Hi, I have an 88 Power Ram, as well as an 89 D100. The 4x4 has a 3 speed auto, and the d100 has a 4 speed. I want to swap the OD tranny into the 4x4, but I was unsure if it was compatable. They are close enough in age, and the engines are both the standard 318. I just was not sure how it changed having the transfer case in there. Everything else is basically the same, both half ton. On a side note, I wondered if the wheelse were interchangable, since they are both 5-bolt pattern. Thnx in advance for any help.

 

Tranny's have different output shafts, so a direct swap is a no go. The wheels will swap.

 

The 3 speed tranny will not be put into the d100, because its just a parts truck, so between the 2 of them, do I have enough parts to fit the OD tranny into the 4x4?

 

No luck. The transfer case won't bolt up to the 2wd OD trans. The output shaft is completely different on a 2wd trans.

 

Ok, so I guess the question is, is it possible to modify the OD tranny so that I can make it fit, either by tearing apart my 3 speed, or by getting a wrecked tranny... or do I have to get a tranny thats was originally in a 4x4? I didn't know if it was possible to actually put a different output shaft in the OD tranny. Im sorry if Im asking the same thing over, I'm still just trying to figure things out, and I dont have very many resourses. Thanks.

 

A tail shaft swap will still require complete disassembly, and the 3spd parts won't fit. Boneyard OD trans are a hit and miss deal on whether you get a good one, and most places want $700 or so for one. A 4x4 trans that's never been abused is rare unless it came out of a mall crawler, so a trip to the trans shop will set you back about another $1700 to rebuild your $700 trans if it goes south after the usual 30 day boneyard warranty.

A 4x4 trans just for parts will still require a trip to the trans shop. More $$$. Where you hit a snag with the OD is it takes a gauge kit to set the clearance in the OD clutch pack. Any time you change the tailhousing assm and shaft the OD clutch must be set up again. The clearance is critical to proper operation,if it's wrong it'll smoke the clutch pack, more $$$. Overall I'd just keep the 3spd if it's working good.

I'd love to have an OD behind the 440 in ol Greeny, so I could run some 4.30 gears and still drive the thing, but the advantages just don't justify the cost. Keisler's manual trans kit runs about $4000 by the time you buy a clutch,their bellhousing etc. About $3000 for an auto/install kit from anywhere else. Sheesh. My pockets ain't that deep.

 

Thnx very much for your advice, its tough when there are so many variations to all these models and trannies. I guess sticking with what I've got may just be the best thing. Thnx again.