External Overdrive 1987
#1
10-23-2011, 03:02 AM
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External Overdrive 1987
I was planning to do a swap from 32rh to nv2500, but since crazy4x4 keeps saying that this is stupid, i am exploring other options. I REALLY want a manual... But he says that it would be smarter to buy another truck than do a swap. It wouldnt be expensive, but apparently just really difficult.
So i am wondering if it would be possible to install an external overdrive unit on the transmission.
Preferably, if anyone knows how i can do any of the following, it would be really helpful:
Find a list of vehicles that came with an nv2500 tranny
Locate the model number on transmissions - more of a general, "check these locations"
A list of every compatible transmission for a 1987 dodge dakota 4x4. Note that I am willing to cut the 4x4, remove the tranny and front driveshaft if it is possible without significant expense.
Thank you everyone for your help, both past, and future.
And i am sorry crazy4x4, to completely discount your opinion, but i cant get another vehicle. I absolutely love this truck, and since its my daily vehicle, i have to get better mileage, i just cant leave it though, even just to have two. This is my vehicle that i will be driving for the next few years regularly, that is that.
So i am wondering if it would be possible to install an external overdrive unit on the transmission.
Preferably, if anyone knows how i can do any of the following, it would be really helpful:
Find a list of vehicles that came with an nv2500 tranny
Locate the model number on transmissions - more of a general, "check these locations"
A list of every compatible transmission for a 1987 dodge dakota 4x4. Note that I am willing to cut the 4x4, remove the tranny and front driveshaft if it is possible without significant expense.
Thank you everyone for your help, both past, and future.
And i am sorry crazy4x4, to completely discount your opinion, but i cant get another vehicle. I absolutely love this truck, and since its my daily vehicle, i have to get better mileage, i just cant leave it though, even just to have two. This is my vehicle that i will be driving for the next few years regularly, that is that.
#2
10-23-2011, 09:51 AM
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I didn't mean it as an insult. Heck I know how you feel, my truck started off life as 2wd then 4wd now a SAS.
What I meant is it is going to be some custom work involved, and unless your ready for some custom work then buying a 2wd is best. There will not be a direct bolt on kit ect. Some dakotas came with the NV2500 if you can get most parts from it then it may work with minimal customization.
But if your doing it mostly to save MPG your not going to gain much, maybe 100lbs for the trasfercase and 30lb for a auto to manual. If you remove the front diff maybe another 100lb but you will have to rip apart the CV joints to keep the outer shaft to hold on the hub bearings.
Here is a list of transmissions as per the FAQ.
Manual
1987 - 1991 New Process A535 / NV2500 (same transmission... the name changed when the company was sold) A good NV2500 post Here.
1992 - 1993:
L4 and V6 AX-15 5-speed (1st 3.83, 2nd 2.33, 3rd 1.44, 4th 0.79 Rev. 4.22)
V8 No Manual trans offered.
1994 - 1996
L4 and V6 AX-15 5-speed
V8 NV3500 5-speed (1st 4.01, 2nd 2.32, 3rd 1.40, 4th 1.00,5th 0.73, Rev. 3.55)
Here is a list of Manual transmissions by make and year.
Here is a list of manual Transmissions with descriptions of different transmission.
What I meant is it is going to be some custom work involved, and unless your ready for some custom work then buying a 2wd is best. There will not be a direct bolt on kit ect. Some dakotas came with the NV2500 if you can get most parts from it then it may work with minimal customization.
But if your doing it mostly to save MPG your not going to gain much, maybe 100lbs for the trasfercase and 30lb for a auto to manual. If you remove the front diff maybe another 100lb but you will have to rip apart the CV joints to keep the outer shaft to hold on the hub bearings.
Here is a list of transmissions as per the FAQ.
Manual
1987 - 1991 New Process A535 / NV2500 (same transmission... the name changed when the company was sold) A good NV2500 post Here.
1992 - 1993:
L4 and V6 AX-15 5-speed (1st 3.83, 2nd 2.33, 3rd 1.44, 4th 0.79 Rev. 4.22)
V8 No Manual trans offered.
1994 - 1996
L4 and V6 AX-15 5-speed
V8 NV3500 5-speed (1st 4.01, 2nd 2.32, 3rd 1.40, 4th 1.00,5th 0.73, Rev. 3.55)
Here is a list of Manual transmissions by make and year.
Here is a list of manual Transmissions with descriptions of different transmission.
#3
10-23-2011, 10:48 PM
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Thanks for the added information and links. I am not doing it for the savings based on weight, but the fact that my transmission locks 1:1 at 32mph. Since 80+% of my driving is highway, i either have to drive 45mph, or waste a ton of gas.
I didnt mean no imply that i was insulted, moreso that i value your opinion and respect you. I prefer someone to be blunt and tell me when i am being an idiot, rather than let me continue making a fool of myself.
I didnt mean no imply that i was insulted, moreso that i value your opinion and respect you. I prefer someone to be blunt and tell me when i am being an idiot, rather than let me continue making a fool of myself.
#4
11-04-2011, 10:53 AM
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so you have an auto trans now? and want to go manual.?
lots of work, how about gtting an 88 or later OD auto trans? There are kits that you can add to make the OD and lockup work without using the trucks computer. Less than $100 for the kit, IIRC, but since you already have the computer doing the lockup, you get the OD only kit for less. You will need a different tranny adapter between the trans and trans mount, and shorten the driveshaft....
google PATC
lots of work, how about gtting an 88 or later OD auto trans? There are kits that you can add to make the OD and lockup work without using the trucks computer. Less than $100 for the kit, IIRC, but since you already have the computer doing the lockup, you get the OD only kit for less. You will need a different tranny adapter between the trans and trans mount, and shorten the driveshaft....
google PATC
Last edited by bill55az; 11-04-2011 at 10:57 AM.
#5
11-07-2011, 03:35 PM
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OOPS....let me clarify a point not even made....
what is your gear ratio?
Newer dakotas with auto OD usually came with 3.55 or optional 3.9,
with manual 5 speed the normal would be 3.2, and 3.5 optional.
Auto OD makes a 3.5 ratio look like a 2.4, and a 3.2 will look like 2.2....
87 dakotas could be had with 2.7 or 2.9 according to an old brochure I have. I think the 2.7 for was for v6 and 2wd, and 2.9 for 4wd trucks.
And if you have one of those behind a v6 and non-OD trans...adding OD is not a good idea.
An older dakota with a v8 installed could probably handle the auto OD and 3.2 axle, since a lot of 5th avenues have that combo, altho with somewhat smaller tires. I don't know about the v6 unless it is a later magnum v6....those have more power than an older 318.
what is your gear ratio?
Newer dakotas with auto OD usually came with 3.55 or optional 3.9,
with manual 5 speed the normal would be 3.2, and 3.5 optional.
Auto OD makes a 3.5 ratio look like a 2.4, and a 3.2 will look like 2.2....
87 dakotas could be had with 2.7 or 2.9 according to an old brochure I have. I think the 2.7 for was for v6 and 2wd, and 2.9 for 4wd trucks.
And if you have one of those behind a v6 and non-OD trans...adding OD is not a good idea.
An older dakota with a v8 installed could probably handle the auto OD and 3.2 axle, since a lot of 5th avenues have that combo, altho with somewhat smaller tires. I don't know about the v6 unless it is a later magnum v6....those have more power than an older 318.