TECHNICAL

The engine (T214), transmission and transfer case were basically the same as the WC-54 and the other trucks in the three-quarter series but the chassis was longer and reinforced. The WC-64 has more space fore the wounded and also a much better and comfortable riding performance because of it's better springs and oil filled shock absorbers.



SPECIFICATIONS:

Ambulance ¾-TON, 4x4 KD, 3 rear doors, collapsible body (KD i.e. "knock-down" for easy shipment),
Crew of 2, capacity 4-6 casualties laying on litters or 8 sitting,

Weight
Net weight 6,880 lbs,
Gross weight 8,500 lbs.
Payload 680 kg

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 121" / 3.07 m
Overall dimensions 192 5/8" x 99 3/8" x 84" (height reducible to 67 ½"),
length 4,90 m, height 2,10 m, wide 2,14 m

Technical: Manual sliding gear transmission Speeds: 4F/1R. Single-speed transfer case. Gear ratio: 5.83:1 Single dry disc clutch Leaf spring suspension front and rear Monroe Telescopic Shock Absorber Dodge banjo hypoid gear differentials Hydraulic drum brakes. Manual steering 6 volt electrical system Top Speed: 54mph / 87 km/h Fuel capacity: 30 gallons / 115 liters Cruising range: 240 miles / 400 km fuel consumption 1:5 (l/km)

Monroe Telescopic Shock Absorber

Engine:
Chrysler T214, 3,780 cm3, six-cylinder, in-line, L-head, four cycle. Cast iron block and head
Displacement: 230 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.24 x 4.625 inches
Compression ratio:6.7:1. Four main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters
Brake horsepower: 76 at 3200 rpm.
Carburetor: Zenith Model 29

Designed and built by the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation in Mound Park Michigan, from 1944-1945.


TECHNICAL MANUALS AND BULLETINS

Technical manuals Dodge ¾ ton
• TM10-1530, May 1942. Parts List 3/4 Ton 4X4 Dodge Truck WC-51 thru WC-58
• TM10-1531, May 1942. Maintenance 3/4 Ton 4X4 Dodge Truck WC-51 thru WC-58
• TM 9-808, Nov 1942. 3/4-ton, 4x4 Truck (Dodge). (Updated - May 1943, Jan 1944, & 1947 Govt. Reprint of Jan 1944 version)
• TM 9-1808A, Sept 1943. Power Plant, Clutch, and Electrical System for Basic Vehicles - 3/4-ton 4x4 and 1 1/2-ton 6x6 (Dodge).
• TM 9-1808B, 1943. Power Train, Chassis and Body for Basic Vehicles - 3/4 ton 4x4 and 1 1/2 ton 6x6 (Dodge).
• Ord 7 SNL G-502, Jan 1943, Truck, 3/4-Ton, 4x4 (Dodge Model T214). (Updated - April 1943, June 1943, March 1945, April 1948, July 1951).
• Ord 8 SNL G-502, Feb 1943. Truck, 3/4-Ton, 4x4 (Dodge Model T214). (Updated - Aug 1943, March 1945, Jan 1948, May 1951).
• Ord 7-8 SNL G-502, July 1944. Truck, 3/4-Ton, 4x4 (Dodge Model T214).
• Ord 7-8-9 SNL G-502, August 1944. Truck, 3/4-Ton, 4x4 (Dodge Model T214).
• Ord 9 SNL G-502, May 1945. Ordnance Supply Catalog Truck, 3/4 Ton, 4x4 (Dodge Model T 214).
• "Special Reassembly Instructions For Built-Up Stripped Trucks T-214 3/4-Ton Trucks (2-Unit Packs)" 1 July 1942.
OTHER
• TM10-1199, May 1942. Master Parts List covering Dodge trucks built for United States Army.
• SNL G657, Dec 1943. Master Parts List covering Dodge trucks built for United States Army.
• TM9-1808C - Modern addition to the wartime manuals covering driveline interchanges - lots of good information.

For downloading some of these manuals go to Documentation & Downloads

Technical bulletins
• TB ORD FE 7, 1944. Conversion of T214 and T223 Dodge Engine Assemblies and P14 Plymouth Passenger Cars.
• TB 9-808-4, 1944. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4, Command Reconnaissance and Carryall (Dodge Model T214 Having 12-volt Electrical System): Removal of Generator Regulator Field Terminal Filter.
• TB 9-2830-14, 1944. Reclamation of Dodge 1/2-ton Truck, Front Axle, Bendix-Weiss Universal Drive.
• TB 9-2830-31, 1944. Reclamation of Bent Dodge Crankshaft Pulley.
• TB 9-2830-32, 1944. Conversion of 1934 through 1939 Dodge 1 1/2-ton Transmission to 1941 and 1942 (Model T202, T207, T211, and T215) Dodge 1/2-ton Transmission.
• TB 9-2830-56, 1944. Conversion of Dodge Clutch Housings 9115514, 58999, 592386, 579442, and 589282 to Fit any Chassis Using Dodge Model, T112, T202, T207, T211, and T215, Engines.
• TB 9-2830-77, 1944. Reclamation of Dodge 581500 and Similar Type Clutch Bearing Sleeves.
• TB 9-2830-83, 1944. Conversion of 1934 and 1935 Autolite, Dodge Starting Motors, for Use on 1939, 1940, and 1941 Dodge 1 1/2 Ton Truck.
• TB ORD FE56, 1945. 3/4-ton, 4x4 Truck (Dodge T214). and 1 1/2-ton, 6x6 Truck (Dodge T223): Adapting Front Axle Spring Clip Plate for Attachment of Monroe Shock Absorbers.
• TB ORD 277, 1945. Fits, Tolerances, and Wear Limits for Dodge T202 Engine.
• TB ORD 284, 1945. Trucks, 1/2-ton, 4x4; 3/4-ton, 4x4, and 1 1/2ton 6x6(Dodge): Unauthorized use of "217" Engine.
• TB ORD 290, 1945. Fits, Tolerances, and Wear Limits for Dodge T203 Engine.
• TB ORD 291, 1945. Fits, Tolerances, and Wear Limits for Dodge Model T118 Engine.
• TB ORD 293, 1945. Fits, Tolerances, and Wear Limits for Dodge T211 (to Engine Serial No. 42001), T207, and T112 Engines.
• TB 9-808-7, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4, Weapons Carrier (Dodge T214 Model WC51): Differences between the 6- and 12-volt Electrical Systems.
• TB 9-808-8, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4 (Dodge T214): Transfer Case Noises.
• TB 9-808-9, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4, Lubrication Instructions.
• TB 9-808-FE1, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4 (Dodge T214): Reinforcement of Frame Side Rail.
• TB 9-808-FE2, 1945. Truck 3/4-ton, 4x4, Ambulance (Dodge Model WC-54; T214): Reinforcement of Attendant's Seat.
• TB 9-1808A-1, 1945. Fits, Tolerances, and Wear Limits for Dodge T214 and T223 Engines.
• TB 9-1808B-1, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4 (Dodge): Conversion of 8 3/4-inch Drive Gear Carrier Assembly to 9 5/8-inch Assembly and the Two-Pinion Type Differential to the Four-Pinion Type.
• TB 9-1808B-2, 1945. Truck, 3/4-ton, 4x4, WC 64 KD, Ambulance (Dodge T214): Monroe Telescopic Shock Absorber.

CHASSIS

The chassis of the KD is the same as the standard Dodge WC-series vehicles, with the 6-cylinder, 230 cu.in. Dodge engine and 4-wheel drive. It has the longer 121-inch wheelbase of the WC-54 ambulance, with the addition of a heavy reinforcing plate riveted to the outside of each frame rail (see photo 1). Thus the ambulances have the longest wheelbase of any of the WC-series vehicles. The WC-64 was the only WC fitted with Monroe Telescopic Shock Absorber that gave it the most confortable ride of all WWII Dodge trucks. Apparently no WWII ambulance was fitted with a power takeoff or winch. A pintle hook is installed at the rear, but it was supposedly quite unusual for an ambulance to tow a trailer.

PHOTO 1 reinforced chassis

CAB AND CANVAS

The cab (Photo 2) is essentially standard WC-series, except that it has a different cowl vent assembly, has a hot-water personnel heater (with a second heater in the rear box), and has a spotlight attached to the cowl ahead of the driver's door, operating from a switch on the dash. The canvas top, over the cab, was almost certainly pre-assembled, with the canvas attached to the bows, folded flat (the bows are hinged), and shipped in a cardboard box. In the field the back of the bow assembly was bolted to the front of the rear box, while the front of the bows clamped to the top of the windshield frame, like a weapons carrier or command car with a folding top. A rope is used to pull the rear of the canvas top down into a channel on the front of the rear box, thus providing a weather seal. The rope is then tied off at the sides.

PHOTO 2 WC-64 cab almost the same as standard WC

The flat canvas box on the top is for storage of the doors when they are not installed on the vehicle. The box was held in shape by an internal sheet metal framework around the sides.

The vehicle was provided with removable canvas doors with plastic windows. Not visible in the photos is a six-foot red cross on the roof.
Apparently almost all of the KD's that were shipped during WWII went to the European theatre, with only a few remaining in the U.S. While most U.S. military vehicles in Europe had a circled star on the hood, apparently this did not apply to the ambulances. Probably this was to maintain an appearance of neutrality so as to avoid air attack.


REAR BOX CONSTRUCTION

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. Both parts of the rear box were apparently manufactured by Briggs Mfg. Co., Detroit, Michigan. While many cab and chassis bolts have a Dodge Brothers logo on the head, none of the bolts in the rear box do. The internal bolts are either unmarked or have an "A" on the head, while the external bolts are unmarked or have either an "A" or a "BA" on the head. Parts may have been made by more than one manufacturer. For instance, there are two types of stamped stiffeners embossed in the rear storage box steel doors (discussed below).
The upper rear box is 7'10" long and 6'10" wide, with 5' of headroom in the centre. The lower box is 14" longer due to forward extensions for intern al storage.

Lower Rear Box
The lower box contains two full-length plywood benches with padded seats. The pads are only about 1/2 inch thick, covered with pebble-grained, canvas-backed OD plastic, and filled with horsehair (it appears), so they could not have been very comfortable. The centre section of the bench forms the top of the rear wheel well, while the front and re ar sections of the bench are the lids to storage compartments below the seats.
Since the under-seat storage areas were not accessible when stretcher bound wounded were present, there are four vertical steel doors below the benches that allow alternative access into the storage spaces. These doors would often be blocked by stretchers that were stored along the sides, held in place by two buckled webbing straps on each side.

The lower box is not insulated. There is some evidence that, on some vehicles, the inside of the storage boxes may have been painted white, although this may have been done when and if they were refurbished for later use.
There is an 6" X 10 114" steel box with damp-type latches, similar to an ammunition box, bolted to the forward vertical surface of the right-rear corner storage box.

It has a sliding steel drawer, presumably for safe storage of surgical instruments as it is not large enough to hold many ban¬dages. There is a hot-water personnel heater installed below the emergency door, behind and between the front seats, that serves the re ar compartment. This is in addition to the heater above the passenger's feet. The front heater appears to vary in style in different KD’s, while the rear heater, which is unique to the KD, is always of the same design. The rear compartment flooring is made of wood, probably oak, with steel runners. The boards are 3/4" thick, 7 5/8" wide and 8' 2" long (mak¬ing the use of standard 8-foot boards impossible). The boards have several cut-outs (for the rear step hinges, gas tank sender access, mounting bolt washers, etc.), and were grooved about 1116" deep full-length for the runners.

PHOTO 3 Folding racks for two stretchers were provided in the rear box, in addition to two stretchers that rode on the bench seats

There is a folding step below the centre rear door to ease access into the rear. It folds up in side the door when not in use, and could be either folded flat against the door or used as a seat for a medic.

Upper Rear Box
The upper rear box was said to be of "composite" construction, meaning that is was a combination of steel and wood. It is wood-framed, again probably oak. The outside is made up of sheet steel panels, inducing a one-piece roof that is nearly 8-feet long by 7-feet wide. The interior is paneled with 1/4-inch hardboard, cut from 4'X8' sheets. The panels are held in place mostly by slotted oval-head wood screws and cup washers. The screws and washers were apparently cadmium or zinc plated and not primed before painting (although this may not be true for all vehicles).
The top and sides of the upper box were insulated with cardboard, about 1 1/2 inches thick, without the hard facing used in cardboard boxes. This was nearly perfect material for soaking up and holding rainwater, and so probably has contributed to the rusting and destruction of many of the rear boxes.
The rear box has two ceiling lights (with translucent white glass lenses), and three ventilation blowers. The blower openings are screened and have rotat¬ing opening controls, but there is no provision for keeping rainwater from coming through them. Each of the lights and blowers has its own switch.

The rear box has a front "emergency door" and three rear doors, all of which open to the rear. The emergency door and centre rear door have roll-down windows. All doors can be locked by means of sliding deadbolts, and the centre rear door also locks by means of the ignition key, so the truck can be securely locked up (which is nice when it sits over-night at a show). The three rear doors are apparently insulated with cardboard also, but they are crimped all the way around and so are difficult to patch or remove the cardboard without cutting sections out of them.

The individual sections of the box were apparently painted OD prior to assembly, then bolted together with cadmium or zinc-plated bolts, nuts and washers and painted again. Thus, with no preparation for painting, the paint was not firmly attached to the fasteners and easily chipped off, exposing the plated surface. In some cases it appears that the fasteners that were used in the field to assemble the box sections and attach the box to the vehicle were not painted OD, and remained as bare cadmium or zinc plate once the ambulance was completed.

PHOTO 4 The stretcher racks could be lowered at the rear to simplify loading of wounded

Two racks are installed in the rear box, providing room for two stretchers in addition to two that rode on the benches (Photo 3). Thus a total of four stretcher-bound wounded could be carried. The racks are designed to fold down against the sides to provide room for about eight less severely wounded men. They also can be lowered at the rear (Photo 4) to allow easier loading of stretchers which could be slid in from the back. The racks are held in place by very strong latches on three corners and a bolted bracket on the fourth (front outboard) corner. They also have webbing safety straps that hang from the ceiling and a stiff¬ener on the rear door (Photos 3 and 4) that goes under the end of the rack, all of which prevent the rack from dropping while the ambulance is moving.

Stretchers are held in place by a channel on the outboard side that holds the stretcher legs, and by buckled webbing loops that fit over the stretcher handles on three corners. The fourth (front outboard) stretcher handle fits into a metal bracket on the front wall.

REFERENCES
© MVPA written by Glenn D. Harris Mesa, Arizona, 1994
Mike Hitchens, Kent, England
Lou Moore, Shawnee, Kansas
Russell Pratt, Bahama, North Carolina.
Dodge Military Vehicles, 1940-1945, Collection No. 1 by T. Richards, Brooklands Books, England
Ordnance Supply Catalog, ORD 9 SNL G-502, Truck, 3/4 Ton, 4x4 (Dodge) (Model T-214), 1 May 1945.


This is only a small part of the information I collected, for more T214 and Dodge 3/4 ton truck information and manuals send me a mail.