I have a 1993 W250 with the transmission going out on it. I have the opprotunity to get a 1988 D250 with a transmission that was just rebuilt within the last 800miles. My question is can I swap these? I don't have any information on the 1988 D250 at this time. I believe that mine has the 518A transmission. What do I need to know before doing this? Thanks!

 

well the 518 on youre W shouldnt be any different from the 518 on a D truck.

but two things...
first, its a damn shame to basically scrap a whole truck (nobody will buy it without a tranny) to save another.
second, for the cost of the second truck and the swap you could just have yours rebuilt, no?

 

I can get the whole 1988 truck for $900. I've been quoted about $1,600 to get mine rebuilt. I wasn't sure if the 1988 had the same transmission as mine or not. Do I need to be concerned that the "doner" truck is a D (2wd) and mine is a W (4wd)?

 

Pretty sure the tailshafts are different. I know they are on a 727. Ask your rebuilder about it. Done this swap on 727s,had to tear the trans down and change the shaft/tailhousing. Turbo 350/400 Chevy have different shafts also. Highly likely the 518 is different too.