I've found a 318 / NV3500 combo for $1k (the whole truck).
175k miles... sounds pretty good I think.

But it's a 2-wheel drive donor, so I'm wondering what all needs to change?

I think for sure the drive shaft.
What other things will I need to source?

 

assuming you want to keep 4wd...... you cant use the transmission from a 2wd.
You could bolt the 5.2 engine to your existing transmission.....
BTW this is all out of another dakota, 92 or newer, I assume?

 

I used to be able to post a clear msg when I was younger...

Yes!

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[/QUOTE] you cant use the transmission from a 2wd.[/QUOTE]
Ok... I thought not, but...
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True, but I've been looking for an NV3500 because I understand the AX15 might be overmatched by the 5.2.
I'm not going racing mind you, but also my gearbox is making all manner of terrible noises and would need a full rebuild/+upgrade for sure.
Yep, another '96 w/175k miles on it.

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[QUOTE=Lotus_65;3567581]I used to be able to post a clear msg when I was younger...


Not sure if I offended you with my post.... if I did, that was not my intentions.
FWIW in my experience on these forums, usually when people talk about the 318 it is usually a LA motor. That is why I was asking....
They are different from the magnum 5.2 in many ways.

But back to swapping.....
You can use a NV3500 out of the newer dakota's. The 97-99 V8 and all the 2000 to 2004 5sp are NV3500.
I put a NV3500 in my 87 out of a 2002? that had a 4.7 engine.
The problem with the newer ones is there are no bosses on the side of the transmission to mount the transfer case shifter. I made a mount for mine.
Also, you can use your existing driveshaft. The transmissions are the same length.

 

Definitely not offended, just getting old and sketchy with my comm skills

Thanks for the info, I'll look for a early 2000's donor, hopefully with the magnum + 5-speed.
I can make mount parts no problem.

 

I found a 97 ram with a 5.2 and the 2wd NV3500 for a thousand.

Seller is convinced I can just swap the tail housing and it'll make up to my transfer case. I'll have to make mounts and bits for it of course...

True story?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus_65

I found a 97 ram with a 5.2 and the 2wd NV3500 for a thousand.

Seller is convinced I can just swap the tail housing and it'll make up to my transfer case. I'll have to make mounts and bits for it of course...

True story?

No. the NV3500 does not have a tailshaft that can be removed. Also, the ram has a different shifter location. It moves the shifter further under the dash.
Below are pictures from ebay

2 wd NV3500
https://www.ebay.com/itm/13458444701...-53481-19255-0

and here is one for 4wd. This is the one I used in my truck.

 

Yup.

so, I rebuild the stock AX15 with stronger components.

It's ok, but this 3500 sure works well...

 

Just wondering..... what are the stronger components that are available for the AX15?

 

I was hoping someone could tell me!