Walking through the junkyard yesterday looking for a trans for my dakota and found 2 4x4s with 318s and 4 speeds. I spent about an hour online trying to find what trans they put in them and every site said they came with 727s and didn't mention a thing about what manual trans came behind the 318.

Anyone have some answers for me?

 

Most likely the NP435. I would not recommend one for your dakota.

 

It would indeed be the NP435. You are looking for an NV3500. When shopping around, be carful to find a Dodge version, as Chevy also used them in their compact trucks. Only time I might suggest an NP435, is if you were going to build an absolute rock-crawler. They aren't known for fast/smooth shifts, but they are pretty stinkin tough. The NV3500 can be found in a 1/2 ton rams with 5.2s, as well as V8 Dakotas. When looking under Rams, there is also another option that you might see: the NV4500. Much stronger than its lighter duty counter-part. The NV3500 can be quickly identified by its all-aluminum case and non-removable bell housing. It will be cast into the main body. An NV4500 has an aluminum bell housing and a cast iron case.

 

NP435 is basically a tractor transmission. They shift like they are full of rocks inside, and make lots of interesting noises, but good luck trying to hurt one.


Scooter don't forget to mention that the NV3500 has a more car-like close ratio gear spread, while the NV4500 is essential a modern granny gear 4spd + overdrive 5th gear. I love the 5.61 1st gear for towing and off road use, but some may find the 2-3-4 spreads to be annoying on the road compared to the 1-2-3-4 of the NV3500.


All that to say OP that I would recommend the upgrade to an NV4500 is it is in the cards.