Dodge C-800 and C-900 Trucks Built for Heavy Hauling and Municipal Duty

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Dodge Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks
During the 1960s and 1970s, Dodge was a significant player in the medium and heavy-duty truck market, competing with Ford, GMC, and International Harvester. The C-series, including the C-800 and C-900, represented Dodge’s effort to offer versatile, durable platforms for vocational use—ranging from dump trucks and fire engines to school buses and municipal haulers.
Produced under Chrysler’s commercial division, these trucks were part of a broader strategy to expand beyond passenger vehicles and light pickups. While Dodge eventually exited the heavy-duty segment in the late 1970s, the legacy of the C-800 and C-900 remains strong among collectors, restorers, and municipal fleets that still operate these machines in limited service.
Terminology Clarification

• Cab-over-engine (COE): A truck design where the cab sits directly above the engine, reducing overall length and improving maneuverability.
  
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum operating weight of a vehicle including payload, passengers, and fuel.
  
• Split rim: A type of wheel rim used on older heavy trucks, consisting of multiple components that can be separated for tire mounting.
  
• Hydrovac brake booster: A vacuum-assisted hydraulic brake system common in mid-century commercial vehicles.
  

Design Features and Configuration Options
The Dodge C-800 and C-900 were typically configured as COE models, although conventional cabs were also available. These trucks featured:

• GVWR ranging from 25,000 to over 35,000 lbs depending on axle configuration
  
• Gasoline and diesel engine options, including Chrysler’s 361 and 413 V8s, and Cummins inline-six diesels
  
• Manual transmissions ranging from 4-speed to 10-speed split-range setups
  
• Air or hydraulic brakes depending on application
  
• Steel cabs with large windshield visibility and dual side mirrors
  
• Frame lengths customizable for dump bodies, tankers, or box trucks
  

A municipal fleet in Ohio operated C-900 dump trucks for snow removal well into the 1990s, citing their reliable cold-start behavior and simple mechanical systems as key advantages over newer electronic models.
Engine and Drivetrain Characteristics
The C-800 and C-900 were offered with a range of powerplants tailored to vocational needs. Popular choices included:

• Chrysler 361 V8: ~235 hp, known for torque and simplicity
  
• Chrysler 413 V8: ~265 hp, used in heavier-duty configurations
  
• Cummins NH220: ~220 hp diesel, favored for long-haul and fire apparatus
  
• Detroit Diesel 6V53: ~195 hp two-stroke diesel, used in specialty builds
  

Transmission options included:

• New Process 435 4-speed manual
  
• Spicer 5-speed with 2-speed rear axle
  
• Fuller 10-speed split-range for highway use
  

A fire department in Pennsylvania retrofitted their C-900 pumper with a Cummins 555 diesel in the 1980s to improve fuel economy and torque under load. The truck remained in service for over 30 years.
Braking and Steering Systems
Most C-series trucks used hydraulic brakes with vacuum or hydrovac boosters. Air brakes were optional on heavier configurations. Steering was manual or assisted via hydraulic pump, depending on model year and spec.
Maintenance tips:

• Inspect hydrovac units for diaphragm wear every 5,000 miles
  
• Flush brake fluid annually to prevent internal corrosion
  
• Grease kingpins and steering linkages monthly
  
• Replace split rims with modern tubeless wheels for safety
  

A restoration shop in Texas converted a C-800 to disc brakes using aftermarket kits, improving stopping distance and reducing maintenance complexity.
Body Applications and Vocational Use
The C-800 and C-900 were used in a wide range of roles:

• Dump trucks for municipal roadwork
  
• Tankers for fuel and water delivery
  
• Fire engines with midship pumps and ladder racks
  
• School buses with extended chassis and custom bodies
  
• Box trucks for regional freight and moving services
  

Body builders like Heil, Garwood, and Ward often partnered with Dodge to deliver turnkey solutions. A contractor in Michigan operated a C-900 with a Garwood refuse body for over two decades, praising its rugged frame and easy-to-service drivetrain.
Restoration and Collector Interest
Today, surviving C-800 and C-900 trucks are sought after by vintage truck enthusiasts. Challenges include:

• Sourcing original trim and emblems
  
• Rebuilding obsolete brake systems
  
• Finding compatible tires for split rims
  
• Replacing rusted cab panels and floorboards
  

Solutions:

• Use donor parts from Dodge D-series pickups for cab components
  
• Retrofit modern brake boosters and master cylinders
  
• Convert to tubeless wheels with custom adapters
  
• Fabricate patch panels using 18-gauge steel and MIG welding
  

A collector in California restored a 1972 C-800 tanker and displayed it at the ATHS national meet, drawing attention for its period-correct paint and fully functional pump system.
Conclusion
The Dodge C-800 and C-900 trucks represent a bygone era of American vocational engineering. Built for durability and adaptability, they served in countless roles across industries and municipalities. While no longer in production, their legacy lives on through restorers, collectors, and the occasional fleet that still relies on their mechanical simplicity. With proper care and thoughtful upgrades, these classic workhorses continue to roll with pride and purpose.