Hello to all on Dodge Forum. Found you with a search and thought I'd join.

I bought and titled my 87 W150 in October of 2005. It's a stocker except for the trailer brake components added by a P.O. Now I've gone and added 33x12.50x15 Coopers on 15x8 chrome rims. I must say it looks better than with the original 30x10.50x15's. I've also added a Pick-n-Pull Caravan Camper shell that will allow me to carry my canoe on top.

I do have a couple of issues that need to be addressed. With your help and some DIY love, I can accomplish my goals.

1) With a perfectly functioning 3 speed auto there is no overdrive. I know it will increase my M.P.G. Has anyone replaced their trans with either an automatic w/O.D. or a manual w/O.D.? What kind of improvement did you see? What trans did you use? Remember I have a 4x4.

2)I know from owning other makes of vehicles that being able to completely disconnect your front axle, you save a little gas and get some extra MPG. Is this possible on my front axle with auto hubs? What vehicles did parts come from Is there a write-up on this?

3) My immediate problem is with the front brakes. Does anybody have an exploded view of the front brakes, rotors and hubs, etc? Haynes and Chiltons do not give me what I need. A front brake job with new rotors is needed.

Thanks for the responses on any of these situations.
Phil Delfino

 

Welcome to the forum.

1. A lot of people ask this question but I haven't heard from anyone that made the switch. Personally I believe the 727 is the strongest automatic tranny out there and the overdrive trannies just don't measure up. Here is some info that might help.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/SwapInformation.htm

2. Do you have automatic hubs or an axle disconnect system (Spicer 44-8FD)?

3. Here again what axle disconnect or auto hubs do you have as the hubs on each are different? I have three different manuals for my truck and none of them show what is in my truck as far as the front hubs. If we ID what you have we can probably talk you thru it.

 

you don't want to try to put a computer controlled AOD in there, that would be too much work.

If you are serious about an OD swap look for a NV4500 out of a 2nd gen 2500 4x4 v8, great transmissions. The issue with this is that 1 the HD v8 5 speeds are rare, 2 the transfer cases on the 2nd gen's are a driver side drop. This could be solved by using a divorced np205 out of a pre-75 dodge, or some chevy's. I dont know about the year range on the bowties because i dont care about them. anyway you could mount this as a second tcase behind the 241 mounted to the nv4500. The other option is a NV4500 out of a 2wd truck, with just the divorced 205 as the only tcase behind it. Good luck whatever you choose to do.

 

You could find and install an A518 4-speed auto trans from a 1989-1993 and the NP241 transfer case. This would give you part-time 4-wheel drive and the overdrive trans.

The A518 is essentially the 727 trans with an added OD unit and are extremely tough and not computer controlled. Yes, the OD is engaged via the computer but there are kits available (see the link Seal included) that will control the OD by line pressure.

But...doing all this will not gain you that much in fuel economy. The last one I did only gained 2mpg on the highway, nothing in city type driving. You will also find that disabling or disconnecting your front axle will gain you no real mileage improvements (1 mpg maybe). Many have tried...

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

Was there a manual trans w/O.D. available for the 80's trucks or do we just go right to the NV4500?

 

I'll try to get some pics of the front axle. Maybe someone can ID it.

What's a typical gear ratio for these 80's 4x4 trucks?

I've had problems finding a VIN decoder for an 87. Found 90's and early 80's but nothing for mine. 1B7HW14TXHS******
1- US
B- Dodge
7- Truck
H- 6000-7000 Rating
W- ?
1- Half Ton
4- LWB
T- ? (5.2L)
X- Checksum
H- 87
S- Dodge City

I hope these are correct. I believe I have a 5.2L with 2 barrel carb, approx 170 HP.

For my toyota project, I acquired a 4.3L with a 700R4 + x-fer case. Too bad nobody makes adapters for that swap.

Thanks.

 

Just had a thought (dangerous).
How about a 5 speed from a Dakota with a 5.2L 4x4? I am sure that would be a bolt on.

What years?

 

Your axles are a Dana 44 front and 9.25 rear.
The ratios could be 3.23, 3.55, or 3.90

 

Front Axle


Rear Axle


http://s223.photobucket.com/albums/d...dge%20W%20150/

 

It should work but the transfer case is drivers side drop and the t-case is a 231 and not as strong i am shoure you can up grade it maybe your t-case will bolt up. The 3.9,5.2 out of dakota(1997and up) and 2nd gen ram 1500 all use the nv3500 should be easer find then a nv4500.