I have the above van with he following equipment;
-318 4 bbl -727 3 spd auto transmission -355 rear gears -9 1/4" axle
1-What year of Dodge Dakota or Durango will have a 4 speed auto transmission that I can transplant into my van? ( with the above listed equipment)
2-Which torque convertor would I use, the one from the 318, or the one which comes with the new transmission?
3-What gears would be best suited to give the lowest bottom end and still keep the same top end? 410's ?
4-Is there any info out there as to the location of the serial numbers on the transmission?
thanks - I hope some one can give me some help;
thanks,
Kevin
Dodgevanman
01-13-2005, 08:31 PM
Kevin,
You'll need the A518 OD transmission from a 2WD truck from early 90's up until (I think) 1996. This transmission is also known as the 46RH transmission. After 1996 these transmissions were electronically controlled and you don't want that one. You may have to come up with a custom mount and because the A518 is longer than the A727, you'll need to shorten your driveshaft as well.
You'll have to use the TC that comes with the transmission. The only thing you'll have to research is the size of the pilot hole in your 318's crank as compared to the hub on the A518's TC.
Transmission numbers should be on the left side of the transmission right above where the pan mounts...right below the shift linkages and neutral safety switch. These are the casting numbers.
3.55 is a good all around gear, but a 3.90 gear would be good for some lower end punch, but (in my opinion) 4.10 is a bit much for use on the highway, even with an OD transmission.
vandude
01-16-2005, 06:39 PM
Due to Technical Difficulties, please see next post.
vandude
01-16-2005, 06:40 PM
Kevin, here is a web-site that should provide you with all the needed info for your swap:
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/alto_3.htm
SPs 77 Dodge
01-17-2005, 12:21 PM
Thats a great site vandude. Are you thinking of a swap?
vandude
01-19-2005, 06:52 AM
Due to unemployment I can't afford it yet but want to as soon as possible. In spite of being equipped with a 360 & 727, mine came with a puny 8 3/8 rear.
I just got a 8 3/4 rear from a '73 B200 which will require a shorter driveshaft. Since the 518 also needs a shorter shaft, I'll swap the trans & rear at the same time time then figure out the shaft length.
**sigh** I just spent 8 Franklin's on getting my 727 rebuilt.
I wonder if the 518 tranny would work with a /6???? (extra electronics modifications)
Dodgevanman
01-21-2005, 12:19 PM
The A518 is a non-electronic trans. (prior to '97 I think). It could work with a slant six, but you'd need to go and find the adapter plate and flexplate spacer that /6 Dodge trucks used prior to 1968 with A727 transmission. That was before Dodge built a /6 specific 727...they all had the V8 bellhousing pattern so Dodge came up with the adapter plate in trucks only. Cars had the A904 for the /6.
The A518 has the same basic dimensions as the A727 but is a bit longer.
