I am looking at buying a 79 dodge power wagon. It has a 318 with a 727 and a np203 transfer case. The seller is saying that this truck is a all time 4 wheel drive. The trans is leaking, and needing a rebuild, after someone screwed it up. My question is how hard would it be to find a trans that is full time 4 wheel drive? I have not heard of such a thing, but have read about other trucks of this era, and they had full time 4 wheel drive. Would it be better to try and convert this trans to one of the later trans? ANy info is greatly appreciated. Most of my knowledge is on the fuel injected 88-91 trucks.
scott03slt
01-22-2008, 09:51 AM
trans will be the same.........
its the TRANSFER CASE that is different..........
all you need is a small block bell 727 from another 4X4 of any type.........
or of course you could rebuild the one you gots already
scott
mopar89ram
01-22-2008, 12:59 PM
Could I use any small block 727 trans? Also I have read about where you can rebuild the np203 where it doesn't go into four wheel drive full time?
mikehopkinsjr
01-22-2008, 01:09 PM
The T-case can have a part-time kit installed to where it isnt 24/7 4x4, but yes as scott said you can use any small block bell 727 from another 4X4 of any type
Speed Dragon
01-22-2008, 06:06 PM
Any smallblock 4x4 trans will work. 2wd could be converted but it's way more trouble than it's worth.
In order to make it a true part time 4x4, you'd also have to swap on part-time lock-out hubs on the axles. Not a big deal really. But honestly, I don't think there'll be much of a difference in fuel mileage.
mikehopkinsjr
01-23-2008, 12:28 PM
Most likely isn't mines part-time and I get 8-12 mpg, may be lower cause of gears, lift, tires, big carb etc.
bherder
01-23-2008, 09:59 PM
I agree.... At the cost of changing a WHOLE lot of mechanical stuff over, the 1 ... MAYBE 2 mpg you may gain is simply not worth it.
Fact of the matter is: You got a truck that was built when gas was a buck a gallon.... 4x4 and a full time 4WD..... Carburator and some VERY inefficiant smog crap on it....
So, you can either enjoy what ya got, and suck it up, or you can go buy 1/2 a truck (Toyota) :D :D :D
dodge310
01-26-2008, 02:16 AM
Personally I wouldn't change it over. I seriously doubt that you would gain any Mileage at all. The money to change it over, plus the aggrevation just wouldn't be worth it.
LEVE
01-26-2008, 10:04 PM
You might want to think about a transfer case modification (http://www.offroaders.com/tech/Diagrams/np203.htm) that allows part time 4WD.
