More to relieve stress from the trans, than anything else.

 

I'd say that if anything you would want to use smaller gears.

 

if he uses a 727 trans he should not have to much of a problem. they are a strong transmission. now if he tries to use a newer transmission it may blow up under stress.

 

Amen! Don't hide that gem from the past in one our old beaters, put in a car or 2wd pu from the era.

 

As heyyou stated, it is more for the health of the trans. Also, lower gears would better make use of the added torque and hp from the bigger engine imo. 4.10's or 4.56's would grant better off the line speed than the 3.55, and a well-built iteration would better withstand the stress than the weaker 9.25 corporate.

 

Be original!!! Put it in the ram!! Don't let anyone tell you anything different. Post pictures when you have the 440 mocked up in the engine bay!!!

 

Remember that the A727 is only a 3-speed so having 4.10s or 4.56's will mean that the motor will be screaming on the highway. With the big block there will not be a lack of torque needing to go to a lower gear and taller gears will help with traction (less final torque = less ability to spin the tires). The A727 is a stronger trans (simpler) than the A518 and if built right there is no reason to worry about it.

Also the RB series of motors (440) uses a different bellhousing than the LA/Magnum bellhousing.

 

Well, I ran into a slight problem ... the risers on the 440 are way too tall for the truck. The carburetors will hit the firewall, once the filters are on so I will probably have to get at least a 3" body lift on the truck. Now that I am starting to look at this rationally, it's looking like this is going to be a long drawn out process. What I will for sure need to do is yank this 318 out and get measurements to be 100% sure of what I am dealing with here. Problem is I don't want to yank it unless I am for sure putting the 440 back in, or at least building a 408 stroker to put back in it. So I guess I've got some decisions to make before doing it ... do I go with the 440, or just build up a 408 with a carburetor?

Believe it or not the 440 is about the same length as the 318, I can't get an exact measurement on the 318 since it's still in the truck, but it's looking like the 440 might even be able to bolt up the 318's original mounting place. That's what I am hoping for, since then I can just lower the A727 or 46R right down into it's place with having to modify all sorts of stuff.

I am even debating on just putting the 440 in something that won't fall apart as soon as it gets hit with all that power. Do you think this frame can handle that amount of torque? It seems like it could, but I don't want to drop the 440 between those frame rails, drive it out on the street, punch the gas, and crumple the frame. Talk about a downer.

 

Could possibly modify the firewall to allow clearance for the carbs (requires quite a bit of welding and know-how though)

I would think that the frame is strong enough to handle the 440. If you wanted to be really safe though, and your welding skill is considerable, you could fully box the frame where it transitions to unboxed under the bed (and on the frame horns in the front if desired).

Building a 408 is another idea, but I would go with the 440 if I had the time and resources (read:money). You see people doing 408's in these trucks fairly often, but i've never heard of a true 6-pack 440 under the hood of a ram.

 

Move the 440 forward in the engine compartment. There is close to a foot in front of the fan before it hits the radiator.

I really doubt that the 440 mounts are even close. Looking at pictures of my 440 it looks like the motor mounts are like the old LA's with the mounts at the front of the block. The Magnum motors have mounts on the center of the block. I can almost guarantee nothing will line up so be prepared for fabbing.

What kind on power do you think that 440 will be producing? I think the frame should handle it.

Do some internet searches for the swap. It has been done before and I have seen the write ups.