First seen in 1974, the Dodge Ramcharger was a rugged, full-size SUV that was engineered for sound power and utility whereby approaching buyers had the option of choosing between the tough 5.2-liter (318 CID) and the 5.9-liter (360 CID) V8 engines, both of which Transmission options were strong 3-speed Torqueflite automatics and the 4-speed manual gearboxes, which were replaced by 4-speed automatics and 5-speed manuals later on to boost drivability and fuel economy. Packed with assertive four-by-four systems that had transfer cases such as the NP203 and NP208, the Dodge Ramcharger was able to do good off-road, usually aided by manual hubs for extra traction. Early Dodge Ramcharger models incorporated the removable roof design that would increase the versatility but later ones replaced the removable roof for the fixed-roof configuration with better interior amenities and lots of cargo room. To maintain the Dodge Ramcharger's legendary performance and personality, owners are advised to use authentic OEM Dodge Ramcharger parts wherever it can be found, but many of its owners hold firm to a standard of high quality certified or remanufactured parts to uphold factory levels of durability and reliability.