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Tech Question
Dan Michalek, White Pigeon MI , 1987 dodge B-150 Van 318
Dr. E,
I have an 87 dodge B-150 109" wb window van with 63k miles, still looks and runs like brand new. My problem is, It has the 904-based A-999 lockup in it. The tranny still works great actually, and I have added a 30,000 lb GVW cooler to it. My old B-300 that I've used for years to tow my Road Runner to the track is down for the count (read: motor time). I know the owners manual and the FSM for the '87 says max 2000 lb towing capacity for the 999. Car and trailer weight is 4800 lb. Do you think the addition of the cooler will make it safe to tow with the 87? I really dont want to swap in a 727, because of the low gear set in the 999 and the fact that the 87 gets almost 19mpg with the 2.94 gears, on the highway.
Dan, I think you're really looking for trouble. In fact, I'm 100% sure that you will find it, soon, if you go ahead with your plan.
No amount of cooling can actually increase a transmission's torque capacity. With a combined rig weight of about 10,000 pounds, WOT will be required on even the slightest hill. And the 2.94 gears are surely not helping the matter!
How about swapping in an A-518? As strong as a 727, plus an overdrive, for when you're not towing. Available in non-lockup (recommended) and lockup versions. Then, if it were my van, I'd swap in either 3.55 or 3.90 gears. And, yes, a multipoint-injected 318 or 360. But...
Although you didn't ask, I feel compelled (a safety thing) to point out that proper towing is more - much more - than just ample torque. It's things like frame, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, hubs, etc. And a 150 van is deficient in all these areas. Used 250 or 350 vans aren't hard to find, or terribly expensive (BTW, this ['03] is the last year for Dodge vans!) If you get a '92-up MPI 250 or 350 with a 518, you'll be ready for anything. And the mileage, when not towing, will exceed that of your '87. And, here's an added incentive: you may actually live through the experience!
Rick
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