Hey this might be a really stupid question but.....................i have 89 dakota convertible, basic 3.9 4x4 with an a500 trans. Is it possible to upgrade to the a518?? I am going to do a v8 upgrade maybe next year but i need a new tranny now. So i was wondering if i could upgrade the trans now and engine later?? Sound crazy or maybe feasible??

 

Yes it is very possible and is worth it for a V8 swap. Depending on what year ect the wiring may be your only thing to modify. The only difference is the gearing, the V6 transmission has a lower 1st gear to compensate for lower TQ numbers.

 

It would be an easy swap if you stay with the older 518 and stay with 518 converter. It's not a bad idea because when you do the engine swap the tranny will already be in.

 

thank you very much guys for your responses! i appreciate it!!

 

the 91 dakota shelby had a 319 with a stock 89 3.9 drivetrain, the tranny's are the same it's just the electronics are different. if you want to upgrade then put kevlar plates in it.

 

Yes correct the Shelby's did have a LA 318 in front of the stock A500(V6 transmission). But what you have to remember that the LA 318 only made 175 hp which is 5hp more than the Rams 318 due to the electric fan. Stock V6 Magnums made 180HP. So for that transmission can handle the poor performance of stock 318 LA.

So if the OP decides to upgrade from the V6 to a stock LA 318 the stock V6 transmission (A500) would be fine. But anything else with more HP would do best with the proper V8 transmission`(A518).

Source: http://www.dakota-truck.net/shelby.html

 

In one of our Cordobas with 360 4 bbl we have been running a 500 trans for the last 5 to 6 years and it works just great.