Looking at transmission options behind 360

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DRTDEVL

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Ram Year
1980
Engine
360
I have a 1980 Sportsman van chassis (1981 completion) Winnebago "Minnie Winnie" 20RG RV. It has a 360 and a 727 driving it, but it gets HORRIBLE mileage. I have contemplated engine swaps (4BT, 6BT), but honestly, they won't be cost-effective for the little driving the RV sees. I'd probably drive it more if it got more than the 5-6 mpg it does now... so the thoughts turned to the transmission.

The 727 is obviously a non-lockup, non-OD 3-speed. I am looking for the easiest swap to an OD trans, preferably with a lockup convertor. I keep coming back to the 47RH from the 1994-1996 2500/3500 Rams with a TC lockup switch, but I am wondering if there are any other viable and cost-effective options.
 

reek

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2015 RAM 2500 CC 4x4, 72 D100, 73 D100, 01 RAM 2500 field truck
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6.4 Hemi
I'm currently working on the same issue. the easiest swap would be an a518 or 46rH. should be on 90-95 vans, 92-95 Dakota 318s, 90-95 ram 150 V8s and ramchargers of the same era. if you go to a pick and pull, grab the shift linkage and if you can the shifter, they're just a tad different. BTW, your 727 should be a lock up. I think only pre78 didn't have lock ups. if it matters, the lock up version have a smooth tail end of the input shaft and the non locks are splined all the way down.

hope that helps some.
 

ric3xrt

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on the big of a ride you didn't get the lock up convertor.
like Reek said your best bet is the 518 or the 46rh , I think the 518 would be a better choice.
 

DesertWagon

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The 518 is a 46/47/48re. The inter parts are interchangeable. Just different bellhousings for gas or diesel.
 

crazzywolfie

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on the big of a ride you didn't get the lock up convertor.
like Reek said your best bet is the 518 or the 46rh , I think the 518 would be a better choice.
hahahaha. a 46RH and 518 are the exact same tramissions. just different names for them kind of like you could call the older transmissions a 727 or a 36RH
 
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