I have a 1995 Dakota 318 2WD with a weak auto transmission (3 sp w/ OD). Will an A-727 (have one on hand) work in this truck? What mods if any will be needed?

 

It depends... is the 727 set up to go on a small block? If so then yes, it will fit. The computer will throw codes for the electronic overdrive and torque converter lockup not being present, but it won't change how the truck runs.

But just out of curiosity, why do you want to put in a 727? Its a whole lot of work that in the end will be completely pointless. The a518 is a 727 with overdrive. Sorry to break it to you, but the a518 isn't the weak transmission you may think it is. Gears 1-3 in the a518 are the same as the gears in the 727, the only difference is the overdrive unit attached to the tail of the a518. There are only 2 weak points in the a518, and the first one has nothing to do with the transmission itself. First off, Dodge's factory cooling system is complete crap. The number 1 cause of Dodge truck automatic transmissions failing is due to overheating and burning up cause of the subpar factory cooler. Disconnect it and run an auxiliary cooler. The second weakest point is the little overdrive unit, but you can turn it off with the press of a button. If you would really rather swap a transmission than simply press a button, it's your call, but I think pressing a button is much easier and less of a headache. Personally, I would want the overdrive there to use on the interstate. It will keep the rpms down and you'll get better gas milage. If you think the gas milage on these trucks suck right now, try driving 70mph long distance in 3rd gear and see how much worse it will get!