i have a 1996 dodge dakota sport, currently with a 2.5L mated to an ax-15 i just have to say first off, that truck is the best one i've had.

I really want to drop a 318 into my dakota, but i want to know, is it possible to keep the ax-15? Can i just replace the bell housing? if so with what?

 

Im not to familar with the 4cy but Ya I belive it will work if you just change the bell housing, or you may not need to. But no v8 ever came with it. So the v8 has to much power for that tranny. You may blow it up. It would be best to get a nv3500.

 

well one of the main reasons i ask is because ive heard of people mating my transmission to the 318 with a different bell housing. but just because its possible doesnt mean it should be done. and if i understand correctly the nv3500 that they put in s-10s wont fit a 318, correct? im having a hard time finding a nv3500.

 

Yeah, I think you'll blow that ax-15 with the v8, especially with any load behind it.

 

There's a couple behind 360 swaps, so yes. Just be easy on it or it won't last long.

 

I put a ax-15 in my dakota and I have the 5.2. I haven't had a single problem out of the tranny. I would be easy on it for a few months though.

 

ok sounds good, i think i may try it with the ax15 first. besides what have i got to lose! it doesnt have that many miles on it any way, and ive modified my L4 enough that i think its used to a little more stress than normal, that said obviously its used to 4 more pistons and nearly double the torque haha.

 

So can i match up n ax15 to an older v-6. I have an 88 dakota and it has a blown np535.

 

if you end up doing that swap id like to buy that bellhousing and flywheel off of you!