The Dodge 100 Series Commando Trucks - Made in England
Dodge 100 Commando Concept
The Dodge 100 Series Commando was first developed by Commer Cars Ltd as a concept in 1965/66 and was intended as a replacement for the aging Commer VC and CE range of vehicles which ranged in weight from approximately 8 tons to 24 tons GVW/GCW.
ALSO SEE: 1969 Dodge commercial trucks (USA); Commer/Dodge 500 Series
The acquisition of an interest in the Rootes Group in the mid 1960s by the Chrysler Corporation meant that the new range of trucks had to complement the newly introduced Dodge 500 Series. The ultimate aim was to produce a range of vehicles ranging in weight from 7.5 tons GVW up to 32 tons GCW. The upper weight of 32 tons being the maximum weight allowed in the UK at that time. This was to be achieved using three different cab widths and heights, but essentially using the same styling.
For the lower end of the weight range the vehicles would employ Perkins diesel engines. For the heavier models the Rootes Group TS3 and TS4 diesel engines and Cummins diesel engines were to be the favoured power plant.
Three prototype vehicles were built in 1968 using the initial styling concept. This particular style had somewhat more shape than the final version, (it had a number of compound curved surfaces), and in the late 1960s this would have resulted in very expensive tooling bills. However, at the same time, the whole concept underwent a major review due to external influences. In 1965 Ford UK introduced the D Series which proved to be an effective competitor to both the Commer range of vehicles and the Bedford TK. What made Ford such an important factor was that it set new standards in both price and unladen weights. It was also streets ahead of their previous offering, the Ford Trader.
At the same time, the UK Government was introducing new legislation on power to weight ratios, stricter control of vehicle gross weights, axle loading and noise emissions. The noise legislation had a devastating effect on the future of Rootes Group’s own diesel engines, the TS3 and TS4. Neither engine could be economically suppressed to meet the new legislation. Later the situation was further complicated when Chrysler Corporation took full control of Rootes Group and the Spanish heavy truck manufacturer Barrieros. This effectively limited the 100 Series to 4x2 rigid vehicles of 7.5 tons to 16 tons GVW and 24/28 tons GCW tractor units. A 6x4, 24 ton tipper vehicle was introduced into the range in the late 1970s.
Following the concept review in 1968 the cab styling was completely changed taking on a more box-like appearance. This was basically the cab style that went into final production.
At one stage an investigation was carried out to determine what the implications would be if the range were to be marketed in the USA. However, major changes to the design would have to have been made in order to meet the FMVS requirements. These changes made the project unfeasible on cost grounds.
Power plants
During the design phase of the Commando the major concern was the power plant. At the lower end of the range Perkins diesel engines were employed namely:
- Naturally aspirated four cylinder 4.256
- Naturally aspirated six cylinder 6.354
- Turbocharged six cylinder T 6.354
Although the Perkins diesel engines were reliable and adequate for their intended tasks they were not particularly well known, at that time, in Europe. This was seen as a problem in as much that the European Common Market was becoming a reality and it was the intention to export the 100 Series into continental Europe. To this end several different engine manufacturers were investigated. The first of these was Mercedes Benz. The engine considered was the OM352 as it was well known in Europe. This was intended to be the premium engine offering. Following a full development programme this engine was put into production.
Two Mitsubishi six cylinder diesel engines were tested in two prototype vehicles. Although they produced sufficient power they were high revving engines and proved to be unsuitable for the intended application and the test programme for these engines was suspended.
The other engine considered was a MAN-DEUTZ air cooled diesel one. This project did not get beyond the feasibility stage due to major installation difficulties.
At various times during the programme Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel and the Italian company OM were all considered as engine suppliers but were all rejected. The final engine line was the Perkins engines and the Mercedes Benz OM 352.
Transmission system
The choice of transmission system was relatively straight forward. The Rootes Group had developed a range of synchromesh gearboxes for the VC and CE models during the 1960s which had proven to robust and reliable. These units, with minor modifications, were incorporated into the vehicles; the four speed transmission being used in vehicles up to 12 tons GVW and the five and six speed boxes being used above this weight.
The rear axles were a mixture of Rootes Groups’ own hypoid design and Eaton’s single and two speed axles.
Chassis
The chassis was of a conventional ladder frame construction although it used higher UTS steels than those previously employed. The front and rear suspensions were of a lightweight multi-leaf design using minimum leaf helper springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Single leaf suspension was investigated during the concept stage but was rejected on the grounds that it was unproven technology.
For vehicles up to 13 tons GVW the brakes were air/hydraulic supplied by A P Lockheed. Above this weight Girling supplied full air S cam brakes.
Initially a completely new design of steering gear was employed on the lower weight vehicles but this proved to be unreliable so the more conventional steering gears supplied by Cam Gears were used. Power steering was achieved by using a power steering ram.
Test programme
The test programme was straightforward apart from the problems caused by the new noise legislation. This resulted in a protracted test schedule involving the use of noise absorbing side shields and under trays. This, in turn, led to difficulties achieving the engine cooling targets. As computer predictions were in the early stages of development, these problems had to be overcome by using a series of tests that were based on trial and error and experience until acceptable compromises were found.
Overview
The 100 Series was in production for approximately 15 years and saw service in most areas of the world. During this time the 100 Series was branded as Commer, Dodge, De Soto, Fargo and Renault. In the mid to late 1970s a Mark 2 version was launched which was essentially a series of engine upgrades and minor refinements to the chassis and cab.
The occasional model can still be seen in service on the roads of the UK today and may well be in service elsewhere in the world.
ALSO SEE: 1969 Dodge commercial trucks (USA); Commer/Dodge 500 Series
