1989 transmission upgrade

[jeff77indy]

I had the 727 in my '89 CTD 4x4 250 rebuilt last year and it's already about to go again.

I have a chance to get a auto out of a 1993 350 CTD and am wondering if this is a do able swap. The '93 burnt and if it is a 4x4 I maybe able to get the entire setup including drive shafts. I've seen some other post on this topic but neede to ask anway.

Also does the '93 have a lockup torque converter seems it would be an easier swap without it.

What other parts in general would be good to pickup if in good condition to improve the performance of my '89.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[bvanetten]

I believe it's called the 518. It doesn't have a lockup tc but does have od. I've heard Bill with DTT say that (when built right) it is the strongest of the Dodge trannys.



Bruce

 

[rowland]

Swap

I just did that exact swap in my '89. The transmision is almost a direct bolt up. The only complication is the fact that it is about 5" longer so the transfercase needs to be moved back and the drivelines shortened/lengthened. No major modifications to the cross members were necessary, however the T-case skid plate needs new brackets and the exhaust will have to be cut and rewelded. If you do it right, you can cut about a 2' section out and simply swap ends for a perfect fit.



The overdrive needs a 12V power source to operate, I just wired it in through a switch on the dash.



Good luck, I sure love mine. I can actually keep up with traffic now, maybe even pass people!



Rowland

 

[jeff77indy]

transmission swap

Rowland; What about the starter and flex plate? If it's a fairly straight forward swap I guess I'll call the guy and see what he'll take for the complete setup. Would the drive shafts help me any? He had the engine for sell for $625, so maybe he'll sell the transmission setup fpr a good price.

Jeff

 

[rowland]

swap

The 518 is the same transmision as the 727, it just has the electric O/D unit bolted on the back and a different valve body. Starter, cooler lines, etc. are all direct bolt ups.



If you can the T-case with the transmission it would save some time if you could drop both at once and replace as a unit. Also, if the drive shafts on the 350 are the same as the on the 250 that would save more time and money.



Is the intercooler on the '93 still in good shape? Thats one thing I wish I had on my '89. It would be a nice upgrade if you could get it for cheap.



Rowland

 

[jeff77indy]

I talked to the guy today I can get the transmission for $300. It has 160,000 miles on it. I believe this is a good buy and I'm going to try and get the torque converter and plate with it. It's a 2wd so I'll have to use my transfer case and drive shafts.

I'm going to check on the inner cooler when I go over there tomorrow and see what else maybe worth while. The cab is the only thing that burnt. Seems like he is parting it out at pretty reasonable prices. $625 for the engine if anyone is interested.

Jeff

 

[jeff77indy]

Rowland; Just got back from looking at the transmission. Looks good then the guy offered me anything I wanted off the truck including the motor but not the rearend, driveshaft, and some frontend parts for $600 so I bought the whole thing. The innercooler and radiator appear to be fine.

Is there any diffrence in a 4x4 518 and a 2x4 518? Should be able to bolt my 205 to it after removing the tail shaft right?

Also it is a 1992 instead of a 1993 which should not make a diffrence I hope.

Jeff