Is his original trans that much weaker?

 

Well that was my original question, do you think it would stand up, and i referenced i didn't think the 3500 was suited behind the 4.7, much less a 5.2. Would a trans spec'd for a 2.5 handle a 5.2

I agree with your original statement, going to all the work, why not do the V8, I've had two first gen daks with V8s, definitely fun.

 

The NV3500 came behind the 5.2 in full size trucks...... so, in a dak, it would quite likely be just fine. Why they don't put it behind the 4.7 is a mystery to me......

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgetruck2

Do you think the AX15 will stand up to that? I thought the NV3500 was to lite for the 4.7

This statement is not correct concerning the 4.7
The 4.7 used the NV3500 in the dakota's that came with a manual trans. I have one now, in my 87 with a 5.9 in front of it!!

FWIW I believe below is the history of the V6 and V8 transmissions in the first and second gen dakotas.

1. 87-91 used the NV2500 in the V6. There was no Manual transmission, V8 for those years.
2. 92-99 V6 used the AX15 transmissions
3. All V8 (5.2 magnums) used the NV3500 for a manual transmission.
4. In 2000 forward until the end of second gen. dakota's all manual trans dakots's (V6, and V8) used the NV3500.
That was behind the 3.9, 5.2 , and the 4.7

A couple of other notes, I "think" there was at least 1 or maybe 2 years where the V8 was not available with a manual transmission. (92)
Starting with the third gens, I "think" they went to a 6 speed manual.
The last year for the AX15 was 99.

Hope this helps.

 

For the first few years, the dak wasn't available with a V-8..... I think the Shelby was the first version to get one. (89??) In 91 or 92, the 5.2 became an option.....