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Tech Question
Joe Befumo, Pleasant Mount, PA, 1989 Dodge B250 360
I recently bought an extremely clean Dodge B250 Ram Wagon with the 360, TBI, 727 TorqueFlite, and posi rear. It has 120,000 miles on it, and everything runs fine, so I'm just in no real rush to do anything. On the other hands, I'd like to keep my eyes open for appropriate parts as they come available.
I'd like to improve the 13mpg gas mileage by replacing the 727 with an A-518, which I understand is a feasible swap. Better still, I'd like to find a 1999 donor wreck with the 360 magnum, the 518 tranny, and whatever computers, wiring harnesses, and sensors I might need. My questions are:
1. Would you happen to know what the rear axle ratio was that year with the posi?
2. Is the Magnum/518 swap pretty straight forward, or are there unpleasant surprises awaiting me?
(Actually, what I'd REALLY like in there is a Cummins 5.9 diesel, or a 5.7 Hemi, but I've already been told that either of those would be prohibitively difficult.)
Joe,
The Sure Grip rear axle could be almost any ratio, there were many combinations based on GVW, wheelbase, tow pkg. or no, tires/wheels optioned, etc. The most likely gear would be 3.55, with 3.21 or 3.90 distinct possibilites. Go look at the tag, underhood sticker, or just count the driveshaft revs needed to turn the rear tires exactly one revolution. BTW, it's almost certainly a 9.25" axle.
A 360 / 518 swap is 100% feasible. The only practical way to do this is to find a wrecked '93-'03 Van so equipped, and swap everything - including ALL wiring, eng./trans./converter/mounts, computer, gas tank / pump, etc. I have no idea why you have fixated on 1999! There are no major hangups as long as everything comes from the same year donor. If you try to keep your original instrument cluster, you might have to "workaround" the speedo cable deal depending on the year of the donor.
This swap can be sucessful with early hydraulically shifted 518s, or later electronic ones. Again, the key is EVERYTHING FROM ONE DONOR. If you start trying to do the old Chinese take-out restaurnat deal: One from column A, one from B, etc., this will quickly degenerate into a bottomless Pandora's box!
The Cummins would be tough, but the 5.7L could certainly be done, although it'd be a bit tougher than the 360 Magnum.
Rick
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