Posted by John Bitter on November 09, 1997 at 01:28:46:
In Reply to: Re: Difference between C-3-PW and C-4-PW posted by Joe Cimoch on November 06, 1997 at 08:47:59:
Power steering is the difference of the '56 PW's after serial no. 83949001. Is it a C-4-PW ??? Read on...
Big trip today to my father-in-law's 48 year old Dodge dealership & a bigger knot on the bridge of my nose where an I-beam clocked me as I was going through attic storage. I was able to locate an extremely dusty original "MOPAR Parts List for Dodge Power Wagon" !!! This appears to be the last dedicated PW parts book. Beginning in 1957, PW's are combined with all Dodge trucks - D (2 x 4), W (4 x 4), P, C, & T series.
This last PW only parts book was issued Apr 30, 1956 (supersedes Jan 30, 1953) & covers series WDX through C-3-PW. The '55 - '56 C-3-PW starts with serial no. 83944001 - just as Joe indicates on his "Model Year Detail" page - good so far. Now for the twist - there is a 3 page supplement issued Jun 1957 - "MoPar Parts List Supplement for "C" Series Model DODGE TRUCK POWER WAGON". "This list contains additional parts for the C3PW Power Wagon AFTER Serial No. 83949001" (exact wording & capitalization). The parts book never really indicates C-4-PW, I imagine it could be interrupted as such.
Joe's "Notable Changes" page (under "Model Year Detail" page) notes 1956 changes as power steering & 11 inch clutch. It appears power steering was only available after 83949001, while the clutch was before that. From what I can tell in the 3 page supplement, in addition to the power steering components, a few clamps change on the front axle, a new hand brake lever & pedal is required & the R & L front floor pans have new part numbers. No pics or specs are provided so I don't know how different they are from the non-power steering models - maybe someone has actual experience with '56's before & after serial no. 83949001 ???
A change was definitely made & a supplement issued - is it a C-4-PW - you make the call. The headache from my I-beam encounter hopes at least one person can use this info.
Cheers, JB