Standard Nomenclature List (SNL) Supply Catalog, covering the WC series, conveys both by its title, "SNL G-657 – Master Parts List, Dodge Trucks", as well as by [http://expode.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SNL-G-657-Part-01-Cover-and-Indexes-Part-1-2.pdf the explicit types list on its second page], that (because of the large amount of shared parts and components), the family of vehicles must at least be considered to include the:

• 1940 half-ton (T-202) VC series and {{frac|1|1|2}}-ton (T-203) VF models
• 1941 half-ton (T-207, T-211, and T-215) WC series
• 1942 (T-214) three-quarter ton and 1943 (T-223) {{frac|1|1|2}}-ton WC series, but also
• 1941 two-wheel drive (T-112) half-tons and (T-118) {{frac|1|1|2}}-ton WC series.

Additionally, close variants of the T-207 WC-1, and of the T-214 WC-51/WC-52, were derived and made in Canada, as the T{{nbh}}212 'D8A' and the T{{nbh}}236 '3/4 Ton APT' (for 'Air PorTable') respectively; and further production of T-203 variants became indicated as both the T-203B, and as the WF series.

By contrast, Chrysler / Dodge Canada built another 165,000 mostly three-ton trucks, a hasty addition to the production of Canadian Military Pattern trucks, that were more closely derived from the commercial Dodge T-, V-, and W-Series trucks, and the same is true for the 15,000 'parts bin special' (T-234) "Burma Road" trucks, ordered by Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek, at the time an ally against Japan.

Dodge had been the United States military's primary supplier of light wheeled vehicles, since before the U.S. joined the First World War. After starting business in 1900, producing precision engine and chassis components for other car builders in Detroit — Ford and Oldsmobile chief among these — Dodge introduced their first 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,{{cite book|title=The Mexican Revolution 1910–20 |first1=Philip |last1=Jowett |first2=Alejandro |last2=de Quesada |date=28 February 2006 |publisher=Osprey |page=25 |isbn=978-1-84176-989-9}} as well as in World War I, when some 12,800 Dodge cars and light trucks were used, primarily as ambulances and repair trucks., but also as staff and reconnaissance vehicles. All the while, Dodge maintained its reputation for high quality truck, transmission, and motor parts they kept making for other successful manufacturers.

Dodge civilian, commercial trucks were at first largely based on their passenger cars, offering light- and medium-duty trucks, like pick{{nbh}}ups, station hacks, panel vans, and carry-alls. Dodge's passenger-car chassis were sturdy enough for such trucks, from their 1914 introduction. But Dodge expanded into medium-heavy duty trucks during the later 1930s and the 1940s. Crucial developments for Dodge were the switch to specific truck-frames and bodies in 1935, for a new, 1936 model-year truck generation. The dedicated truck frames were heavier and stronger than the lighter passenger-car chassis. In 1938, Dodge opened a very large new factory, dedicated to truck manufacturing,{{Cite news |title=History of Fiat Chrysler's Warren Truck Assembly Plant |url=https://eu.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2018/01/11/history-warren-truck-assembly-plant/1026622001/ |last=Archie |first=William |date=2018-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802203907/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2018/01/11/history-warren-truck-assembly-plant/1026622001/ |archive-date=2023-08-02 |access-date=2023-08-02 |url-status=live |work=Detroit Free Press |publisher=Gannett}} and later that same year, Dodge introduced a drastically redesigned new truck line-up again: the 1939 T-series 'Job-rated' trucks.

File:Dodge K39x4USA Olive-Drab.id 1934112t full.jpg

File:1939 Dodge TE32 table top (6333330869).jpg

Dodge developed their first four-wheel drive truck in 1934, requested by the U.S. Army — an experimental 1{{1/2}} ton rated model, designated K-39-X-4(USA),With 'X' indicating their experimental status, as well as "X-4" denoting the addition of four-wheel drive as their experimental feature, and '(USA)' for a government/military contract of which 796 units were ordered, in multiple configurations.{{cite web |url=http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1612-1943-dodge-wc-51-weapons-carrier-power-and-glory-backward-glances/ |title=1943 Dodge {{nobr|WC-51}} Weapons Carrier, Power & Glory: Backward Glances |last=Allen |first=Jim |date=7 December 2016 |website=FourWheeler.com |publisher=Extreme Ventures, LLC |access-date=2018-02-24 |author-link=Jim Allen (4x4 writer)}}{{cite web |url=http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide/slide024.html |title=Serial Number Guide – Dodge Trucks Built for the U.S. Government |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718092843/http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide/slide024.html |archive-date=2016-07-18 |url-status=live |website=T137.com |access-date=2018-02-15 |quote=scanned images of parts books pages showing serial numbers, engine numbers, and other information from factory MoPar parts books covering Dodge and Fargo trucks manufactured from 1939–1977 |ref=T137serials}} 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,{{cite book |last=Allen |first=Jim |year=2009 |title=Four-Wheeler's Bible |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tyje5iXkGmUC&pg=PA21 |publisher=MotorBooks International |page=21 |isbn=9781616730888 |author-link=Jim Allen (4x4 writer)}} that allowed the driver to engage or disengage four-wheel drive using a lever inside the cabin.{{cite book |last=DeLorenzo |first=Matt |date=15 February 2014 |title=Dodge 100 Years |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zm91AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA55 |publisher=MotorBooks International |page=55 |isbn=9781627880848 }}[https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1946-1968-dodge-power-wagon.htm 1946-1948 Dodge Power Wagon – HowStuffWorks] In spite of the limited 1930s U.S. military budgets, the 1934 trucks served well enough that, after a couple of years, Dodge received further Army contracts for 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton, 4-wheel drive trucks, and these were further developed from the late thirties. Dodge built the U.S. Army further batches of 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton 4x4 trucks in 1938, 1939 and 1940.{{cite web |url=http://oneclassics.blogspot.nl/2012/09/1940-1980-power-wagon-pickups.html |title=1940–1980: Power Wagon Pickups |last=Bunn |first=Don |date=26 September 2012 |website=One Classics |access-date=2018-05-22}}

In 1938, a batch of 1,700 experimental RF-40-X-4(USA) trucks were procured, and a further 292 experimental units, typed TF-40-X-4(USA) in 1939 – the first to be built, based on Dodge's new for 1939 T-, V-, and W-Series trucks. All of the 1{{1/2}}-ton Army 4x4s, including the 800 trucks of 1934, rode on a {{convert|143|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase, and the 1938 RF-40 and 1939 TF-40 four-wheel drives were the first for which Dodge moved to separate engineering codes, in the T-200 range (T-200 and T-201 respectively).

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,{{cite book |last=Doyle |first=David |year=2019 |title=Chevrolet {{nobr|G-506}} – 1 1/2-ton 4x4 Development, Production and Variants in WW2 |url=https://cdn3.volusion.com/hrqpw.cruld/v/vspfiles/photos/620-1000-5.jpg |archive-date=2019-04-08 |url-status=dead |publisher=Portrayal Press |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408104402/https://cdn3.volusion.com/hrqpw.cruld/v/vspfiles/photos/620-1000-5.jpg |location=Branchville, New Jersey |isbn=9780938242062}} 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 — abandoning the use of passenger car frames, instead for the first time built on distinct, modern truck-style chassis, with the frame-rails welded to the cross-members on their half-ton to one-ton rated trucks. Additionally, Dodge had built their all new, very large Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan, specifically for mass-production of light and medium trucks, opened in 1938.

Then, for the 1939 model year, Dodge again presented a completely redesigned line of pickups and trucks – the art-deco styled, Dodge T-, V-, and W-Series "Job-Rated" trucks, available in an unprecedented number of sizes, payload rates and configurations, aiming the trucks to fit every different job.{{cite web |url=https://www.allpar.com/model/ram/ram-history.html |title=History of the Dodge Pickup Trucks, 1921–1953 |author= |website=Allpar |access-date=2018-02-15}}{{cite AV media |people=unnamed |year=1947 |title=1947 Job Rated Dodge Trucks – From the Factory to YOU ! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X4rhNht0T4&t=245s |access-date=31 July 2023 |format=27 min advertising film |time=4:05 |time-caption=At |location=U.S. |publisher=Chrysler Motor Co. |id= |website=SomethingWeird.com Video Lifestyle USA |quote="..look at it this way – suppose you were buying a pair of shoes .." |ref=47JRDodgeAd}}

File:1940 Fargo truck (5634135852).jpg

File:Dodge D 15.jpg, shared much with the 1940 {{nobr|VC-series}}.]]

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 erupted, the Army had settled on five payload-based general-purpose, cross-country truck classes: {{nobr|{{1/2}}-ton}}, {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}}, {{frac|2|1|2}}-, 4- and {{nobr|{{frac|7|1|2}}-ton}}.{{sfnp|ref=HydeArsfn|Hyde|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=P-PCAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148 page 147–148]}} Introduction of a {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton standard 4WD class meant a significant doctrine shift, away from the conventional belief that all the extra weight, costs and mechanical complexity of adding 4-wheel-drive wouldn't be worth it on any general purpose military vehicle with an off-highway payload capacity, below the (up to that point) standard 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton Army cargo unit. Mirroring the civilian market, where the use of all-wheel drive was practically non-existent in anything below {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} payload vehicles. Light-duty off-roaders were a very small niche-market, only filled by after-market conversions, primarily by Marmon-Herrington.[https://octanepress.com/content/scout-lost-chapter-part-8-ihc-war Scout Lost Chapter Part 8: IHC At War, 9 May 2016] by Jim Allen (4x4 writer) in Octane PRESS

By June 1940 the Q.C. had tested and approved its first three standard commercial based, all-wheel drive trucks: the {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} 4x4 Dodge, the GMC CCKW 2½-ton 6x6 truck and a Mack NM 6-ton 6x6 truck.{{sfnp|ref=ODprocure|Thomson & Mayo|2003|loc=[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112055126327;view=1up;seq=295;size=125 page 271]}} With regards to Dodge however, the U.S. military reconsidered its preferences for the build-up for the war almost immediately after this.

Although in 1936, a Marmon-Herrington converted half-ton Ford had become the Army's first light 4-wheel drive,[http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/Real-Jeep.htm Will The Real Jeep Please Stand Up – Offroaders.com] and the Army had initially standardized Dodge's 4x4 trucks in the {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} class — following Dodge's push for building {{1/2}}{{nbh}}tons, after mid 1940 the Army decided they preferred Dodge to build the light-duty four-wheel drives, contracting for a series of half-ton trucks, while GM / Chevrolet was instead going to become the standard supplier for {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} trucks. Dodge successfully outbid GMC's 1939 ACK-101 half-ton truck,{{Cite web |author=James ('Jim') Oaks |display-authors=etal |website=The Ranger Station |url=https://www.therangerstation.com/resources/history_of_4x4.shtml |title=The History Of The American 4x4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206101931/https://www.therangerstation.com/resources/history_of_4x4.shtml |archive-date=2022-12-06 |access-date=2 August 2023 |url-status=live }} as well as Marmon-Herrington, who could not retrofit in the required volume or price, not to mention International's M-1-4 half-ton truck, which wasn't built until 1941, for the U.S. Marine Corps.[http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/internationalharvester.htm International Harvester in World War II | US Auto Industry in WW II] So, when in the summer of 1940 the largest government truck contract awarded went to Chrysler's Dodge / Fargo Division, for more than 14,000 (mostly) 4x4 trucks,{{sfnp|ref=ODprocure|Thomson & Mayo|2003|loc=[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112055126327;view=1up;seq=298;size=125 page 274]}} this was in the midst of the transition, and thus included both orders for {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton and 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton trucks, as GM / Chevy still needed to tool up for mass-producing 4WD 1{{1/2}}-tonners.

Dodge had started developing designs for a 4x4 half-ton in 1939, and began production in earnest in 1940 — both 4x4 half-tons, as well as 1{{1/2}}-ton 4x4 and 4x2 trucks. On all 1940 trucks, front sheetmetal was mostly identical to the commercial VC and VF models of that year, 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 custom bodies on the {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton command cars, the trucks followed 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."

File:Dodge T-202 VC-5 Open Cab body (USM-BT-9) from SNL G-657.jpgs attempted to keep occupants on board, prior to the introduction of seat belts.]]

The first of the {{1/2}}-ton, 4x4, VC series military trucks were based on Dodge's 1939 commercial, one-ton rated model TC-series. The military VC models kept the same wheelbase and got the same civilian engine upgrade for 1940, but gained four-wheel drive, and a new internal technical code: T-202. Manufacturing of the half-ton Dodge VC-models (SNL number {{nobr|G-505}}) began in 1940, making these the U.S. Army's first ever light-duty, mass-produced 4-wheel drive trucks. The soldiers also called the light command reconnaissance vehicles "jeeps," but this was also common with several other vehicles at the time.{{cite web |url=http://www.dog-walker.us/4x4/4x4-204.htm |title=Pages of Interest to 4x4ers: 4x4 History – Where It All Began |publisher=Dog-walker.us |access-date=2013-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211151427/http://www.dog-walker.us/4x4/4x4-204.htm |archive-date=11 February 2014 |df=dmy-all}} — before that term migrated to the quarter-tons, starting gradually in 1941.{{cite book |last=Zaloga |first=Steven J. |author-link=Steven Zaloga |year=2011 |title=Jeeps 1941–45 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H6iHCwAAQBAJ&q=jeep+new-recruit&pg=PT17 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9781780961477 |access-date=27 January 2018}}{{cite book |last1=Morr |first1=Tom |first2=Ken |last2=Brubaker |title=Jeep Off-Road |year=2007 |publisher=MotorBooks International |isbn=9781610590563 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QKrYGfVMUdMC&pg=PA11 |page=11 |access-date=27 January 2018}}

A total of 4,640 VC models were built across six variants – mostly pick-ups and reconnaissance cars. On the one hand, these {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton VC trucks proved so successful, that much greater quantities were immediately ordered, and they were further developed into the {{nobr|G-505}}, {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton WC models built in 1941. On the other hand, an even lighter and smaller 4x4 truck was needed: a quarter-ton, that would soon replace the Dodges as the U.S.' lightest 4x4 military trucks. Although no longer standard, the VC trucks remained in use until the end of the war.{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_dodge_g505_vc.php |title=Truck, 1/2 ton, 4x4, Dodge VC (G505) – Olive Drab |access-date=6 May 2018 |archive-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024513/http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_dodge_g505_vc.php }} The Dodge VC models were built a year ahead, and in a slightly greater number than any of the pre-standard quarter-ton jeeps that followed.

File:Dodge T-203 VF-407 Ambulance body (USM-BT-18) from SNL G-657.jpg

In 1940, Dodge also built 6,472 four-wheel drive 1{{1/2}}-ton trucks, under two U.S. contracts – one awarded to Dodge, and one to Fargo.{{sfnp |ref=SRATAM4045 |Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel |1945 |pages=66–69}}{{refn |group=nb|Chrysler Corp. Mopar's 1946 annual model chart and serial number guide indicates 6,472 serial numbers across the VF-400 models, exactly matching Dodge's contract W-398-QM-7471 for 3,936 units, and Fargo's contract W-398-QM-7813 for 2,534 units, plus one pilot truck each. The 1946 Summary Report of Acceptances – Tank-Automotive Materiel lists another 292 cargo trucks in addition to these same numbers – but under earlier contracts, matching the 292 {{nobr|TF-40(-X)}} / T{{nbh}}201 pre-standard units from 1939.{{sfnp |ref=SRATAM4045 |Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel |1945 |pages=66–69}} }} The models VF-401 to VF-407 (or engine/tech type T-203 by Dodge – and G-621 by the Army), were a continuation of their experimental pre-war predecessors, the RF-40(-X) and TF-40(-X) (or T-200 / T-201), still riding on a chassis of the same {{convert|143|in|m|2|abbr=on}} wheelbase. Production consisted of just over 6,000 closed cab, open bed cargo trucks, plus just under 400 dump-trucks.

Like on the {{1/2}}-ton VC-series, the 1940 VF-400 1{{1/2}}-ton models simply used civilian front sheet-metal, based on the 1939 commercial model {{nobr|TE-30 cab}}, with a brush-guard fitted in front of the grille and headlights — but with a Dodge developed front driving axle, directional, cross-country tires, and a military cargo body.[https://web.archive.org/web/20190824125442/http://photos.imageevent.com/dad2nick/1940dodgevf404/13094157_881058075355645_6435693933442836516_n.jpg 1940 Dodge VF-401 Cargo Trucks (archived)] Importantly, one thousand of the VF-400 series cargo trucks were equipped with a power take-off, gear-driven Braden model MU {{convert|10,000|lb|kg|-2|abbr=on}} capacity winch — a feature that was carried over on many of the subsequent {{nobr|{{1/2}}-ton}} and {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} WC series models, directly from 1941. And although the light-duty WC models that followed, did not receive the VF-400's two-speed transfer cases, these did return on the {{nobr|1{{1/2}}-ton}} 6x6 trucks, the {{nobr|WC-62}} and {{nobr|WC-63}}. An ambulance model, {{nobr|VF-407}}, was also designed, but only three units were built, likely experimental.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=XX–XXII}}[http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/Chrysler/dodge-trucks.htm Dodge Trucks – US auto industry in WW II]

File:Dodge halve ton WC4 Weapons Carrier, W-28572.JPG

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 category 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.

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 {{convert|135|in|m|2|abbr=on}} wheelbase — and the 1942 model WF-32, closed cab, stake and platform cargo truck, on a {{convert|160|in|m|2|abbr=on}} wheelbase.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=XX–XXII}} After a modest production of 516 units of the WF-31, at least 9,500 Dodge WF-32 trucks were built, mostly for lend-lease to Russia.[https://www.retrotruck.ru/museum/legend-lend-lease/Dodge-WF32/ Dodge WF32 – Lend-Lease Legends (in Russian) ][https://web.archive.org/web/20180827151349/http://www.1jma.dk/articles/1jmaarticlelendlease.htm Lend Lease trucks in Russia (archived)][http://www.o5m6.de/redarmy/dodge_wf32.php Dodge WF-32 – Engines of the Red Army in WW2]

{{External media |float=left |width=650px |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa4dOg0Q7ow&t=135s "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 02:30) — 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). |topic=Dodge trucks in 1940 U.S. war promotion film}}

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File:All 3 WW II 'Jeeps' – ¼-ton Willys MA, ½-ton and ¾-ton Dodge WC series (1941) (cropped).jpg

The 1940 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 design was laid out. Dodge evolved the 1940 VC{{nbh}}1 to VC{{nbh}}6 into the equally half-ton rated WC series of military light trucks, produced in 38 model variants, of which 30 were four-wheel driven, in varying amounts — thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made. Where the military VC{{nbh}}series still used much civilian sheet-metal, distinguished by a brush-guard in front of the grille — the WC{{nbh}}series came with wide-open, almost flat fenders that prevented mud build-up, clogging rotation of the wheels — as well as a redesigned, sloping 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; and PTO-driven winches were now fitted to some models.

The {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton WC models were the first all-military design Dodge developed in the build-up to full mobilization for World War{{nbsp}}II, and they were the U.S. Army's first standard light 4x4 trucks — prior to the quarter-tons — when the U.S. formally declared war in December 1941. Soldiers would sometimes call the new vehicles 'jeeps', as was still common practice before the term migrated to the yet to be introduced Willys and Ford {{1/4}}-tons, and eventually stuck to those.

Both the Dodge half-ton VC and WC trucks were part of the Army {{nobr|G-505}} series. Some 77,750 four-wheel drive {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton WC numbered trucks were produced from late 1940 to early 1942, under War Department contracts.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=XX–XXII}}{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|pages=55–58}} Additionally, 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 same range. These models carried the SNL-code G-613, and brought the total number of half-ton WC{{nbh}}series up to some 79,300 units, and the grand total of all half-tonners (VC and WC; 4WD and 2WD) to almost 84,000.

From August 1941, the Dodge T-211 models received the uprated 92 hp (gross) engine, that was from then on fitted to all WC trucks produced through August 1945: the T-215 half-tons, all of the G-502, {{3/4}}-ton models, as well as the G-507, T-223, 6x6 trucks.

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=260 |image1=IMFT 6 2015 464.jpeg |caption1=The {{3/4}}-ton and 1{{1/2}}-ton T-214 redesign gave the Dodge WC series a distinctly different look and proportions. |image2=IMFT 6 2015 659 (cropped).jpeg }}

In 1940 the Army revised its range of standard, payload-based, general-purpose truck classes: a {{nobr|{{frac|1|4}}-ton}} "small truck" requirement was added, (these became famous as the WW II 'jeeps', after many other nicknames); and after buying over 80,000 {{nobr|{{1/2}}-ton}} trucks from Dodge, the U.S. Army instead wanted {{nobr|{{3/4}}-ton}} rigs – and some more heavy categories were specified.{{sfnp|ref=HydeArsfn|Hyde|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=P-PCAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148 page 147–148]}}

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.{{sfnp|ref=HydeArsfn|Hyde|2013|loc=[https://books.google.com/books?id=P-PCAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148 page 147–148]}} One deciding factor had to do with availability of certain critical components, like transfer cases and especially constant-velocity joints, not often used on commercial trucks until then, but all-wheel drive vehicles all needed these, to drive their front wheels smoothly. Additionally, all-wheel drive trucks needed two or three times the amount of driven axles, meaning more gears to cut for all the differentials. Produced until the war by a just a few specialized firms with limited capacity – from spring 1942, Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet joined in fabricating these in mass quantity,{{sfnp|ref=ODprocure|Thomson & Mayo|2003|loc=[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112055126327;view=1up;seq=298;size=125 page 274]}} and Dodge were experienced in making quality, precision parts, since the earliest beginnings of the company.

While the Army bought many half-ton WC series trucks, Dodge had to replace them with new {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton trucks. In late 1941, Dodge introduced a redesigned WC{{nbh}}series of 4x4 trucks, uprated to {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton off-road capacity, and their SNL code changed to {{nobr|G-502}}. The {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton featured a lower profile truck bed that could seat eight troops, plus under seat stowage compartments; while service-parts remained 80 percent interchangeable with the existing {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton series. Maintaining 80% service parts interchangeability with the {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton models was of great value to both the field mechanics, and spare parts supply chain logistics. It also meant that production of the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton models could start very quickly, and they could be quickly deployed. The {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton, {{nobr|G-505}} WC{{nbh}}trucks remained in various uses to the end of World War II – from 1943 as "limited standard" vehicles.

Throughout the war, Dodge was the U.S. Army's sole producer of {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton trucks, and built a total of 255,193 of these, across all variants, from April 1942 to August 1945.{{cite book |last=Hyde |first=Charles K. |year=2013 |title=Arsenal of Democracy: The American Automobile Industry in World {{nobr|War II}} |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P-PCAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA152 |publisher=Wayne State University Press |pages=152–153 |isbn=9780814339527 |ref=HydeArsfn }}{{Cite sign |title=Chrysler's contribution to the war effort during WWII |year=2010 |type=Museum wall plaque |publisher=Walter P. Chrysler Museum |location=Auburn Hills, Michigan |author=David D. Jackson |url=http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/Chrysler/dodge-trucks.htm |access-date=2018-05-16}}{{sfnp|ref=T137serials|Serial Number Guide – Dodge Trucks Built for the U.S. Government|1946|loc=[http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide/slide025.html Page 25]}}

Standard vehicles in the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton 4x4 class were the {{nobr|WC-51}} / {{nobr|WC-52}} Weapons Carrier, {{nobr|WC-56}} {{nobr|/-57}} {{nobr|/-58}} (Radio) Command Reconnaissance, {{nobr|WC-53}} Carry{{nbh}}all, and the {{nobr|WC-54}} Ambulance. In the mass-produced cargo/troop and command trucks, the {{nobr|WC-52}} and {{nobr|WC-57}} are identical to the {{nobr|WC-51}} and {{nobr|WC-56}}, but have a longer frame, extending further forward to the protruding front bumper with front-mounted winch.{{cite web|url=http://ftp.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_dodge.php |title=Dodge Military Trucks |publisher=Olive-drab.com |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021513/http://ftp.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_dodge.php |archive-date=2018-02-13}}

File:Dodge WC-63.jpg

After the U.S. Army reorganized from using eight-troop rifle squads to twelve-men squads, a whole squad could no longer be carried as a unit in a single {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton, 4x4, {{nobr|WC-51}} or {{nobr|WC-52}} truck. At the direction of Major General Courtney Hodges, Chief of Infantry, these {{nobr|G-502}} troop- and weapons-carriers were therefore stretched in 1943, with an additional driven rear axle, to derive {{convert|48|in|m|2|abbr=on}} longer 6-wheel drive, 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton trucks.{{#tag:ref|Doyle (2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20230801215542im_/https://books.google.com/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT204&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U09u7o6dWTAeEpm8vwdJKlnOVpg7Q&w=1280 pages 204] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230801215541im_/https://books.google.com/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT205&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U1unA38mK3b6jauK6OwKStaoy3rkA&w=1280 and 205], (archived 2023) }}

Using the same engine, gearbox, and cockpit, and sharing much of the other mechanicals, plus near-identical front-half sheet-metal as the {{3/4}}-tons, the new 6x6, {{nobr|G-507}}, 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}tons' main difference was the use of a dual-range transfer-case, sourced out of the prior 1940, 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton VF-400 models, instead of the single-speed box of the{{1/2}}-tons and {{3/4}}-tons.Doyle, David (2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20230801215541im_/https://books.google.com/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT205&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U1unA38mK3b6jauK6OwKStaoy3rkA&w=1280 Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles – 2nd Edition, pg. 205] (archived 2023-08-01) The result were the {{nobr|WC-62}} and {{nobr|WC-63}} cargo, troop and weapons carriers, to move whole 12-troop squad teams per vehicle. Despite having individual drive-shafts from the transfer-case to each rear axle,[https://www.tankograd.com/html/img/pool/6033%20Dodge%2004.jpg Tankograd.com Technical manual series: U.S. Army WW II Dodge WC 6x6 Trucks, p.35] there is no way to disengage one of the rear axles to achieve 6x2 drive. The G-507 runs in either 6x4 or 6x6 configuration.{{Cite news |url=https://www.militarytrader.com/military-vehicles/wc-1962-63-dodge-cargo-truck |title=WC-62/63 Dodge 6x6 Cargo Truck Buyer's Guide |date=2021-04-28 |access-date=2023-07-23 |newspaper=Military Trader/Vehicles |last=Adams |first=John |orig-date=15 July 2010}}

The WC-63 was (just like the WC-52) equipped with a longer frame, housing an engine power take-off drive-shaft from the transfer-case forward, to drive a Braden MU2 winch, mounted on a {{convert|10|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} more protruding front-bumper, reducing the approach angle. The winch capacity was originally rated at {{convert|5000|lb|kg|-1|abbr=on}} pull-strength, but in late 1943 the wire rope size was upgraded from {{convert|3/8|in|mm|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|7/16|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, the capacity rating was raised to {{convert|7500|lb|kg|-1|abbr=on}}, both on {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons and the 6WDs.

The chassis and certain other components were strengthened in the design of the new, longer, double the payload rated models, and many of these changes were incorporated back into subsequent production of the {{3/4}}-ton {{nobr|G-502}} models as well. Although this caused some inconsistency in the mechanical uniformity of the {{3/4}}-tons, it did keep parts the same as much as possible between the {{3/4}}-tons and the new 1{{1/2}}-tons, benefiting both the uniformity and ease of production of all the different models, as well as the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons, making them even more rugged from then on.

Amphibious

File:Fargo-6x6-armored-truck-haugh.jpg

Twelve G-614 half-ton capacity, 4x4, XAC-2 / experimental 'Aqua-Cheetah', amphibious vehicles were built in 1942, by the Amphibian Car Corporation.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=55}} One unit was submitted to Britain for testing, (under Lend-Lease),[http://fr.1001mags.com/images/Couv/V/VehiculesMilitairesMagazine/19/22705-VehiculesMilitairesMagazine-19-Page-032.jpg Vehicules Militaires Magazine n°19, p.32 (2008, in French)] and the remaining eleven were subsequently rebuilt by the same firm, as G-552, XAC-3, amphibious 3/4{{nbh}}ton trucks.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=55}} Both the {{1/2}}{{nbh}}tons and the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons were built based on Dodge WC series mechanicals. The vehicles performed well in testing, but neither Britain nor the U.S. decided to standardize them.

Armored

A single armored car prototype was built, based on the 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton, 6x6, Dodge {{nobr|WC-62}}.

File:Dodge T-203 VF-401-402-404-405 Closed Cab Cargo body (USM-BT-3) from SNL G-657.jpg

{{external media |width= |image1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20180209222821/http://i89.servimg.com/u/f89/11/09/77/84/dsc03512.jpg Restored VF truck (archived)]}}

This table provides the relations between U.S. military and Dodge identification numbers, related to chassis payload classification in U.S. tons (907 kg), wheels and drive, and description of body / vehicle type, in accordance with the U.S. Army Ordnance Standard Nomenclature List (SNL) vehicle catalog.{{cite book|url=http://cgsc.cdmhost.com/utils/getdownloaditem/collection/p4013coll8/id/4291/filename/4301.pdf/mapsto/pdf/type/singleitem|location=Washington|title=Ordnance Publications For Supply Index (OPSI)|date=1 July 1943|publisher=War Department, Ordnance Office|pages=104–108, 123–125}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}T. Richards and R.M. Clarke, op. cit. pages 24–26

The U.S. government used vehicle (group) numbers starting with 'G-', whereas Dodge indicated models sharing the same technical configuration by a common 'T-' number, and their individual model numbers starting with two letters, like 'WC-'. The U.S. Army simply considered the 1941 half-ton Dodge WC series as evolutions of the initial 1940 VC series – all within the half-ton, 4x4, SNL {{nobr|G-505}} truck range.

In the case of two model codes separated by a slash, the first code refers to the vehicle without a winch, and the second code, in bold print, to the same vehicle, on a longer frame, holding a front winch, typically resulting in a {{convert|10|in|cm|abbr=on}} longer front overhang, and distinctly reduced approach angle. Not only were the winches driven by a power take-off from the engine, but unlike the later Dodge M-series trucks, on which an extension was bolted to the frame when mounting a winch — on the WC{{nbh}}series the winch equipped versions were actually built on a different, longer frame.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=296}}Doyle, David (2011). [https://books.google.nl/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&hl=nl&pg=PT114&img=1&zoom=3&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U2X7qCOQbt5PP8HhaX_GCIbuxbxOA&w=1280 Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles – 2nd Edition, page 114]

On the 1{{1/2}}-ton rated VF-400 series trucks, the PTO-driven winch had a 10,000 pound capacity, but added almost 1,000 pounds to the vehicles weight, reducing the payload to 2400 pounds.

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

All engines were liquid-cooled, gasoline, straight-six Chrysler flathead engines. Recommended fuel octane rating for the initial T-207 WC half-tons was just 60–65, going by the dashboard data plate.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160528202937/http://usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/images/Dodge/wc-24-mvpa-ropkey-107w-4.jpg Dodge WC-6 (T-207) dashboard data plate (archived)]

File:Dodge T214 engine R.jpg

The side-valve engines were mated to drive-trains of four-speed manual transmissions and a single-range transfer case, offering part-time four-wheel drive.{{sfnp|Doyle|2011|loc=[https://books.google.nl/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&hl=nl&pg=PT89&img=1&zoom=3&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U3CQlDJrcLq6oyAHBFdTA4fmtVFyg&w=1280 page 89] }}{{sfnp|TM 9-808 – 3⁄4-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge), Technical Manual|1944|p=12|ref=TM9808}} Only the drive-trains in the 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton models, the 1940 T{{nbh}}203, {{nobr|VF-400}} trucks, and the 1943–1945, {{nobr|G-507}}, T{{nbh}}223 six-wheel drives, had a dual-ratio transfer-case.[https://photos.imageevent.com/dad2nick/1940dodgevf404/websize/13094157_881058075355645_6435693933442836516_n.jpg Article page on the 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton 4x4 {{nobr|VF-400}} series]{{sfnp|Doyle|2011|loc=[https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024853/https://books.google.nl/books?id=Ljdma-SYU0gC&pg=PA100 page 100 (archived)] }} The low ratio on the 6x6, T{{nbh}}223 transfer case gave a 1.5 : 1 reduction instead of the direct drive (1 : 1) high gear.U.S. Army Technical Manual TM9-1808B, 1943, page 19

The first batch of 1940, small half-ton (G{{nbh}}505) Dodge VC models, (Dodge code T{{nbh}}202) received a {{cvt|201|cuin|L|1}}, 79 horsepower engine, well above their initial commercial rating of 70 hp on the 1939 TC half-tons. The four-speed gearbox fitted, was a stock option on the civilian Dodges, and so were oil filters, oil-bath air cleaners, and heavy-duty generators.{{cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2012/04/1939-1947-Dodge-Trucks/3710541.html |title=1939-1947 Dodge Trucks – Dodge's Job Rated haulers |last=McNessor |first=Mike |year=2012 |website=Hemmings Motor News |access-date=2018-02-15 }} The 1941 model-year T{{nbh}}207-series trucks were again classed as G-505 half-tons, but these were powered by a {{cvt|218|cuin|L|1}} straight-six of 85 hp, taken from Dodge's {{3/4}}- and one-ton commercial trucks. When the 1941 WC models were updated to T{{nbh}}211 specifications, that initially remained so – but later T{{nbh}}211s, and all of the final G{{nbh}}505 half-ton WC series (the T{{nbh}}215s), got a {{cvt|230|cuin|L|1}} L-head of 92 hp (SAE gross).

From the mid 1941, T{{nbh}}211 half-ton WC models onwards, to 1945, through the production of all 255,200 {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton T{{nbh}}214 models, and the 43,200 {{frac|1|1|2}}{{nbh}}ton, T{{nbh}}223, stretched six-wheel drive trucks, this 92 hp, {{cvt|230|cuin|l|1}} engine powered about 340,000 of all the Dodge WC series, basically unchanged.

File:Dodge T-202 VC-1, VC-2 Command Reconnaissance (USM-BT-15) from SNL G-657.jpg.]]

File:Dodge T-112 WC-37, WC-49 Panel Body (USM-BT-14) from SNL G-657.jpg body was used again, on the 4x2 drive {{nobr|WC-36}} & {{nobr|WC-48}} {{nobr|carry-alls}}, and the {{nobr|WC-37}} / {{nobr|WC-49}} panel vans.]]

The 1940 Dodge / Fargo VC models formed the first production run in the U.S. military's {{nobr|G-505}} range of half-ton,(nominal off-road payload rating) light four-wheel drive trucks. Created by Chrysler, based on Dodge's lightest, new for 1939, commercial half-ton TC models of "express" pickups,Around 1939 / 1940, Dodge called their stepside pickups "express" – and so, in a number of early Army contracts for 1941 G{{nbh}}505 trucks, the body-type was just specified as "express". and their carry-all, the 1940 VC models formed the foundation for the subsequent 1941, G{{nbh}}505, {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton WC series trucks. (Dodge's naming system, back then, moved up the first letter alphabetically per model year, and the second letter tied to the truck's payload rating, based on chassis and components strength.)

All variants used the same {{cvt|116|in|m|2}} wheelbase as the shortest civilian trucks, but with the addition of part-time four-wheel drive. Bodywork and sheet metal on the military VC series pick-ups and carryall were the same as the civilian models — however, for the command reconnaissance and radio cars, a new, dedicated open five seater body was created, manufactured by Budd Company.

Also the same {{cvt|201.3|cuin|L|1}} inline six, flathead engine was used, but Dodge raised its power output from a {{cvt|70|hp}} rating in the 1939 civilian TC,[https://web.archive.org/web/20190407083218/https://www.autopaper.com/1939-dodge-half-three-quarter-one-ton-trucks-tc-td-series-specs-sale-brochure.php 1939 Dodge Half Three Quarter One Ton Trucks TC & TD Series Specs Sale Brochure] (archived 7 April 2019)Autopaper [https://web.archive.org/web/20190407083243/https://www.autopaper.com/images/15382/photo/img7644_47038.jpg 1939 Dodge Trucks brochure specifications] archived 7 April 2019) to {{cvt|79|hp}} at 3000 rpm for their 1940 light VC models, and for the Army's {{nobr|G-505}} VCs. The transmission had 4 speeds, and the transfer case just one – it only shifted drive to the front axle, to engage or disengage four-wheel drive. On-road, it remained rear-wheel drive, to prevent binding that would damage the drivetrain while cornering, as there was no center differential.

The G-505 half-ton VC series came in six variants, numbered {{nobr|VC-1}} to {{nobr|VC-6}}, and internally T-202 by Dodge:{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=XX–XXII}}

• VC-1: Command Reconnaissance car – 2,155 units
• VC-2: Radio Command Reconnaissance – 34 units
• VC-3: Closed cab Pickup with bed seating for troops – 816 units
• VC-4: Closed cab Pickup without bed seats – 4 units
• VC-5: Open cab Pickup with bed seating for troops – 1,607 units
• VC-6: Carry-all – 24 units

None of these trucks came with winches yet.

Delivered from early 1940 under a production contract, these 4,640 half-ton trucks were both the U.S. Army's first ever scale procurement of 'light' four-wheel drive vehicles – and their first light 4x4 trucks that military men called "jeeps" – as well as a part of Dodge's first official production contract for four-wheel drive trucks from the U.S. military. All prior sales, for the {{frac|1|1|2}}-ton trucks, although in the hundreds in 1934 and 1939, and even counting 1,700 in 1938, had been contracts for 'experimental' Army trucks.

{{break}}

The half-ton, 4x4, Dodge WC series were evolutionary redesigns of the preceding VC series, retaining the military {{nobr|G-505}} series code. Starting production in late 1940,{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|pages=55–58}} until replacement by the 3/4{{nbh}}ton models in early 1942, they progressed through three mechanical engineering versions ({{nobr|T-207}}, {{nobr|T-211}}, and {{nobr|T-215}}), in barely a year and a half – while receiving the {{nobr|T-215}} specification engine midway through production of the {{nobr|T-211}} coded versions. Half-ton rated WC series models received thirty-eight numbers, roughly chronologically, in the {{nobr|WC-1}} to {{nobr|WC-50}} range, but skipping numbers {{nobr|WC-2}}, {{nobr|WC-28}} to {{nobr|WC-35}}, and {{nobr|WC-44}} to {{nobr|WC-46}}.

The WC series is immediately recognizable by its redesigned, now military sheet-metal. Wide-open, simplified front and rear fenders replaced the bulbous civilian ones, offering more wheel-travel, and less risk of wheels clogging stuck with thick mud in the wheel-well. The front brush-guard and grille were redesigned, replacing the civilian art-deco front with a single, integrated, upright, round welded grate.

The distribution across the versions was: {{sfnp|ref=T137serials|Serial Number Guide – Dodge Trucks Built for the U.S. Government|1946|loc=[http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide/slide025.html Page 25]}}

• 31,935 units of the WC-1 through WC-11 models, with the {{nobr|T-207}} engineering code and a {{convert|217.7|cuin|cm3|abbr=on}} engine with {{convert|85|hp|abbr=on}};
• 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 {{nobr|T-211}} engine was increased to {{convert|230.2|cuin|cm3|abbr=on}} and {{convert|92|hp|abbr=on}}, but the overall {{nobr|T-code}} number was not changed on affected models (e.g. {{nobr|WC-18}}) {{refn |group=nb |U.S. government contracts explicitly referred to these units as {{nobr|T-211}} models with a {{nobr|T-215}} engine.[https://web.archive.org/web/20150429085219/http://www.autogallery.org.ru/k/d/od211_Pat.jpg Ordnance Department Administrative and Tactical Vehicles per QMC Contract.nr, 1940 through 1 January 1944 (Dodge {{nobr|T-211}})] (archived 29 April 2015) }}
• 28,537 units of the WC-21 through WC-27 and WC-40 through {{nobr|WC-43}} model, with the {{nobr|T-215}} engineering code and a {{convert|230.2|cuin|cm3|abbr=on}} engine with 92 HP.

The T-207 range had an uprated 85 hp engine, and these units had front axles with Bendix-Weiss constant-velocity joints, whereas {{nobr|T-211}} and {{nobr|T-215}} models were given front axles either made by Bendix or with Rzeppa design CV joints, made by Ford.

From the T-211 models onwards, the rear brakes were {{convert|14|inch|adj=on}} instead of {{convert|11|inch|adj=on}} drums.{{cite web |url=https://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/vehicle-type-a-half-ton-ww2-wc |title=Dodge WWII WC 1/2 Ton 4x4 Information & Parts |publisher= Vintage Power Wagons}} Among the {{nobr|T-211}} versions, no single WC model number was explicitly used for winch-equipped units.

The T-215 types introduced a military design dashboard with round gauges, replacing the civilian dash with square ones.

A further 1,542 rear-wheel drive units (engineering code T-112) were built as {{nobr|WC-36}} through {{nobr|WC-39}}, and {{nobr|WC-47}} through {{nobr|WC-50}} — mostly carry-alls and pick-ups). These retained civilian bodywork, fenders and grilles, as well as regular front axles, and a one-ton on-road rating.

File:Dodge halve ton WC4 Weapons Carrier, W-250644 pic2.JPG

• Drive: four-wheel drive — except for WC-36 to WC-39 and {{nobr|WC-47}} to {{nobr|WC-50}}
• Wheelbase: {{cvt|116|in|m|2}} – both on four-wheel and two-wheel drive models
• except {{cvt|123|in|m|2}} for ambulances and phone line / emergency repair trucks
• Track width: front {{cvt|59+3/8|in|m|2}} and {{cvt|61+3/8|in|m|2}} rear
• except just {{cvt|55+3/4|in|m|2}} front track on rear-wheel drive only models
• Tires: 7.50×16 in
• Brakes: Hydraulic
• Engine: 6 cylinder, in-line, side valve engine
• Transmission: manual, 4 forward / 1 reverse
• Transfer case: Single speed

WC-9, WC-18, WC-27

File:Dodge-WC9-ambulance.jpg

Entering production during 1941 to early 1942,{{cite web|url=http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_wc9.php |title=Dodge WC9 WC18 WC27 Truck, 1/2 ton Ambulance |publisher=Olive-drab.com |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629161659/http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_wc9.php |archive-date=2021-06-29}} 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 ({{nobr|WC-51}} onwards) featured a flat grille. These versions were given a longer {{convert|123|in|mm|abbr=on}} wheelbase.

• Length: {{convert|195|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Width: {{convert|75+13/16|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Height: {{convert|90|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Weight: {{convert|5340|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
• Payload: {{convert|1300|lb|abbr=on}}

File:Dodge ½-ton WC-series Carry-All Body (USM-BT-7) from SNL G-657.jpg

WC-10, WC-17, WC-26, WC-36, WC-48

Carryall trucks with a nominal carrying capacity of {{convert|1000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. The {{nobr|WC-10}}, {{nobr|WC-17}} and {{nobr|WC-26}} followed engineering patterns T-207, T-211 and T-215 respectively — whereas the {{nobr|WC-36}} and {{nobr|WC-48}} were T-112, rear-wheel drive only models, retaining civilian bodywork with bulbous fenders.

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=218 |header=Command / reconnaissance cars |image1=The British Army in Burma 1945 SE1403.jpg |caption1=Lord Mountbatten, Allied Commander South East Asia, stands in a {{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton WC Command Car near Mandalay, 1945. |image2=Dodge T211-WC24 (4x4) pic2.JPG |caption2=Dodge WC-24 w. winch}}

WC-6, WC-15, WC-23

Command / reconnaissance cars.

WC-7, WC-24

Command / reconnaissance car with winch.

WC-8, WC-16, WC-25

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

File:Dodge WC-14 pickup 1941 RSideFront TICO 13March2010 (14413007507).jpg

WC-1, WC-5, WC-12, WC-14, WC-40

Closed cab, two seater pickups with a nominal carrying capacity of a {{convert|1000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Some portion of these models were manufactured with winch,{{sfnp|ref=TM9280043|TM9-2800 manual|1943|loc=[http://www.fleetmasters.be/media/cache/front_end_activity_default_01/media/uploads/59188381699b2.JPG page 155]}} at least of the {{nobr|WC-12}}, the {{nobr|WC-14}} (pictured), and the {{nobr|WC-40}}, reducing the payload to {{convert|700|lb|kg|abbr=on}} — but no distinct model number was assigned for such units. The {{nobr|WC-12's}} engine displacement was increased to the T-215's volume of {{convert|230.2|cuin|cm3|abbr=on}} mid-series, after engine No. 42001.{{sfnp|ref=TM9280043|TM9-2800 manual|1943|loc=[http://www.fleetmasters.be/media/cache/front_end_activity_default_01/media/uploads/59188381699b2.JPG page 155]}}

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=218 |header=Open cab {{1/2}}-tons, w/wo winch

|image1=Dodge WC-3—H.Q.D. Jan 1941—WC 331.jpg |caption1=WC-13 half-ton 4x4 with optional M24 machine gun mount.

|image2=Dodge wc4 full.jpg |caption2=Dodge WC-4 open cab with winch.}}

WC-3, WC-13, WC-21

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 0.5 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun.

• Length: {{convert|181+1/16|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Width: {{convert|75+13/16|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Height: with top {{convert|88+1/8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Weight: {{convert|4,440|lb|abbr=on}}
• Payload: {{convert|1,300|lb|abbr=on}}

WC-4, WC-22

Open cab weapons carrier, with Braden MU winch, and transverse seats, designed to tow the 37mm M3 anti-tank gun as well as carry the gun crew and ammunition. This type was usually issued to early tank destroyer units. 5570 built.

• Length: {{convert|191+5/16|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Width: {{convert|75+13/16|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Height: with top {{convert|88+1/8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Weight: {{convert|4,775|lb|abbr=on}} net
• Payload: {{convert|1,000|lb|abbr=on}}

File:SNC15761 (5856997413).jpg

WC-11, WC-19, WC-42

Almost 1,400 panel van trucks, and panel van bodied radio communication cars. At first, regular panel van trucks were ordered: 642 units of {{nobr|WC-11}},{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=57}} and 103 units of {{nobr|WC-19}}. The subsequent {{nobr|WC-42}} panel vans were however furnished and equipped as radio communication cars. The 650 {{nobr|WC-42}} radio panel vans almost 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.

Almost half of production, 650 units, went to the British Empire under the U.S. Lend-Lease agreement.

There were also negligible numbers made with civilian style bodywork, similar to the 1940 VC-6 Carryall, with only rear-wheel drive, with the {{nobr|T-112}} (Dodge) and {{nobr|G-613}} (U.S.) internal codes – six units of {{nobr|WC-37}} (1941), and a further eight as {{nobr|WC-49}}, in 1942.

File:WC43-01.jpg

{{main|K-50 truck}}

WC-39, WC-43, WC-50

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}}{{nbh}}ton GMC/Chevrolet models, and the later {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton {{nobr|WC-59}} and {{nobr|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 {{nobr|WC-43}} numbered 370 units.

File:M1 emergency repair.jpg

{{anchor|WC-5|WC-14|WC-20|WC-40|WC-41}}WC-5, WC-14, WC-20, WC-40, WC-41

Just over one thousand emergency repair chassis and trucks were ordered within the half-ton Dodge {{nobr|G-505}}, WC series.[https://web.archive.org/web/20060306153137/http://www.autogallery.org.ru/k/d/od207_Pat.jpg Ordnance Department Administrative and Tactical Vehicles per QMC Contract.nr, 1940 through 1 January 1944 (Dodge T-207)] (archived 6 March 2006)[https://web.archive.org/web/20060306153149/http://www.autogallery.org.ru/k/d/od215_Pat.jpg Ordnance Department Administrative and Tactical Vehicles per QMC Contract.nr, 1940 through 1 January 1944 (Dodge T-215) (archived)] The Dodge SNL G-657 Master Parts List doesn't explicitly list most of them as built to serve as emergency repair trucks, but the Summary Report of Acceptances, Tank-Automotive Materiel, 1940–1945, shows that at least 956 emergency repair chassis and trucks were received by the Army, involving at least all of the {{nobr|WC-14}}, {{nobr|WC-20}}, {{nobr|WC-40}}, and {{nobr|WC-41}} models.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|pages=VI; XX–XXII}}{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|pages=55–56}}

Dodge delivered at least all thirty WC-20, and most of the WC-41 units, as closed cabs with a bare chassis, on a {{convert|123|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase, fitted with dual rear wheels, though a minority, particularly of the {{nobr|WC-5}}, {{nobr|WC-14}}, and {{nobr|WC-40s}}, were possibly built on a {{convert|116|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} wheelbase; and some as pick-ups.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|pages=VI; XX–XXII}} Most were furnished with third party utility service rear bodies, as M1 emergency repair trucks, to provide mobile facilities for emergency ordnance repair (List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation). One other body-type was ordered: one T-211 oil servicing truck in 1941.

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=220 |header=Three-quarter ton WC series |image1=IMFT 6 2015 659 (cropped).jpeg |caption1=The ≈190,000 WC{{nbh}}51 & WC{{nbh}}52 trucks (shown) make up half of the total of ≈380,000 different WC-series built. |image2=Dodge WC-55 M6 Gun Motor Carriage Top schematic from TM9-808.jpg |caption2=Top view of WC-55 (a version of the WC{{nbh}}51 / WC{{nbh}}52) shows the squat, short and wide stance, proportions of the revised {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton Dodges }}

By late 1941, the Dodge WC range was significantly redesigned. All four-wheeled models were reinforced and uprated to a nominal three-quarter ton off-road payload rating, under the revised {{nobr |G-502}} U.S.Army Ordnance Corps Supply catalog number; and later, for 1943, a stretched six-wheel drive, 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton rated variant was developed, under supply code {{nobr|G-507}}.

All models were widened to front and rear tracks of {{convert|64+3/4|in|m|2|abbr=on}}, widening the front track by as much as {{convert|5+3/8|in|cm|abbr=on}}, and the rear track by {{convert|3+3/8|in|cm|abbr=on}} on most models. The new axles were not only the same width, but also got the same differentials and axle carriers. The tires were widened from 7.50×16 to 9 inches (from 19 cm to 23 cm) wide. Moreover, the bulk production variants were significantly shortened, giving the vehicles much more square proportions, like on their younger {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton brothers. On all the troops & weapons carriers, and command / reconnaissance & radio trucks, the wheelbase were all cut by almost half a meter (18{{nbsp}}in / 46{{nbsp}}cm), from a {{convert|116|in|m|2|abbr=on}} to a {{convert|98|in|m|2|abbr=on}} wheelbase. Only ambulances, carry-alls, and technical service trucks kept a long wheelbase. Panel vans were dropped from the range and no longer made.

The big production volume models – the WC-51/-52 and the WC-56/-57/-58 – also got literally more square bodies; with more square, shorter and wider, length to width ratios. The integrated grille / brush-guard became straight, and the hoods (bonnets) became lower and wider, and were flattened – both as in losing their previous curvature, and now just being horizontal – so they became more useful as an improvised table-top, and the front windows / windshields on these models could now also be folded forward, to lay flat on their hoods, just like on the {{1/4}}-ton jeeps. Under the hood, the {{3/4}}-tons kept the 6-cylinder inline, L-head engine of 92 hp (73 kW) gross, from the later model half{{nbh}}ton WC series.

The biggest volume production variants, the WC-51 and-52 pick-up / troops and weapons-carrier models, received a completely redesigned rear bed, that mostly consisted of two longitudinal, rectangular boxes, that integrated the rear wheel wells with under-seat stowage compartments fore and aft of the rear wheels, while now seating the troops sideways and on top of the rear wheels, facing each other, instead of a in a commercial, "step-side" bed, in between the wheels. The new bed/box design widened these models to 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), and offered much more space for the troops' backpacks and gear, between their feet, and under the seats. A{{nbsp}}single such truck, at just {{cvt|13|ft|11|in|m|2}} long (or 14 ft 9 in / 4.48 m with winch), offered practical all-terrain transportation for a full eight man rifle squad, their weapons and gear.

With the nickname 'jeep' now moving on to the smaller {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton trucks, some soldiers called the Dodges 'Beeps' (for "Big jeep") instead.[https://img.aucfree.com/d321311595.1.jpg Dodge Weapons Carrier depiction]

Eventually, almost half of the more than fifty different WC{{nbsp}}series models manufactured – almost 183,000 trucks – were WC{{nbh}}51 & WC{{nbh}}52 cargo/troop and weapons carriers — and one third of those with an engine-powered front winch.

{{main|Dodge WC54}}

WC-54

File:Dodge WC54 Field Ambulance (1943) (owner Glen Rummery) pic4.JPG

The WC-54 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4×4 Ambulance, Dodge (G-502), 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 {{nobr|WC-54}} units were built from 1942 through 1944, after which the ambulance was redesigned, and replaced by the {{nobr|WC-64}} in 1945.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=62}}{{cite magazine |last=Benedict |first=Chris |date=July 1979 |title=Dodge 3/4 Ton 4X4 And 1½ Ton 6X6 Production, 1942–1945 |magazine=Army Motors magazine }}

• Length: {{convert|16|ft|3|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Width: {{convert|6|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Height: {{convert|7|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Weight: {{convert|5,920|lb|0|abbr=on}}
• Payload: {{convert|1800|lb|abbr=on}}

File:DodgeWC64 OpendagLandmacht2008.JPG

WC-64

The WC-64 KD Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G-502) was an ambulance based on the same chassis as the {{nobr|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.[http://www.wc64.com/technical.htm Dodge {{nobr|WC-64 KD}} Ambulance – Technical] 3,500 Knock-down ambulances were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war,{{cite web|url=http://wc64.com/history.htm |title=Dodge WC64KD Ambulance History |publisher=Guido Wilmes |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209010156fw_/http://wc64.com/history.htm |archive-date=9 December 2013}} the great majority (2,531 units) went to allies under lend-lease:{{cite report |author=U.S. Ordnance Corps |author-link=United States Army Ordnance Corps |date=31 December 1946 |title=Quantities of Lend-Lease Shipments |section= III-B "Ordnance - Motor Transport Vehicles", Part I |url=https://lend-lease.net/files/Part_3B_pages_1-27.pdf |publisher=U.S. War Department |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194330/http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/documents/files/Part_3B_pages_1-27.pdf |archive-date=2018-12-31 |url-status=live |access-date=17 June 2019 }}

• 1,123 to the Free French forces
• 644 to British Commonwealth
• 475 to China
• 149 to Brazil and 82 to other Latin American republics

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=220 |header=WC-53 Carry-all |image1=Dodge WC 53 Carryall W-20166121 S pic1 (cropped).JPG |caption1= |image2=BNDL-G502Late-2 from SNL G-657 (cropped).jpg |caption2=Split tailgate shown on rear }}

WC-53

A carryall, mechanically the WC-53 was virtually identical to the Dodge WC54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were wind-up opening 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 wheel was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened and the driver had to enter from the passenger side. The rear end had a horizontally split tailgate.[https://bringatrailer.com/2010/09/09/1942-dodge-power-wagon-wc-53-carryall/ 1942 Dodge Power Wagon {{nobr|WC-53}} Carryall] Bring a Trailer, 2010{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|loc=[https://cdn3.volusion.com/hrqpw.cruld/v/vspfiles/photos/BNDL-G502Late-2.jpg?1549907996 page 381]}}

WC-53s were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 {{nobr|WC-53}}: Truck, 3/4 ton, 4×4 Dodge Carryall ({{nobr|G-502}}) were built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch, though there was a field modification available.Dodge: Cinq generations de tous terrains – Boniface and Jeudy (in French)

• Length: {{convert|15|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Width: {{convert|6|ft|7|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Height: {{convert|6|ft|8|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
• Weight: {{convert|5,700|lb|-1|abbr=on}}
• Payload: {{convert|1,750|lb|abbr=on}}

WC-56

File:Dodge WC 56 Command Car (1).jpg

File:Dodge at Sinsheim photo-1.JPG

The WC-56 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch, Dodge ({{nobr|G-502}}) was a command and reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large quarter-ton 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 units were built.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=63}}

• Length: 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m)
• Width: 6 ft 7 in (2.00 m)
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.07 m)
• Weight: 5,335 lb (2,420 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

WC-57

File:Armistice 100 Easter Rally, 22 March, 2018 (40947748621).jpg

The WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G-502) was identical to the {{nobr|WC-56}}, but fitted with a Braden MU2 7,500 lb (3,402 kg) capacity winch at the front bumper. 6,010 units built.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=63}}

• Length: 14 ft 8 in (4.46 m)
• Width: 6 ft 7 in (2.00 m)
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.07 m)
• Weight: 5,644 lb ( 2,560 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

WC-58

The WC-58 Truck, Radio, 3/4 ton, 4×4 w/o Winch, Dodge (G-502) was identical to the {{nobr|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.{{sfnp|ref=SNL_G657|SNL G-657 Master Parts List|1943|p=XIII; 296}} Some {{nobr|WC-58}} models may have been built, based on the {{nobr|WC-57}} with winch, as well.{{citation |url=http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_wc58.php |title=Dodge WC-58 Truck, Radio, 3/4 ton, 4x4 with winch ({{nobr|G-502}}) |publisher=Olive-Drab |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024323/http://ftp.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_wc58.php |archive-date=2018-06-20}} A total of 2,344 radio equipped units were built,{{#tag:ref|Doyle (2011). [https://books.google.nl/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&hl=nl&pg=PT123&img=1&zoom=3&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U2R1hoaUpYp41ja8yraeGwNIWwvMw&w=1280 pages 123] [https://books.google.nl/books/publisher/content?id=_hNjDwAAQBAJ&hl=nl&pg=PT124&img=1&zoom=3&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U0qq3D_yPfqAiqkT_4RQACVYOL6Bg&w=1280 and 124] }} but it is unclear whether these were included as part of the {{nobr|WC-56}} / {{nobr|WC-57}} production, or constituted an additional 2,344 {{nobr|WC-58}} radio car units.

• Length: 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m) / 14 ft 7 in (4.46 m) with winch
• Width: 6 ft 7 in (2.00 m)
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.07 m)
• Weight: 5,644 lb (2,560 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

WC-51 and WC-52

File:Verkhnyaya Pyshma Tank Museum 2011 118 (cropped).jpg, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia.]]

File:Stewart Air Show 2017 DSC00034 (46766705192) (cropped).jpg

The G-502, WC-51 & WC-52: "Truck, Cargo, {{3/4}}-ton, 4x4, Weapons Carrier" ({{nobr|T-214}}; from early 1942), had largely redesigned bodies and frames, compared to their half-ton, 1940–1941 forebears, yet retained mechanically as much as possible — improving what was necessary, while maintaining supply, logistics, and training continuity. The design was now blatantly more jeep-like, with a much shorter, lower, wider, versatile, open cab pickup body. The hood became flat and horizontal, and the windshield could now also be folded forward, flat on it. With the top and bows down, the {{nobr|WC-51}} and -52 followed the low-profile design doctrine of the time. Engine and drive-train were almost completely carried over from the {{nobr|T-215}} half-tons, except for the uprated, wider track axles ({{convert|64+3/4|in|m|2|abbr=on}}), which were now {{convert|18|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} closer together, for a {{convert|98|in|m|2|abbr=on}} wheelbase.

The WC-51 and -52 could be fitted with an optional M24A1 machine gun mount, or other devices. The M24A1 mount bolted across the front of the bed, and could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, the M1919 Browning machine gun, or the M2 Browning machine gun.

Lack of a winch gave the {{nobr|WC-51}} a {{convert|10|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} shorter front overhang, and thus a better approach angle. The {{nobr|WC-52}} not only differed from the {{nobr|WC-51}} by having a power take-off driven Braden MU{{nbh}}2 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) capacity winch on the front bumper, but to accommodate it, the {{nobr|WC-52}} was actually built on its own, longer frame. With about every third unit carrying a winch, these were thus rarely ever retrofitted.

Almost three quarters of Dodge's 255,195 total {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton, {{nobr|G-502}}, WC series production, were built as {{nobr|WC-51}} and {{nobr|WC-52}}, cargo, troops and weapon carriers. 123,541 were built without winch as the {{nobr|WC-51}}, and 59,114 with a front winch as {{nobr|WC-52}} — for a total of 182,655 units. When adding the 5,380 {{nobr|WC-55}}, M6 gun motor carriages, that were later downgraded back to {{nobr|WC-52}} specification, it brings the total number to over 188,000 of these models. Although nearly a quarter of that (44,229) were passed on to allies, mostly through Lend-Lease, once the 1939 U.S. Army reorganization from 8{{nbh}}man to 12{{nbh}}man (rifle) squads got tied more closely into troop-car procurement, Dodge received orders for a similar amount (43,224 built) of the stretched, 12{{nbh}}troop (one squad) capacity, {{nobr|WC-62}} & {{nobr|WC-63}}, 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}ton, 6x6 trucks.

File:Tableau de bord WC51 2.jpg

• Length: {{cvt|13|ft|11|in|m|2}}, or {{cvt|14|ft|8.5|in|m|2}} with winch
• Width: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 meters)
• 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 – 5,550 lb (2,518 kg) net with winch
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)
• Tires: 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply

A substantial amount – almost a quarter – of all the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton weapons carriers (a total of 44,229 {{nobr|WC-51}} and {{nobr|WC-52}} trucks), were provided through Lend-Lease to various Allies:

• 24,902 to the Soviet Union, who used some to pull their ZiS-3 76-mm anti-tank guns,
• 10,884 to Britain
• 3,711 to China
• 3,495 to the Free French forces
• 954 to Brazil and 204 to other Latin American countries

{{main|M6 gun motor carriage}}

File:Dodge wc55 m6 37 mm GMC.jpg

WC-55

The M6 37 mm gun motor carriage, 3/4-ton, 4×4 (abbreviated as M6 GMC), or fully described "M6 Fargo gun motor carriage with 37 mm anti-tank gun," (by Dodge numbered {{nobr|WC-55}}), was a modified List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation#G500 to G599 Dodge {{nobr|WC-52}}, designed and built to carry an M3A1 37mm anti-tank gun combined with gun shield, mounted on its cargo bed, facing rearward. The {{nobr|WC-55}} with gun combination was designated by Standard Nomenclature List supply catalog number List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation#G100 to G199. A total of 5,380 were built by Fargo in 1942,{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=19}} but most were later dismantled / downgraded and returned to service as {{nobr|WC-52}} cargo trucks.

Fielded as a stopgap design from late 1942 in North Africa, in limited use with the US Army Tank Destroyer Battalions, and in the Pacific War in 1943/1944, improvements in enemy tanks quickly rendered the 37mm gun underpowered, and better guns became available. The {{nobr|WC-55}} was first downgraded to "limited standard" in 1943, and subsequently declared obsolete, finally by early 1945.

• Length: 14 ft 8{{1/2}} in (4.48 m)
• Width: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
• Height: 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) to top of gun shield
• Weight: 5,600 lb (2 540 kg)
• Storage: 80 rounds of 37mm munitions

{{main|K-50 truck|l1=K-50 telephone repair trucks}}

WC-59

File:DodgeWC-59 telephone truck.jpg

The WC-59 Truck, Telephone Maintenance, 3/4 ton, 4×4 Dodge ({{nobr|G-502}}) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Based on the same chassis as the {{nobr|WC-54}} ambulances, sharing a {{convert|23|in|cm|abbr=on}} longer wheelbase than the regular {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton WC series. The spare wheel was carried behind the seats, and a step ladder fitted where the spare wheel normally would have been. 549 units were built. The bespoke bed made it a K-50 truck to the Signal Corps. These were initially fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.

• Length: 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
• Width: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
• Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
• Weight: 5,357 lb (2,430 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

WC-61

File:Dodge K-50B.jpg

The WC-61 Light Maintenance Truck, 3/4 ton, 4×4 Dodge ({{nobr|G-502}}) was also designed to install and repair telephone lines. Replacement for the {{nobr|WC-59}}, the {{nobr|WC-61}} had the step ladder mounted on the roof, the spare wheel was still fitted behind the seats, and the tool trunks were accessible from the outside. Just 58 were built. The US Signal Corps referred to these as the K-50B truck.

• Length: 15 ft 6 in (4.73 m)
• Width: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
• Height (without ladder): 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
• Weight: 5,952 lb (2,700 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

{{anchor|WC-60}}WC-60

File:Dodge T-214 WC-60 Emergency Repair Chassis (USM-BT-22) from SNL G-657.jpg

The WC-60 chassis, fitted with a bed similar to the {{nobr|WC-61}} by the American Coach and Body Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, formed the M2 Emergency Repair truck, 3/4 ton, 4×4 Dodge (SNL supply code G-061), 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 units were built.

• Length: 15 ft 6 in (4.73 m)
• Width: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
• Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
• Weight: 5,952 lb (2 700 kg)
• Payload: 1,750 lb (800 kg)

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |width=220 |header=G-507, 1{{1/2}}-ton, 6x6 trucks |image1=IMFT 6 2015 540 (cropped).jpeg |caption1=WC-62 – without winch |image2=Defilada z okazji Święta WP - 2008 (14).jpg |caption2=WC-63 – with winch |image3=Dodge T223 (or WC62) Weapons Carrier pic2.JPG |caption3=WC-62 / WC-63 cabin interior }}

The G-507 Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1{{1/2}}-ton, 6x6 Truck, Dodge ({{nobr|WC-62}} w/o Winch) was based on a lengthened {{nobr|WC-51}} Weapons Carrier with an extra axle added. When the U.S. Army enlarged rifle squads from eight to twelve men, the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton no longer sufficed, and a {{convert|48|in|m|2|adj=on}} longer 6×6 variant was created that used most of the mechanical parts and the whole front sheet metal and cabin of the {{nobr|G-502}}. The {{nobr|G-507}} trucks could be driven by all six wheels (6x6) or by the four rear wheels only (6×4).U.S. Army Technical Manual TM9-1808B, 1943, page 4

A number of components needed further strengthening in this design, and many of these reinforcements were also incorporated in subsequent {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons production – both making these even more robust, as well as benefiting the spare parts and supply-chain, by keeping the most future parts suitable and interchangeable on the {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons and the {{frac|1|1|2}}{{nbh}}tons. Six-wheel drive production amounted to 43,224 units total, — 23,092 {{nobr|WC-62}} units without winch, and 20,132 {{nobr|WC-63}} variants with winch.{{sfnp|ref=SRATAM4045|Summary Report – Tank-Automotive Materiel|1945|page=66}} One prototype was produced as an armored car.{{cite web|url=http://www.warwheels.net/FargoArmoredTruckINDEX.html |title=T230 "Fargo" 6x6 Armored Car |publisher=Warwheels.net |access-date=2013-06-06}}

A total of 6,344 WC-62 and WC-63 cargo trucks were provided to World War II Allies — 4,074 to the Free French forces, 2,123 to British, and 137 units to Brazil.

• Length: 17 ft 11 in (5.47 m)
• Width: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 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)
• Payload: 3,300 lb (1,500 kg)

The WC-63 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1{{1/2}} ton, 6×6 with Winch, Dodge ({{nobr|G-507}}) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened {{nobr|WC-52}} with an extra axle added. Identical to the {{nobr|WC-62}} but fitted with a PTO-powered Braden MU2 winch, initially of {{convert|5,000|lb|abbr=on}}, later {{convert|7,500|lb|abbr=on}} capacity.

• Length: 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m)
• Width: 6 ft 11 in (2.10 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)
• Payload: 3,300 lb (1500 kg)

The table below lists the comprehensive set of models in the Dodge WC series family showing the different codes that were assigned together with each model's core specifications. Based on the Ordnance Corps' SNL G-657 Dodge Master Parts List (1943), U.S. Army technical model manuals: the TM9-2800 (1943) and 1947 editions) and others, and the U.S. Summary Report of Tank Automotive Acceptances (1940–45).

Different colors have been used to code groupings for maximum convenience, based on nominal payload rating, model family, and wheels and drive.

Lend-lease models (mainly for Russia), and Canadian-built models are presented in red, at the bottom.

{{Expand section|1=content and additional citations|section=|date=February 2021|small=no|talksection=}}

Although Chrysler / Dodge supplied over 380,000 WC-series to the war effort – more than the number of MB jeeps actually built by Willys (some 360,000), and the vehicles served with equal versatility – the Dodge WC-series, that were nicknamed "jeeps" by the soldiers, before that moniker subsequently migrated to its quarter-ton brothers, never received any comparable level of fame. The Dodge WC-series have therefore been called one of WW{{nbsp}}II's unsung heroes.[https://www.thedrive.com/vintage/1983/a-visual-history-of-army-off-roaders A Visual History of Army Off-Roaders – The Drive]Anecdotally, contrary to the WW II {{1/4}}{{nbh}}ton jeeps, the Dodge WC-series was so unknown to German-speaking Wikipedia users, that prior to March 2021 no entry or article about any of the Dodge WC-series family of vehicles existed !

Almost 60,000 Dodge WC series models were provided to the U.S.' allies of World War II under the Lend-Lease program:

• 650 of the total 1,400 {{1/2}}-ton Panel vans built, possibly with radio, went to the British,
• 886 {{3/4}}-ton Carry-alls went mainly to the British and the Soviets, with small numbers to various other countries,
• over 2,500 of the total 3,500 WC-64, {{3/4}}-ton knock-down ambulances went primarily to the Free French, the British, and to China,
• some 3,800 {{3/4}}-ton WC-56 / WC-57 Command Cars (with or without winch) went mainly to the British, the Free French, and to China,
• plus a further 650 {{3/4}}-ton Radio cars, likely WC-58 model, also for the British,
• the bulk of lend-lease Dodges – over 44,000 units – were WC-51 and WC-52 {{3/4}}-ton Troops and Weapons Carriers – see their section above,
• and lastly, 6,344 of WC-62 and WC-63 1{{1/2}}-ton, 6x6 Cargo, Troops and Weapons Carriers were provided – mainly to the French (over 4,000), and to the British (over 2,000).

To the Soviets, the almost 25,000 new 1942 all-wheel drive {{3/4}}-ton multi-purpose WC series were so fundamentally innovative, that they fitted no standard Red Army category. Russia much appreciated these vehicles, that perfectly filled the gap between 4WD automobiles and heavy trucks, and simply called them "Dodge three-quarters".

{{more citations needed|section|date=January 2021}}

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{{col-break|width=98%|gap=1em}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

;{{flag|Austria}}

• Austrian Army{{cite web|title=Rearming Austria: WWII weapons|date=14 June 2015 |author= JWH1975|url=https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/rearming-austria-wwii-weapons/|website=wwiiafterwwii

}}{{self-published inline|date=January 2021}}

;{{flag|Belgium}}

• Belgian Army

;{{flag|Brazil}}

• Used in Brazil by the Brazilian Army and
• in Europe by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force,
  nicknamed as Jipão.

;{{flagicon|Free French Forces}}{{flag|France}}

• Free French Forces, French Army

;{{flag|Greece}}

• Greek Army and Greek Air Force

;{{flag|Iran}}

• Iranian Army

;{{flag|Israel}}

• Israel Defense Forces

;{{flag|Nicaragua}}

• Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua

;{{flag|Norway}}

• Norwegian Army

;{{flag|Portugal}}

• Portuguese Army, redesignated Dodge m/48, used during the Portuguese Colonial War

{{flag|Philippine Commonwealth}}

• Philippine Commonwealth Army
• Philippine Constabulary

;{{flagicon|Philippine Commonwealth}} Philippine Republic

• Philippine Army
• Philippine Constabulary
• Philippine Marine Corps

;{{flag|United Kingdom}}

• Royal Army Medical Corps

;{{flag|United States}}

• U.S Army, U.S. Army Medical Corps and U.S. Signal Corps

;{{flag|Soviet Union}}

• Red Army by Lend-Lease during World War II – according to US data: 25,202 Dodge WC series, including 24,902 WC-51 and WC-52 were sent to USSR; according to Soviet data: 19,600 Dodge WC series (Dodge 3/4) were actually delivered and assembled.{{cite book|last=Kochnev|first=Evgenii|script-title=ru:Военные автомобили Союзников|trans-title=Military cars of the Allies|year=2010|pages=512|publisher=Yauza. Eksmo|location=Moscow|isbn=978-5-699-41199-3|language=ru}}

At least two survived in running condition in Russian museums:

• Museum of Military History in Padikovo, Istrinsky District, Moscow Oblast.
• Museum of Military and Automobile Technique in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Sverdlovsk Oblast.

;{{flag|Switzerland}}

• The Swiss Army bought several hundred after World War II, mainly {{3/4}}{{nbh}}tons, a few {{1/2}}{{nbh}}tons, and just ten 1{{1/2}}{{nbh}}tons. {{nobr|WC-54}} ambulances served until 1960.{{cite web|url=http://www.swissmotor.com/20_artikel/001_050/0014.htm |title=Swissmotor / Dodge |publisher=Swissmotor.com |access-date=2013-06-06}}

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File:HAFm Dodge WC 54 7061.JPG

File:Armored-car-batey-haosef-3-2.jpg and turret, on the Dodge {{nobr|WC-52}} chassis, for the 1948 independence war.Yuri Pasholok, 27 August 2017 [http://tankarchives.blogspot.com/2017/08/israeli-sandwiches.html "Israeli Sandwiches"] Tank Archives ]]

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File:George Patton and French Gen. Auguste Nogues reviewing troops during combined parade in Morocco (cropped).jpg|Generals George Patton and Auguste Nogues (Commander-in-Chief in French North Africa) in a {{nobr|WC-56}} reviewing troops Dec. 1942

File:M6-37mm-GMC.jpg|WC-55 in a posed picture showing the M2 heavy machine gun for anti-aircraft use

File:France Paris Champs Elysees Dodge.JPG|French Army draisine, converted {{nobr|WC-51}}

File:The War in the Far East- the Burma Campaign 1941-1945 IND4058.jpg|A Dodge of the 5th Indian Division struggling through mud on the Tiddim Front during the Burma campaign, 1941–1945

File:Dodge WC-51 típusú rajszállító és vontató gépkocsik. Fortepan 91359.jpg|WC-51 'Beeps' served in the Polish and Hungarian armies in the '40s and '50s.[http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=498 Rossagraph Dodge WC-51 monograph Review], Armorama]

File:Dodge WC62 Military Ambulance at Erfgoeddag 2017, Gunfire Museum (cropped).jpg|Offering more space also made the stretched G-507 a suitable ambulance (WC-62; reenactment)

File:General George C. Marshall in Dodge Command Car, 1944 - USAMHI photo (cropped).jpg|General George C. Marshall in Dodge Command Car, 1944

File:Vijf leden Koninklijke Marechaussee in een jeep, Bestanddeelnr 118-2-4.jpg|Five Royal Dutch Marechaussee riding in a WC-56/-57 Command Car – 1946, Bogor, West Java, during the Indonesian war of independence.

File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - IDF Jeep Waving at French Bomber.jpg|Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Dodge jeep in the taking of the Sinai peninsula (1956)

Dodge WC series vehicles are visible in many World War II movies, and American TV series. One of the most conspicuous examples is the frequent use of the WC-54 ambulances in the acclaimed M*A*S*H TV series, situated in the Korean War.

In many WW II films, directors would place high-ranking allied officers in Dodge Command Cars, although in reality, the German military quickly realized that personnel riding in the Command Cars were typically prime targets, and Allied generals and dignitaries would in reality prefer to ride in regular jeeps, to prevent advertising themselves as high-profile targets.

It also appears in Oppenheimer, in Los Alamos.

• Canadian Military Pattern truck
• Dodge 3-ton 'Burma' truck
• List of Dodge automobiles
• Einheits-PKW der Wehrmacht – Hitler's 1934 program making Army utility cars on standardized chassis
• 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 more famous of the two American light wheeled 4WD vehicles, mass-produced for World War II

{{reflist|group=nb|30em}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |ref=SRATAM4045| author= |editor=Chief of Ordnance Office |editor2=Military Vehicle Preservation Association |title=Summary Report of Acceptances, Tank-Automotive Materiel, 1940–1945 (1946 Revision) |location=Detroit |publisher=U.S. Army Service Forces, Office: Chief of Ordnance-Detroit, Production Division, Requirements and Progress Branch |publication-date=December 1945 |date=2010 }}
• {{cite book |last=Crismon |first=Fred W. |title=US Military Wheeled Vehicles |edition=3 |year=2001 |publisher=Victory WWII Pub. |isbn=0-970056-71-0 |pages=96, 98, 240–241}}
• {{cite book |last=Doyle |first=David |title=Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles |year=2003 |location=Iola, Wisconsin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=26s7uQEACAAJ |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=0-87349-508-X |pages=45–49, 55–62, 100–101|ref=DoyleCatalog}}
• {{cite book |last=Doyle |first=David |title=Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles - 2nd Edition |year=2011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=52WIEG-1TjgC |location=Iola, Wisconsin |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=9781440225727 |ref=DoyleCatalog2}}
• Richards, T. and Clarke, R.M. Dodge WW2 military portfolio 1940-45. Brookland Books LTD (Surrey, UK) {{ISBN|1-85520-533-5}}
• {{cite book |last=Ware |first=Pat |title=The World Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles |year=2010 |publisher=Lorenz Books |isbn=978-0-7548-2052-9 |pages=232–233}}
• {{cite book |ref=SNL_G657 |author= |title=SNL G-657 – Master Parts List, Dodge Trucks |publisher=Ordnance Corps, U.S. Army Service Forces |date=1 December 1943}}
• {{cite book |ref=SNLG657 |url=http://expode.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SNL-G-657-Part-01-Cover-and-Indexes-Part-1-2.pdf |title={{nobr|SNL G-657}} ({{nobr|pages I–XIX}} sample), describes all 1940–1943 models by body-types, photos and WC-numbers. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803201702/http://expode.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SNL-G-657-Part-01-Cover-and-Indexes-Part-1-2.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-03 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite book |url=https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref/TM/pdfs/TM9-808.pdf |title=TM 9-808 – 3/4{{nbh}}Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge), Technical Manual |author= |publisher=U.S. War Department |location=Washington D.C. |date=31 January 1944 |ref=TM9808}}
• {{cite book |url=http://radionerds.com/images/4/45/TM_9-810_DODGE_6_X_6.pdf |title=TM 9-810 – 1 1/2-Ton 6x6 Truck (Dodge T-223, models {{nobr|WC-62}} and {{nobr|WC-63}}) |publisher=U.S. War Department |date=28 February 1945|ref=TM9810}}
• {{cite book |ref=TM9280043 |url=https://archive.org/details/TM9-2800 |title=TM 9-2800 – Standard Military Motor Vehicles |author= |publisher=U.S. War Department |date=1 September 1943 |location=Washington D.C.}}
• {{cite book |ref=TM9280047 |url=http://radionerds.com/images/6/6d/TM_9-2800_1947.pdf |title=TM 9-2800 – MILITARY VEHICLES |author= |publisher=Department of the Army |date=27 October 1947 |location=Washington D.C.}}
• {{cite book |url=http://radionerds.com/images/6/6e/TM_10-1443_DODGE_WC-21_---_WC-41.pdf |title=TM 10-1443 – 1/2 Ton 4 x 4 Dodge Trucks for U.S. Army |author= |publisher=U.S. War Department |date=20 February 1942 |location=Washington D.C. |ref=TM101443}}

{{commons category}}

{{external media |width=238px |title= |image1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1jhnSQdKx0 Dodge company promo film of their WW II trucks, mostly WC models (YouTube)]}}

• [http://www.primal4x4.com/home.html Dodge WC, Primal4x4 Dodge WWII 4x4] – includes the retired "WW2 Dodge Motor Pool" site
• [http://forum.ww2dodge.com/ Gordon's WW2 Army Trucks]
• [http://www.wc-52.com/ A WC-52 Restoration Project]
• [http://www.command-car.com/ command-car.com] – dedicated to Dodge Command Car of WW2
• [https://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/vehicle-type-b-three-quarter-ton-ww2-wc WW II 3/4 Ton, 4x4 Dodge WC Information Page] – on Vintage Power Wagons
• [https://books.google.com/books?id=-iYDAAAAMBAJ&dq=popular+science+cannon&pg=PA90 "The Jeep Gets a Big Brother", November 1942, Popular Science] – early article introducing the American war public to the redesigned {{3/4}}{{nbh}}ton WC{{nbh}}series

{{WWII US Soft Vehicles}}

{{Dodge}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dodge WC series}}

WC series

Category:Military trucks of the United States

Category:Off-road vehicles

Category:Soft-skinned vehicles

Category:World War II military vehicles

Category:World War II vehicles of the United States

Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States

Category:Military vehicles introduced from 1940 to 1944

Category:Military light utility vehicles