So I have a 86 w150 with the 360 and torqueflite 727. Im going to swap out the transmission soon as it is going out. I wanted to start a thread that would help show me my options. I would like to go to a manual but if its easyer and fairly cheaper I wouldnt mind putting in a four speed auto. Just want to know the options other than replacing it with the same one.

 

IMO, if you are going to do a auto to manual conversion, it would be a waste of effort to not go with an overdrive manual. Better mileage, drivability, lower road noise... So, if you go the route of a 5 speed, you have two readily available options. An NV3500 or an NV4500. People tend to prefer the NV3500's gearing over its bigger brother, the 4500. On the other hand, the NV4500 is without a doubt, tougher. NV3500s came in 5.2 Dakotas as well as the full size Ram 1500's. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks came with the NV4500.

 

i don't think anything other than a 727 would bolt in without modifying other things like drive shafts.

 

The reason I dont want to go with another 727 is
1) More gears = better mpg like if I went with a newer 727 with OD
2) I wouldnt mind a little bit tougher tranny. I tend to beat on my truck often and I would hate to throw that much money down the drain and have to do it all over again.

 

a 727 is about the toughest transmission you can get for these trucks. the thing that made automatic overdrive transmissions weak is the overdrive. plus the dodge transmissions don't pump fluid in park which also hurts them. if you look in the 2nd gen sections you would see that the 46rh tend to usually die and need to be replaced withing 200,000 miles.

 

I agree with a 727 being strong. If I had to use a auto (forget about deciding on OD) it would be the 727 and nothing else. One more question will the nv4500 and nv3500 bolt up to my existing transfer case?

 

T-case should bolt up without a problem. Not 100% on that though being as you currently have an auto. Pretty darn sure though. Dont remember how long my original 4 speed was, but my NV3500 (5 Speed Manual) bolted up perfectly (aside from crossmember and the hole in the transmission tunnel) and did not require shortening or lengthening the driveshafts.

 

sounds good. Now I just need to find a donar truck before my tranny goes out. I think thats goona be the cheapest way.

 

I would start cruising craigslist and search "parting dodge". might have to search a few pages of junk you dont care about, but you will likely find something. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

Found a 78 Powerwagon. Will everything from a powerwagon bolt up? Axles, Tranny, clutch linkage ect.