I have a 1996 short bed V6 Dakota that I'm turning into a drag truck. It was a Craigslist buy for $200 without a trans. I'm gutting it to lighten it for racing and putting a LA-318 0.40 over engine in it. I'm using a 904 trans (I've have the engine/trans already rebuilt for another car) so I'm putting it in the truck. Can I use the steering without the power steering pump and still function? The motor and trans mounts "should" work correct? Couldn't find and threads that directly dealt with this at all. Help!

 

nope. the Magnum blocks have both provisions for mounts, the LA have the front mount "ears" only. not the bolt bosses in the middle of the block like the Magnums do. Not saying something couldn't be made to work (I'd be surprised if it were that way) but it won't be a simple drop in. .
also you will either need to modify your trans crossmember or find one from a 87-88 that came with a 904 originally before they started putting the OD transmissions inions into them.
The Shelby Dakotas of 1989 used an LA engine as did the 1991s before the Magnum series of engines came out so there are possibilities to find factory mounts that will work with minimal hassle. Otherwise I'd start calling Advance Adapters or Novak enterprises, they specialize in swapping non stock engines into different bodies/frames.

 

Could also use magnum engine mounts out of an early magnum. Like 92. They have provisions for both mounts.

 

1) Can you use the steering without the steering pump? Sure. And if you were to drive it on the streets, folks would call you Popeye due to how muscular your arms would be *grins* That's not normally as big a consideration for a drag truck, though.

2) The LA block, unless you're very, Very, VERY lucky, won't bolt to the Magnum motor mounts. You'll probably have to fab some; seems like Schumacher has not made any in a few years ( http://engine-swaps.com/Pages/Produc....96Dakota.html )

3) The transmission MIGHT fit; I dunno, my 1988 had the 3 speed (A998/A999) automatic. The A904 SHOULD mount the same, but I won't swear to that. (Quick question: Why the 904 instead of a 727? 727 are more bulletproof than a 904.)

4) GOOD news! If it will fit where a A518 (4 speed w/OD) does, the transmission mount is the same in the back, according to the Mopar parts book (see the FAQ1 at the top of the forum).

What are you doing with the ECU and the wiring harnesses you'll be pulling out? Inquiring minds want to know!

RwP

 

A drag truck with a 318? Why bother, Drop in a big block!

 

This. Or a Hemi.

RwP

 

Thanks guys! @Moparite, I have the race engine already built so I'm not gonna put a big block in it (I have several 383-400-440, and a 413 already) and have to deal with weight issues on the front end, good idea though. I'm hauling the truck home this weekend so I'll know more after I get the engine out. I went to O'Reilly's and the motor mount part # for the LA was the same as the V6...so...?? If I have to I can fabricate a trans crossmember to work. Also..... I need a posi rearend and I know the RT's had them, do the Sports also? I want to keep the same 6x4.5 bolt pattern.

 

The very, VERY last LA V8s (1990 to 1992) had the same bosses on them as the Magnums; the 1977, no. You'll still need adapters for the elephant ears.

The SureGrip and TrakLok diffs were available as an option. You can also pick both up (note: TrakLoks are available both Ford and Mopar, make SURE it's for a Mopar!), along with lockers (which may be better for a drag truck, not so much for a street truck); check Jegs and Summit (aka "The Usual Suspects"). PosiTrac. being a GM copyrighted term, you won't find factory on any Dodge. (Yes, I know; "Posi is used as a generic for limited slip differentials". As folks use the Puffs "Kleenex" to blow their nose and make a "Xerox" on their HP copier ... it's the pedant in me, trying to use English with accuracy.)

RwP

 

If it's race truck just use a spool!

 

shouldn't have to fab a whole crossmember, should be able to just make a plate to adapt the 2 bolt mount to the existing one. and you wont need an elephant ear style mount, fab something up from the existing engine crossmember to the ears on the block....
yes once they went to the Magnum series, the mounts "themselves" for a v6 to a v8 are the same but won't bolt to an older LA block.