1947PLEVY Posted February 1, 2011 Report Posted February 1, 2011 Hi Everyone..I got a question concerning swapping transmissions...I have a 76 dodge motorhome w/360. I don't know what transmission, but just a 3 spd..Is there a newer model that has an overdrive...that will bolt up? So the RPM's can drop?? At 70 it's wound pretty good.. Thanks Alot and God Bless US All....John Quote
Kevinb71 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Posted February 1, 2011 Yes a 518(727 based) is a bolt to engine swap. You will most likely need to fab a new crossmenber for mounting the rear mount. They are found in 89-93 dodge pickups with 2wd. There is also the A500 (904 based) that is lighter duty. The A518 has a kickout on one side of the trans pan whereas the A500 is relatively square. Quote
Kevinb71 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Posted February 1, 2011 Allpar (another website ) says that 89-94 was the A518. Some later transmissions will also work, but they started with electronic shifting and they get more difficult to use in a swap. Good luck. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted February 1, 2011 Report Posted February 1, 2011 DO keep in mind that the A518 will have to have the correct torque converter for the externally balanced 360 engine...one scored from a 318 will do but you will need the Mopar Performance blance weight to weld on...is available complete with instructions...the RH coded tranny is the baby you looking for...H stands for hydrauclic shift and the only electrical yu need is the external override OD lockout switch.. Quote
Frank Elder Posted February 2, 2011 Report Posted February 2, 2011 On the hamb someone was saying you could eliminate the push button for overdrive and install vacuum device instead that will automatically shift you in and out of overdrive. Post #18 Murfman RH designation tranny http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=552630 Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted February 2, 2011 Report Posted February 2, 2011 (edited) on the a518 the tranny by default is a automatic overdrive and if you wish not to engage the OD, that is the function of the OD lockout switch..even if you have it locked out..and shut off the engine..when next you start it reverts back to OD mode..no vacuum..is electric function..I have converted the OD switch from the donor Dakota A500 on my 51 Plymouth Suburban in a custom contoured bezel..just too easy of a hook up..has a back lit switch to read its after dark and lights bright yellow when you are disengaged.. Edited February 2, 2011 by Tim Adams Quote
Kevinb71 Posted February 2, 2011 Report Posted February 2, 2011 Tim is right of course about the convertor needing proper weights for balance on a 360, but another option (easier, but a few more bucks) is to use a flexplate that is balanced to the engine. Summit or Jeg's among others will have listings for them. Quote
1947PLEVY Posted February 3, 2011 Author Report Posted February 3, 2011 Thanks Guys.. The A518 sounds like the way to go..Now to find one.. One more question..Do I need the driveshaft? For the front yoke or will the old one work on the output shaft? Thanks again...God Bless US All..John Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted February 3, 2011 Report Posted February 3, 2011 possible you will need to change the yoke..get the one from the donor vehicle..regardless of the series drive shaft you can get a conversion joint to mate the old with the new..this is what I did when I upgrade and did a bit of mix and match tranny/rear gear Quote
1947PLEVY Posted February 3, 2011 Author Report Posted February 3, 2011 Thanks Again.. I was thinking on getting the driveshaft too...Just to be safe..Thanks.. John Quote
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