I got a 1991 dodge 12v engine and was wanting to put it in a 1979 ford f-350 4x4 and was looking for a tranny that would work well in this conversion. We were going to go with a nv 4500 and then use the ford np 205 but found 1996 and 1998 automatic trannys. Will these work well with the older pump and engine and are they the same tranny in a 1996 12v and a 1998 12v. Both are 4x4 low mileage trannys the only difference is the 96 is a 1 ton and the 1998 is a 3/4 ton. the automatics are much cheaper than the 5 spd and seem to be easier to install since the clutch doesn't have to be fabbed the flywheel and bell housing don't have to be found. What are we up against with putting the newer automatic behind the older motor?
the smiley faces are pretty special!

 

The 96 and up autos are electronically controlled and will require boxes to run. The 94 and 95 autos are hydraulically shifted and OD and t/c control are electric. You could use switches to control the 94 and 95 but you would really have to pay attention.

Not impossible at all.

Ronnie

 

The trannys are in trucks so I think I could get whatever I need if the conversion is feasable. Does this mean that I need to get the electronic box out of the truck and then put like TPS and crank position sensors on for the tranny? thanks for the post.

 

Dodge calls it the PCM. Powertrain Control Module. Actually, it also controls the alternator charging and grid heater operation.

I can only think of a few things that you will need. PCM, TPS, wiring for each. Trans harness. You may want the sensor on the balancer to drive a tach also (if you call that the crank position sensor).

There are probably more items needed and I just don't know what they are.

Trans control is why I suggested a 94-95 transmission. There are those that used an internally regulated alternator too.

 

OK well could I use the 96 or 98 pcm for just the tranny operation or would it not function properly without running the grid heater and alternator through it? Reason I want to use the newer tranny is cause i found one with 47000 original miles in a wrecked truck and another one with higher miles and $400 would buy the pair. Thanks

 

its alot easier to use a complete power train swap if you are going electronic, harnesses, pcm,engine. if you have acess to service manuals and have a good understanding of electronics and how components work your swap will work with the RH transmission. some older trucks had 3ps autos, very easy to install.

 

I don't want to go electronic but will if these trannys are a good deal. What electronics are different from a 91 12v to a 96-98 12v? Could I update my 91 to be compatable with those newer electronics or not? Thanks for the info.