wayfarer

Here is a link to the Airgas site with lots-o-info... http://www.airgas.com/content/details.aspx?id=7000000000143

It is really a non-issue as far as the car goes...OK, you can have an issue...but MotherMopar used the off-set in many production cars. Visually, it would be hard to detect unless you (he, they...) are searching and has zero effect on driveability.

...with all of the foregoing drama maybe a swap to a 5-speed is the easy answer to having a floor shift. As has been noted, you are not likely to find a 'bolt-on' unit for the Hy-drive trans.

Bummer... There are waaaay too many criminals plying their trade in the old car hobby and somedays even cash is suspect. I use paypal alot but hate the 3% fee...yeah I know about the 'gift' label. Be cautious about USPS money orders as they also have be counterfeited. My local PO has a scanner gizmo they pass the mo's through to check them. In short, until I have cash in hand nothing gets shipped. On the flip side, I recently sent a check, which was promptly cashed, for a cam core. I am still waiting.............

The fuel lines look downright scary and its too early for Holloween...

I don't think that differential noise is off-topic since all of our cars have one and often they make some un-holy noise when worn out. As to the trans in question the 88 Dak should have either the AX5 or AX15 but could have the NV535...all 5-speeds and each good when used for the appropriate application. What is the issue/difference in diagnosing trans problems just because of the model year? The basic design has not changed all that much...

I agree with young ed, measure the thread depth and use a bolt that will be just shy of exiting the back end. And be sure to use a sealer on any threads that will be exposed to water.

It looks like it belongs there!

Nice Car! ...and that is a pretty fancy 'hood latch' that you have there... Keep us posted. It seems like a great alternative to the t-5.

Any up-dates on this project?

SeaFoam

Commercial rebuilders rarely want to deal with any really old or odd-ball engines as that would require them to actually search for parts that the warehouse does not stock. Your best bet is to gather all of the parts, do an inventory of said parts, take some photos of said parts including the stamped use code (top-front of the block), look here, and then advertise on one of the other 50's Mopar appropriate forums. The DeSoto engines are actually quite popular right now with the street rod crowds. If, in fact, it is a 341, and you have all of the important pieces, you will be surprised at the dollar offers! Now if you still want to give it away, my address is... Oh, by the way, ignore the crap about using gm parts, blasphemous...

Before you 'throw it in the engine' you really should do a close examination of the condition of the lobes to see how much wear is evident and whether or not a regrind is in order. Any wear patterns that you can feel with a finger nail need to be fixed. Additionally, you should run a dial/digital caliper on each lobe to see how much they vary in overall height.

...you left out the engineers....

You will eventually remove the crank. You will eventually remove all of the pistons. So why the reluctance to do it in short order? Nothing is gained by prying on the flywheel or using a long lever on the front bolt. There is, however, danger of causing damage. If you must continue in the present fashion try bolting a six foot long bar to the face of the flywheel and rock it back and forth. I'm with some of the others...pull the crank if you can, then use a block of wood and a BFH on the top of the pistons.

That 251 looks pretty clean inside! If you have rust showing in the holes you might try something like vinegar, some folks swear by Coke (as in Cola), or even something a bit stronger like 'driveway rust remover'. The large block of wood and a bfh trick is good if the crank is out but not as effective with 5 other pistons holding the crank in place.

My web site is still under construction, and probably will be for a long time, but what is there is fully accessible. Take a look around and let me know if you have any questions. www.qualityengineeredcomponents.com

Your merge sounds just like what the factory did for many years. If you have need to make changes I am sure that the engine would appreciate a 3" pipe from the merge aft.

Be sure to talk with George Asche...814.354.2621

You are probably correct...I don't have any bells to measure but I do have a pile of flywheels. Interesting that, apparently, I have no 208-218 'wheels in the lot as all of them have the same offset. Somehow I have managed to avoid collecting the Plymouth pieces...

Dan, good to hear that the major work is behind you now. What diameter pipe did you run from the merge aft?

Kerry, since many have opined on the value of the sixes I'll add only one engine related thought. As was mentioned, there is a difference between the 23" 218 and the 25" 218 that impacts some swaps. If yours is a 25" you are good for swapping a 251 or 265 with little extra effort involved. Huge reward, but little effort. However, if you have a 23" engine then swapping can still be done but you will need to use the appropriate flywheel for the 230 and larger engines. The crankshaft flange is a bit different on the smaller (201-218) displacement engines. You also have the option of installing a late 5- speed trans for better freeway manners. Some have mentioned the t-5, used by gm and ford, but you also have the option of the AX-5 or AX15 (Dakota and Jeep, 1986-1994). Somewhere in the search function you will find a Ranger 5-speed swap that is pretty straight forward. If the all-Mopar theme hits home you can get some additional details here: www.qualityengineeredcomponents.com .

As you will find, there are very few late model parts that simply 'drop-in'. As noted, there are still repair parts available if you dig around some. If you decide later on that a newer trans is needed drop a line and we can discuss a swap. www.qualityengineeredcomponents.com .

x2 There is no shortage of go-fast parts for the Mopars, there is however, a shortage of folks willing to actually do some thinking. I find no fault with GM or the sbc...as long as they are not stuffed into every available Mopar. If I was a lotto winner I think that I'd buy a real nice 55 BelAir and install a flathead just to turn the tables.