50-Years-Family-Owned Cummins-Powered 1946 Dodge Power Wagon WDX

Description

The 1946 Dodge Power Wagon WDX marked the debut of civilian four-wheel-drive trucks born from Dodge’s WWII military experience. Launched in January 1946, the WDX was advertised as “the Army truck the boys wrote home about…redesigned for peacetime use,” featuring a rugged 230 ci flathead-six (T137) on a 126” chassis. It was one of only two factory-built, general-use 4x4 trucks (alongside the Jeep CJ), capable of handling roads and rough terrain alike. With its flat-fender cab, heavy-duty drivetrain, and 2,000‑lb payload, the Power Wagon quickly became a versatile workhorse for farmers, ranchers, and municipalities, laying the groundwork for the modern 4x4 pickup.

This extensively upgraded example draws heavily from two first-generation Dodge Ram pickups, incorporating a 4BTA aftercooled Cummins diesel engine, a modern automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, power steering, and air conditioning. Finished in a deep green with contrasting black fenders and a custom steel flatbed, this 1946 WDX Power Wagon retains its original cab, fenders, and frame, blending classic heritage with contemporary capability.  

Having spent roughly 50 years in the same family, this 1946 Dodge Power Wagon WDX is now offered with a clean Washington title in the seller’s name.  

Highlights 

• Kept within the same family for 50+ years

• First factory-built, general-purpose 4WD pickup by Dodge 

• 4BTA Cummins diesel engine swap 

• Power steering, air conditioning, and more

• Seats reupholstered with marine grade leather 

Factory Equipment 

• Commercial cab with civilian “flat-fender” styling 

• Split, tilting two-piece windshield 

• Fender mounted headlights 

• Front mounted winch 

• Butterfly hood 

• Turn signals 

Modifications 

• 4BTA Cummins diesel engine 

• 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission 

• NP205 transfer case 

• Dana 44 front / Dana 60 rear axles 

• 3.55 posi-traction front and rear 

• 1-ton leaf springs 

• 5–6" lift 

• 55-gallon fuel tank 

• 8-lug hubs 

• Custom-fabricated 4-wheel disc brakes 

• Power steering 

• Vintage Air heating and cooling

• Electric windows 

• Aftermarket secondary headlights 

• Aftermarket auxiliary gauges 

• Air horn 

• Trailer brake system 

Servicing & Documentation  

• April 2022: Rebuilt brakes 

• Spring 2021: Rebuilt leaf springs 

• Spring 2020: Re-wired with main board behind the driver’s seat 

• 1998-2000: Restoration and upgrades 

Known Imperfections  

• Corrosion on some underbody components 

• Paint imperfections from trail use 

• Removed PTO

Ownership History 

According to the seller, this 1946 Power Wagon WDX was originally owned by a farmer in Woodland, Washington, then traded to their father around 1975–76 in exchange for a 1955 Chevrolet pickup. Neglected and covered in moss, it was revived by the seller’s father and used for years exploring the Pacific Northwest, hauling firewood, rescuing stuck vehicles, and even performing heavy-duty tasks like moving equipment. It became central to family adventures, including winter camping trips near Mt. St. Helens. The truck holds deep sentimental value to the seller, representing time spent learning mechanics and exploring with his father. Later, the seller’s husband and his father spent over a decade modernizing and rebuilding it, making it a reliable daily driver. It has been part of countless memories—road trips, hunting, and hauling—and remains cherished for its history, rarity, and the emotional connections it carries. In 2020, the truck took a three-week road trip through Route 66, Moab, and Yellowstone, sharing the journey online, which led to Ram Trucks featuring her photos in their 75th anniversary campaign.  

Included Items 

• Spare wheel/tire 

• One key 

Additional Information 

From the seller, “Nearly my full life of 53 years, she’s been a part of my life. I have years of memories of my father and me overlanding in the snow, camping at the coast, the slow speed, the times with my husband together inside that tiny cab. She is a work in progress, just like me. She deserves to be seen, shown, and given the love I am unable to provide. Miles of smiles, hundreds of backroads full of memories—I will cherish them all.”