4 speed conversion???

[gunnarunitover]

hey all,
i have a 72 pw 318 that has been converted to a divorced transfer case, and my tranny is goin bad (3speed auto) and id like to convert it to a stick, but i was wondering how hard/possible it would be to do... anyone done it?

thanks,
steve

[cribbs74]

Steve,

If you can wait until the 23rd(done converting mine) I will be able to give you a complete rundown of what is needed. I can however tell you to find a donor vehicle so you have all the parts when you need them. More to come

[gunnarunitover]

cool, yah i have plenty of time lol. but please let me know..

[cribbs74]

Just got back into town last night. 4 speed conversion is complete. I will post tonight concerning the results.

Ron

[cribbs74]

So..........................Basically everything was straight forward with the exception of me having to fabricate a mount for a two piece driveshaft where I used to have only a one piece. This is because the NP 435 uses a non-slip yoke. The pedals were a direct swap the linkage ,clutch, flywheel, bellhousing etc. were a direct swap. The big stumbling block was the trans tunnel. For some reason Dodge decided to stamp different tunnels for different trannies so I had to cut my tunnel so e3the NP 435 would fit. Like I said before find a donor vehicle and keep it until the job is done. Oh and don't forget to swap out the steering column. If you have any specific questions just ask. The whole job took one full day(10hrs).

Ron

[cribbs74]

Since you have a divorced case the driveshaft may not be too much of an issue. What type of tranny did you want to use?

[gunnarunitover]

cool! might not be as bad as i thought. that was my other queston... what kind of tranny should i use?
ps. about how much did it cost?
thanks,
steve

[cribbs74]

Well........

Depends on what you are looking to do with the truck. I wanted to put in an A-833 so I could have the overdrive and drop down my highway revs. I found the donor truck for 100 dollars with the NP-435 so it went in instead. The NP 445 would be a little better but not much. You could go the NP-2500 route like Speed, still the low 1st gear granny though. I forgot to mention that the pilot bushing on the back of the crank may not be reamed out on your auto however they do make a bushing to fit NAPA part# 615-1033. With a new clutch kit you would be out about 150.00 plus the cost of a donor vehicle.

Ron

[Speed Dragon]

You can't use an 833, they never made them for 4x4. You can use the NP-435, NP-445 NP-535, AX-15, NV-3500, and NV-4500.

[gunnarunitover]

well i dont think it has to be for a 4x4 because mine was converted to a divorced transfer case... is there a way to find the dimensions of the different trannys for length?

[Speed Dragon]

Well, if you can use a long-tail trans in front off the divorced t-case, you can use the 833. Otherwise you're hosed :)

[sgillett]

The b body car 833 and 727 are the same dimensions: length, drive shaft splines, mount position...
I converted a '70 RoadRunner from 833 to 727 many years ago, it was cake.
I know that is the wrong direction but the dimensions are correct.
My $.02
Scott

[gunnarunitover]

sweet! thanks a-lot guys!
o one more stupid queston... how do i know what tranny im lookin at in a donor? is it stamped on the side?
thanks,
steve

[Speed Dragon]

833's aren't marked, that rest should be. Usually there's a round tag on a New Process trans, w/ the model # and ratio etc. 833's are distinctive, you won't mistake it for a 5-spd :)

[440 WARWAGON]

DID anyone catch that Steve said that "someone converted his 72 to divorced mount t case? All Dodges were divorced mounted untill the New process 203 in 74.Steve if you are set on using a A833 try one out of a Dart "A body its shorter than a "B body 727 or A833. Oh yeah your current 727 auto is also a short shaft design and one out a car or D series truck wont work!