727 to a518 trans swap

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reek

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So I really want an "overdrive" on my old truck so I'm planning out a 727 to a518 swap for my d100 restoration. From what I can tell, there's a 3 1/2 inch length difference. Drive shaft I can get cut or a custom made locally.

The trans crossmember, I'll have to fabricate. First off, anyone done this or similar swap?

I have a plasma cutter, bench top cut off wheels, and a MIG/flux welder. I've made some various farm use type things for wagons and carts but never automotive using 1/8 inch angle iron. From what I can tell, with some planning it seems pretty straight forward. Am I over simplifying things? Should I be looking more at bigger badder welder or gas - implying I need hardened steel?

any help would be appreciated. Both on the trans choice and welding / fab work.

Rick
 
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reek

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been looking around. come to the conclusion if I can get a transmission cross member from an 89-93 4 speed ram 150, it should work. maybe easier to fab one then find one. but that would allow a518 or 46rh swap with only the drive shaft needing work.
 

Dan70

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It would probably be easiest to find a truck with the a518 in it and pull all the linkages and crossmember from it. I would imagine that would be the easiest way instead of fabbing the stuff from scratch.
 

crazzywolfie

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i am pretty sure all the linkage should be the same. it sure looks the same. the cross member may be different but i think the old style mount will still bolt to the newer transmission. if you do find a newer cross member you may also want to get the actual rubber mount the goes between the transmission and cross member. that is the only part i have never actually seen for sale.
 
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reek

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It would probably be easiest to find a truck with the a518 in it and pull all the linkages and crossmember from it. I would imagine that would be the easiest way instead of fabbing the stuff from scratch.


yeah, probably right. with time and actual fab cost, may be equal to just another (4th) parts truck sitting in my front yard.
 
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reek

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crazzywolfie

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yeah, probably right. with time and actual fab cost, may be equal to just another (4th) parts truck sitting in my front yard.
there is really nothing to the cross member. you could make something that would do the job in no time at all with little to no effort.
20150521_223913.jpg
 

codered

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thanks for the link. I found that earlier and added it to my bookmarks. I'm hoping to go RH not RE though, so I don't have to deal with the electronic OD issue.
Just don't go past 95 and you'll be good.
 

crazzywolfie

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too bad you weren't closer. i think i might have a 46rh but then again it might be a 42rh. i think it would need a rebuild but i think it would probably be a good core to rebuild since i have a feeling some kids burned up some of the clutch pack in it while muding the truck so the overdrive unit should still be in good shape.
 
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reek

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too bad you weren't closer. i think i might have a 46rh but then again it might be a 42rh. i think it would need a rebuild but i think it would probably be a good core to rebuild since i have a feeling some kids burned up some of the clutch pack in it while muding the truck so the overdrive unit should still be in good shape.


I think I saw one of your old posts, you used a piece of a ram van?

Appreciate the offer of the trans. Not sure where you are but I'm assuming its more than just an after work trip....

I'll probably end up modding my crossmember since finding a 4 speed ram 150 2 wheel drive around here is near impossible.
 

crazzywolfie

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that was most likely be my 91. swapped a 87 ram van engine/727 trans into it. used the trans mount out of the 91 and the trans bolted right in. i think you really just need to get the trans and stick it in there and you will see how easy the swap will most likely be. the mount location on these things did not really change much
116_0302_trans02_z.jpg


ya i am pretty sure i am nearly at the opposite side of the country.
 
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reek

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that was most likely be my 91. swapped a 87 ram van engine/727 trans into it. used the trans mount out of the 91 and the trans bolted right in. i think you really just need to get the trans and stick it in there and you will see how easy the swap will most likely be. the mount location on these things did not really change much
116_0302_trans02_z.jpg


ya i am pretty sure i am nearly at the opposite side of the country.

GREAT PIC! thank for the info. That helps out a lot. I'm in the planning phase and some of my anxiety is probably unfounded. I'm used to doing chevy's and parts/reproduction/adapters are a dime a dozen, it's almost not even a challenge. But I've always been a mopar fan and grew up with d100's in the family, so it's time.

I figured you were a ways away. Don' t really see much snow on vehicles here in Cali.

As soon as I finish building my garage add on (need more room for my car restorations), I'm tearing into the truck.

On a side, note: any experience with crate motors? ATK seems to be a decent choice for mopar motors. I want to put a crate into my stepside to get it going. Meanwhile, I want to take my time and learn / rebuild the 360 that came with one of my parts trucks.
 
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crazzywolfie

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no problem. i have seen that pic a lot since i have considered doing the conversion myself.

ya we get our share of snow up here.

i wouldn't mind a garage but don't see it happening too soon. i will just have to keep wrenching in the driveway but at least i got good neighbors.

i don't know much about ATK. the only issue you might have is emission. i know they are real strict out there and even engine swap sound like they can be difficult just because of how many rules there are.
 
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reek

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no problem. i have seen that pic a lot since i have considered doing the conversion myself.

ya we get our share of snow up here.

i wouldn't mind a garage but don't see it happening too soon. i will just have to keep wrenching in the driveway but at least i got good neighbors.

i don't know much about ATK. the only issue you might have is emission. i know they are real strict out there and even engine swap sound like they can be difficult just because of how many rules there are.

pre 1975 is still NO emissions around here. Titled vehicle will be a 1972. having said that, hoping to go 408 stroker with a a518 4 speed. Eventually you'll see a restore thread on here.
 

crazzywolfie

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i knew the law was something like that but they may end up changing the law to include even older vehicles one day especially with how tight emission laws are there.
 
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reek

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that would be the last straw on my proverbial camel's back to make me move. Weather and nature is great but as the years go by, the less I'm willing to 'pay' for it. Until then, I'll have to just enjoy my long tube headers on my 65 el camino as much as I can.
 
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