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"Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
#605598 March 09th 2013 9:15 am
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 323
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Hi all,

Well I have actually finally started on the swap! As I go along I aim to post a step by step guide which at the end can hopefully be condensed into a "How To". Will include all the problems I come up against and how I get round them, but hopefully there won't be too many, so hold on tight here we go!....

Oh by the way I'm over in the U.K so if I use any odd sounding terms you know why as some things are called by different names over here.My van is a 1979 Dodge B200, 318 engine and 4 square headlights.

First thing to do before touching anything is take a load of measurements around the propshaft (driveshaft)

I got my hands on a really handy device called an "Inclineometer" which made measuring the angle of the propshaft really easy as it has a magnetic base. Attached my handwritten drawing showing what measurements I took but obviously yours will have different values.

[Linked Image]

Here's the inclinometer

[Linked Image]

First job was to remove the propshaft which was really easy to do. At the rear of the van it is only held on by 4 small bolts, two either side, remove all 4 bolts and the 2 half shells. Then carefully lever the propshaft forward and it will come away. NOTE the caps on the UJ can come off as you will see "I left one behind"!! in the photo shown by red arrow.
[Linked Image]
Luckily for me the needles inside hadn't moved so I pushed it back on, decided then it was time to cable tie them on. Key learning here was that I Would recommend securing them before prying the propshaft forward. Right thats all for now, next post soon!
Hope you enjoy the post.
Mark

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #605632 March 09th 2013 1:42 pm
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Great work so far Mark. I will following your posts and progress with great interest. I am hoping do do my own swap in the near future. The last time had a propshaft/driveshaft modified and balanced, it cost me under $90, with new heavy duty u-joints. You're right though...measure carefully and more than once to be sure. Too bad Texas and the U.K. are so far apart. I would like to help and learn.

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #605643 March 09th 2013 2:22 pm
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Festerus Vannimus
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Looking forward to this thread, not so much for my self, but for the learning in general. Lets hope there are not too many hurdles for you.


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


Founder & President of Sooner or Later United Truckers and PROUD TO BE A S.L.U.T. ! !
Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #605663 March 09th 2013 5:03 pm
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Hi Mlarky, Uncle_Fester
Thanks for the feedback and glad you going to find this of help, managed to get a bot more done which I have posted below. Shame your not a bit closer Mlarky would have been good to have the help.
Mark

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #605664 March 09th 2013 5:14 pm
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*Part 2 of Thread*
Now moved onto removing the front of the propshaft. First thing to do is place a bucket under where the yoke pushes into the rear of the transmission. Lift the rear of the prop up in the air and wiggle / slide prop towards back of van with it going over the top of rear diff housing. When it comes free (just pulls out) fluid will start coming out hence the bucket to catch it, there will also be a little fluid inside the end of the yoke joined to the prop, be aware of this when handling it as don't want to accidentally pour this over your face when underneath.
Pic shows rear of transmission just after sliding yoke out, this is where the fluids runs out of.
[Linked Image]

Next I removed the bolt / bracket holding the transmission dipstick tube, see photo below for position of bracket / tube arrowed.
[Linked Image]

That's me done for today, more posts soon.
Mark

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #606134 March 13th 2013 12:49 pm
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 28,125
Madman!
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Awesome! Don't know if I'll ever do one of these swaps, but nice to see you posting for all of us!

Thanks!


Ken Schwarz
Tricky Truckers, N.J.
Van Clan Plus One, Canada
Manse Vans, Finland
Rebel Vanners, N.J. "USA"
Toopa Sinner Tribe, N.C.

www.showvans.com

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/360991

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"Coolness ALWAYS trumps comfort"
Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
Superbeast #606291 March 14th 2013 8:44 am
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Thanks Ken, enjoying doing the post, hoping to get some more progress posted at the weekend as have had busy week work wise so haven't managed to do anymore.
Regards
Mark

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #606298 March 14th 2013 10:25 am
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Been doing some research. Thinking the A500 on my V6 should be the ticket. Looking forward to more posts on this swap!

Re: "Real time" Swap of A727 to A518 transmission
3pinplug #606479 March 15th 2013 1:14 pm
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Seems the more I read on the Dodge AOD's, the more the A500 makes sense for my desired swap. Lighter weight, uses less power to run. The 3.9 V6 engine in my van is rated at 180 hp, and 195 torque. The Hp and torque curves meet at about 3200 RPM's. That seems to be where the engine revs as it cruises at 70 mph anyway. The A500 with some mild mods can easily handle twice that power rating. Even if I had a V8, for the basic driving most of us do, the A500 might be a better or alternate choice. Thought I'd share what I have learned thus far.

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