Is the auto tranny in a 91 V-8 Dakota the same as the tranny in a full size truck? Could it be used behind a 4bt? If so, what mods would be required? Would the tranny adaptor plate match the bell housing pattern? Thanks

 

I guess nobody out there can answer my questions.

 

Thats a tough question as not many of us here know alot about Dakota Trannies.

If the Dakota has a 3.9 or the 318 you may have a chance matching the tranny to a 6BT tranny housing.

J-eh

 

The tranny from a Dakota or full size V-8 truck will not work, the bell housing is different, The v-10 and CTD use a "Industrial" type bellhousing pattern.

 

i saw an add years ago (like 2) where this outfit was selling 4BTs and trannies as a unit for a couple grand. anyone els remember that?

might be worth a look?


jeremiah

 

Thanks guys. I'm planning to swap a 4b into my 91 Dakota and thought if I could use my original tranny and transfer case it would save me a little time and money. Could the engine/transmission adaptor plate be modified to bolt up then use a different torque convertor? BTW I've done an axle swap using narrowed F350 axles with leaf springs.

 

another problem you're likely to have is with your drive line. the 4BT makes a lot more torque than the v6 or v8 gasser. i've heard of guys twisting stock drivelines after a repower like you're planning.


jeremiah

 

best bet would be to use the 5.9 ctd dodge trans. if your pu has the 9.25 dodge rear end it will probably stand the load. i have been running this set-up for about a year in a 1/2 ton which weighs about the same as your truck. i have made several trips to the strip with 9 in. slicks still no noise in rear end.

 

My buddy just swapped a 4BT into his mid 70's 4-runner, he had to use a 4 speed out of a chevy, but i think it matched right up. i could find out more if you would like, pm me and ill ask him about it

 

Couple of observations on this....

The back of the 3.9 block is the same as the 5.9. The trans adapter plate from a 5.9 will fit as well as the flywheel or flexplate.

The dakota automatic has problems handling the 318 let alone the 3.9.

Most of the DAK pickups had the 8.25 rear not the 9.25. Again it would be marginal. The Darangos had the 9.25.

Most of the 3.9 engines come with the SAE bell housing which bolts up to any commercial transmission, ie road ranger etc. It unbolts and the regular 5.9 adaptor bolts on.

 

I should elaborate a little about my Dakota. The engine is a 5.2L. V-8, 4 speed auto, NP231 transfer case. Last year I did a solid axle swap using a dana 60 front diff (F350) and a Ford 10.25 rear diff (F350) I've got 4.10 gear and 35" BFG's. Now I'd like a little more power. Swapping a bigger gas motor would be easy, no challenge in that though! Also I'd like to get an increase in mileage, so I plan to do a diesel swap. I have a 4bt on the way and it has the Chev bellhousing pattern. I could use a Chev tranny and I think it may bolt up to my transfer case. I just thought if I used my tranny it would save me fabbing a tranny crossmember!