I just obtained, after 10 years of trying, my Grandad's 1975 d100, 2wd Custom, with the 225 slant 6, Auto, single cab shortbed. Yes, 10 years. Kinda a long story. Anyway, brought it home yesterday.
I'll post pictures of the truck soon. But I have a few questions. The slant 6 needs to be rebuilt. Its in pretty crappy shape. I don't know what happened, but one of the pistons had a hole in it, so its been removed, and the valve cover and oil pan has been sitting outside of the truck for 8 years, and so the engine has been opened since then. Moreorless, its probably rusted from the look of it. I might be able to rebuild it. However, I am thinking I'd like to drop a v8 in it. What kinda of problem would I have to put efi 360 magnum engine in it? I have that engine in my 1997 Ram 1500, and I really like it. A friend of mine had a 318, and I hated it. No power, couldn't even barely cherp the tires.
Anyhow, I think that would obviously mean I'd need a transmission too. Would the axle that came with the truck work with that transmission?
What kind of re-wiring would you think I'd need to do? How much of a custom job could this be?
Anyones help, or ideas would be great. I promise to try to document what I do, and then post it here. I just need some ideas and help. Thanks all!
Mopower79
06-23-2008, 06:38 AM
What kinda of problem would I have to put efi 360 magnum engine in it?
I'm guessing.. But I would say you would need a donor truck to make that happen correctly..
Just off the top of my head you would need.
Engine of course.
computer & related control harness(s)
Fuel Tank (for the pump & any return fuel line (s))
Motor mounts.
Transmission & Tranny mounts??
Radiator
Then there will be issues with
Sending units & speedo..
Looks like alot of work..
Keep us posted
Marty86
06-23-2008, 09:42 AM
I'm guessing.. But I would say you would need a donor truck to make that happen correctly..
Just off the top of my head you would need.
Engine of course.
computer & related control harness(s)
Fuel Tank (for the pump & any return fuel line (s))
Motor mounts.
Transmission & Tranny mounts??
Radiator
Then there will be issues with
Sending units & speedo..
Looks like alot of work..
Keep us posted
That actually doesn't sound like it would be TOO bad. The short coming on my part, is that I am not a fabricator. I can get people to do that for me, but I myself am not. I've swapped a Chevy 305 for a 440 (440 was blown, it was a friend of mines grandpa's truck, so he just needed fuel econmey...), and I've also swapped a Ford 300 straight 6 and put in a 351 V8, so I've had experienced swapping for different motors, as long as they are as close to plug and play as possible.
I am sure I can find a donor truck at a junk yard...kids wreck trucks around here right and left. Really such a waste.....
Fnix
06-23-2008, 09:48 AM
You would be able to chirp the tires with a 318 with some better gears. Besides it's a 2 1/2 ton truck.
Delray Dude
06-23-2008, 11:07 AM
A swap to an 8 is not a bad thing - but the conversion to the new style motors needs a full donor truck to get all the parts and pieces and like said above, most guages and such will not work.
Another option (much cheaper) is to V-8 it with the "old school" line - you can build plenty of power with a 318 or 360 with out going through the hassles and such for the new electronic conversions .
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON BUILDING A 400 H.P. 318. (http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0304_318_small_block_build/index.html)
(I'm building a similiar 318 to the article and I'm sure I'll suprise a few idiots out there....)
Marty86
06-23-2008, 02:00 PM
A swap to an 8 is not a bad thing - but the conversion to the new style motors needs a full donor truck to get all the parts and pieces and like said above, most guages and such will not work.
Another option (much cheaper) is to V-8 it with the "old school" line - you can build plenty of power with a 318 or 360 with out going through the hassles and such for the new electronic conversions .
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ON BUILDING A 400 H.P. 318. (http://www.hotrod.com/howto/113_0304_318_small_block_build/index.html)
(I'm building a similiar 318 to the article and I'm sure I'll suprise a few idiots out there....)
Hmm, interesting. I don't know much about the old 360's, just the new ones. I have a friend with a 340 though...
What kinda of carb setup did the 360 come with? What transmission options do we have for it? I want to stick to auto because this was my Grandad's truck, so I don't want to cut into it to much. This is moreorless me building it the way he might have liked it.
Delray Dude
06-23-2008, 03:24 PM
any 318 / 340 (if you can find one) or 360 from 1987 back will work - the late 60's are better if you can find them - they have a higher compression ratio and valve reliefs cut into the pistons. All you need is the metal motor mounts out of the truck and it'll bolt right in.
The stock 318's are usually found with a 2 bbl and many of the 360's were, but they also could be found with a 4 bbl - usually a spreadbore thermo-quad.
you can easily pick up an aluminum manifold for the small chrysler cheap on e-bay. They will bolt up to all three engines - then you run a square bore carb - usually a holley.
As for transmissions - you have a few options, you can get the 904 (weakest) or 727 (bulletproof) 3 speed automatics and they will bolt in to the crossmembers as is. If you go to a 727, you will need a driveshaft (or have them convert the input shaft - I'm pretty sure you have the small one on the /6. The 904 is a small one too.
You can also score a 518 trans (4 speed overdrive) transmission - and do a little fab work and go that route. Here is a link to a site that tells you all you need to know:
I would be doing this to my truck if I was gonna stay auto. I currently have a stock 318 / 904, but when I build the other 318, I want a clutch and will be going to a a-833 overdrive. That requires a change in pedals, cutting 2 holes in the cab and the linkages and floor cover hump - can easily be found in yards - I've already acquired all the pieces I need (including the P R N D 2 1 blank out plate).
B-300
06-23-2008, 03:27 PM
360's came with 2bbl's in the early years (71-73) and had a 4bbl Thermoquad as an option 74- 8? Somtime in the early 80's they went to the Rochester Quadrajet. Late 80's went TBI. About 91-92 the Magnum engine with MPFI came out.
Note: It appears Delray wins on post time.
77Utiline
06-23-2008, 04:48 PM
The bottom end on all of the 360/ 5.9L is identical what makes the Magnum different is the cam, timing set, mechanical fuel pump (or lack there of), timing cover (though they do interchange) and the biggest pieces to the puzzle the heads and the intake. The heads will bolt on to an older block thus allowing the newer intake. It sounds and seems much more complicated than it is believe it or not. I am still trying to get the time to stuff my 5.9 into my 77 granted I'm simply going from a 318 to a 360 rather than a slant six but as I recall the main difference between the chassis' is the engine support member. Anything else involved with your swap (as far as I can see) has already been listed. Also unless you're swapping gauges too get the sending units for your model year and not the 5.9. Also make sure that the ECM doesn't control the VR for your alt. also (unless you want to run the newer alt. too). One more important key though is the left side motor mount on a 360 is different than ANYTHING else due to the shape of the oil pan etc. Good luck and enjoy IT'S A BLAST!!!
Marty86
06-26-2008, 12:24 PM
Well I got under the truck today, and did a good one over on it. I hadn't been able to do this because I was trying to spray away the Hornet's nests, and Mud Bees (whatever they are called). Now that I think they are away, I pulled out all the nests. I stopped counting at 13, but I can guess the upwards of 20-25 of them. Definitely not unuseal for East Texas truck sitting for 10 years.
Anyhow, I think what I've decided is I'm going to get the engine out of there, and take it to a shop and see what they can tell me. So I'm going to try that first, then we'll see about taking the 360 v8 route.
Does any know of a place like LMC Truck.com, except for these old Dodges? They only have new Dodges at LMC Truck. I'd really like to find a place as organized as they are for interior, exterior, as well as driveline parts. I also are looking for Body Parts too.
Thanks!
Mopower79
06-26-2008, 03:43 PM
body parts..
http://www.rustrepair.com/repair_panels/onlinecat.htm?r=ru&p=sm
Interior & driveline parts.. There at a few sites..
What are you looking for ??
waltjason
07-01-2008, 02:02 AM
I just purchased a 1979 Power Wagon 200 Crew Cab with a rebuilt 360, and Dana 60 Axles. but I need some body parts such as a drivers door or at least the outside skin because it is rusted out. I have search the net to no avail so I hope some one could please help me. TXS
Marty86
07-01-2008, 10:46 AM
That link there in the poster above you should help you. :)
Fnix
07-01-2008, 11:43 AM
I would do a 360
Marty86
07-01-2008, 12:26 PM
I would do a 360
I would too. But I'm on a budget, so I'm going to compare the two; i.e. repair cost of rebuilding the slant six, or getting a junkyard 360 in there.
waltjason
07-03-2008, 12:28 AM
Txs for the info it was just what I needed. I have another question I'm trying to buy motor parts for it but how do I know if it's a d200 or w200? It is 4x4 with a 360 in it the info tag is missing on the door and theres not one under the hood.
If someone could help I would appreciate it Txs
Mopower79
07-03-2008, 07:40 AM
how do I know if it's a d200 or w200?
D is the nominclature for 2wd..
W is for 4x4
So yours is a W200..:cool:
waltjason
07-03-2008, 03:02 PM
txs for the info this is all new to me.
86_custom
07-03-2008, 03:02 PM
if ya still want the magnum 360 try and find a wrecked 93 pickup and swap over everything (harness, guages, motor, tank including pump and sending unit, OD tranny, 9.25 rear end etc) to me that would be the easiest way. It would be harder with your 75 than an 81+ model but the trucks are still essentially the same making it very do-able
Marty86
07-05-2008, 06:15 PM
if ya still want the magnum 360 try and find a wrecked 93 pickup and swap over everything (harness, guages, motor, tank including pump and sending unit, OD tranny, 9.25 rear end etc) to me that would be the easiest way. It would be harder with your 75 than an 81+ model but the trucks are still essentially the same making it very do-able
I am confused with what you mean with your last sentence...you had me up til there.
ramitupurs84
07-08-2008, 09:18 PM
I think he is getting at that the 75 is going to be harder to do compartively to a older (numerically higher) truck. I think it's going to be alot of work, I don't know I am almost to the end of my build motor wise and I have 2 years into it.
I would take it in and maybe they can dip it and sonic blast it and you really be able to tell. I would keep the 6 in it. Everyone is running these sb/bb and sooner or later we won't be able to enjoy them as much with gas prices. You can build a nice 6'r. Look at the point of view of being able to afford the gas it going to drink/how much time you want into before you can enjoy it/ money and how different do you want it to be. Thats just me.
86_custom
07-09-2008, 01:26 PM
what I meant was that in a 81+ truck the swap from the 92 or 93 would be easier mainly because of the interior, the dash's are the same so all the wires would be the right length, the fusebox is the same style and in the same spot as well as the guages. It could definitly be done in a 72-80 it would just be that much more work
Moparfreak1980
07-09-2008, 02:50 PM
you can build a slant six to be far better then stock go to www.slantsix.org and check out some of there rides
Marty86
09-09-2008, 10:55 AM
Well, the good ole Sixer is out, and we've decided it isn't worth it. I'm probably going to keep the engine around, but I don't believe I'm going to put it back in. So, now begins my search and saving for a 318 plus tranny.
Speed Dragon
09-09-2008, 03:25 PM
Where are you located, again?
Marty86
09-09-2008, 09:17 PM
Fort Worth Texas.
waltjason
09-12-2008, 07:00 PM
Does anyone know if doors off a 1984 ramcharger will fit a 1979 power wagon
86_custom
09-12-2008, 07:19 PM
Does anyone know if doors off a 1984 ramcharger will fit a 1979 power wagon
Where did that come from? but the answer is no . Tin goes like this 72-80, 81-93.
D200 Chris
11-15-2008, 09:32 PM
I had a 318 very similar to what they built in a 74 charger. Embarrassed more than its share of bigger engines...including a 440 in a 73 charger ( probably because mine hooked up ;) but still.
Currently working on my 75 D200 that used to be a shop truck for my family's engine shop. Has a 360 that I plan to take to 408.
I guess it all depends on what you can get your hands on.
bookworm
11-16-2008, 08:41 AM
Does anyone know if doors off a 1984 ramcharger will fit a 1979 power wagon
Actually, the doors will fit.
the body lines will not match, but the doors will fit the hole. The hinges will bolt up, the latch will match up with the striker.
Look at the mid 80's clubcab mopars. All they did was take a 70's era cab and put later doors on it.
Short answer, yes the doors will fit. It may not look "right", but they will go on the cab.
