So, for a long time now i assumed the tranny in my Dakota was a NP3500 but it is actually an A535/NP2500. Curious if the bell housings are the same? Would this transmission be able to handle my motor if I modify or tune it for higher output? I'm just looking at my options. I need to do a rebuild on the tranny at some point and I'm wondering if it's better to try and find a np3500 instead. I plan on keeping the motor, rather than swapping it out.

 

I don't know much about that transmission. But I'm sure it could handle anything you do to that LA V6 short of a turbo. The 3500 should be the same bell housing.