Howdy folks,

We picked up a 1991 "Tropic Traveler". It has a 3.9L V6 and a manual transmission, seemingly 4 speed (or busted 5 speed?). I have a nice 5.2 Magnum from a '92 Dakota with low miles that I was thinking of replacing the smoky V6 with. I am trying to determine what transmission I have and whether it will mate with the 5.2 Magnum.

If not, I welcome any ideas. I am willing to rebuild the 3.9, junkyard pull, get a trans that will mate, etc. I just want to end up with a nice reliable camper with a little extra power. What do you guys think?

 

It will probably bolt right up, bellhousing bolt patterns are the same. The 91 is likely TBI though, and the 5.2 will be MPFI..... Lotta changes there to make it work.

 

Thanks for the reply. Does that mean an ECU swap? I have all the components available from the donor vehicle.

Does anyone have any idea what the model of my transmission might be? Was there any 4 speed that came stock in this era van?

 

I lied guys, it seems to be a stubborn 5 speed. Seems to be A535, which I'm reading is the same as NP2500.

 

That's pretty wimpy... If it is already having issues, the 5.2 will blow it up in short order.

A van with a manual trans though, from the factory?? Those are RARE.

The dakota wiring harness is going to be a lot different than that for the van, not sure how well that is gonna work.

 

Hmm, that's what I figured. So that brings me to sourcing a 3500 or 4500 form the yard, buying a rebuild, or would it be enough to put new strong parts in the NV2500?

 

If you are going to bump to a V-8, replace the trans with something better. Doesn't matter how much you spend on the 2500, a V-8 will blow it up anyway.

 

Hi there. I have a 1989 Dodge B150, also a V6 and also a manual trans, but mine is a 3 speed manual, floor shift. It's terrible. I have not been able to identify what the transmission is, but I am looking to upgrade to a 5 speed. The V6 is still pretty healthy so I'm going to keep it for as long as she holds out but I really need to do something about that crappy transmission. Any idea what my options would be?
Here's a pic: https://imgur.com/gallery/ypyLLzd