1988 ramcharger engine and trans swap
 

hey guys. 1988 ramcharger 100 auto 4x4 318. The engine is leaking something i think its coolant and the possibly oil. Oil looked milky creamy the other day. Trans slips is a 727. Can something please simplify how the computer system and what doesnit control? How complex would it be to swap in a new engine and trans and what are my options of choices? Please put any advice in a "stupid proof" terminology im not too good with gas engines yet more of a diesel guy

Is that throttle body injection? Or computer controlled carb?

The only thing on the trans the computer likely controls, is locking torque converter. If your truck even has one. (I don't know...... been a while since I worked on anything that old.)

In any event, pretty much any 318 up thru 91 would be a direct swap. Probably should put your intake, and all the sensors off the original motor, onto the new one. In 92, the engine design changed, and your intake won't bolt to the newer motors.

You could even do a 360, up thru 92. (they got the same changes as the 318 in 93.....) But, that would also require a computer for a 360. (which I think was optional on the ramchargers anyway...... )

You could likely use any 727 from a 4x4....... Would be good to know what year locking torque converters started though. Or, you could just have yours rebuilt. Suppose it depends on your budget. Another option would be, if you have a decent tool set, and a warm place to work, rebuild it yourself. Lots of info for doing just there out there on the web.