I have an 89 Dodge Ram that I (Stupidly) let deteriorate into a multi-coloredthirdstringer that sits on the side of my house and gets use only when my regular ride needs maintenance. She's reliable, she's dependable and its about damned time she got her due. She's packing a whipped 318 and a 3spd tranny (I'm not sure which) and some kind of garbage rearend. I'm planning on dropping her about 4 inches all the way around, putting in a procharged 440 big block and a 5 speed. I have a few questions first of all though It has a 3 speed, how do I know if its the 727, and if it is, can I rebuild it to handle the power of a blown 440. I'm also very open to suggestions on the type of rearend to use. Let me hear what you have to say, because theres a 99.9% chance that I'll apply it to my Ram and in 50 years when its done, it's time to do some street raping.

 

If it is the 727, as long as it is built right, it will handle the power. Which rear end do you currently have? An 8 3/4 built up with some 4.10s will do good. Or, you could run an A-518(727 with OD) and run 4.56 gears+

 

the 727 if he has one wont work since it currently has a small block bell housing on it. usually though when u go searching for a 440 from junkyards or in the paper people literally throw the trans in for next to nothing.check the rear end you currently have 8 3/4 is a good core also the 9 1/4 ive seen some rams with dana 60's that have been swapped by the previous owner and perhaps forgot to tell you. build the motor first than trans than the rear end best to start that way so every part complements the next youll be much happier in the long run that way.
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I'd stick with gears like 3.73s just so he can still drive it on the highway.

I don't think the 727 will bolt up to a 440, because the bellhousing pattern is different? If you're going to put some serious money into this truck, why not get a ford 9" rear or a Dana 60?

 

89 Ram 1/2 ton will most likely have a 9.25" in it. I'd also suggest stepping up to a dana 60 which you can find under just about any 3/4 ton Ram with a gas v8 from the first gen years.

No matter what tranny you currrently have, you'll need to replace the bellhousing to fit a 440. IIRC the cummins has the same big block bolt pattern and trannies from those will bolt up. check the gear ratios though, I don't know if they're different for diesels.

And as far as build order, I'd start with the rear end and work your way forward - 600+hp going through the stock trans or rear end will break stuff, whereas 160hp going through a built rear end isn't going to hurt anything. Same goes for the tranny, with the exception of the bellhousing.

 

A Cummins tranny will have alot higher gears, because they don't rev as high. Not worth it for a gaspot application.

 

It's an 89 150 with a 318, how do I identify the 727 if it has one, also, how do I identify the rearend? I never really messed with it other than basic maintenance and nothing has ever needed to be replaced, I know its all stock because my grandfather (second owner) sold it to me after having it since 94. Could you guys point me in the right direction to some tech info so I can research it a little better for myself as well?

 

you can identify the trannies by the dipstick shaft. if the dipstick to the tranny is straight, then its an A-904. if the dipstick is curved then its an A-727. im guessing with a factory 318 youll have a 904 because its the light duty transmission. do the dipstick check and let us know what you find

PS: if youre installing a big block i would go with the 727 for sure. i dont even believe the 904's have a compatible bellhousing for a big block. i would stay away from the A-518's if possible... if you're looking to rape on the street you won't care about overdrive and they werent built near as well as the 727 torqueflite. hope this helps

 

I just took a look at her, the dipstick has a slight curve in it, especially towards the end but it looks more or less straight. Not poker straight, but its no curly cue either.Does that mean I have the 727?

 

I have no idea, but keep us posted on everything because my friend is wanting to do the same thing to his.