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  #1  
Old 04-04-2001, 02:37 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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Question

Has anyone ever swapped a 4spd from an A-body to an 727 automatic E-body? Do the pedals/linkage swap out without and fabrication? What else would be needed to make the swap?
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  #2  
Old 04-04-2001, 03:17 PM
powerwagon powerwagon is offline
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I am interested in this as well, i have a challenger with a 727, and it will have a 4-speed, any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
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  #3  
Old 04-04-2001, 06:19 PM
Darn Dart Darn Dart is offline
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The A-body trans is shorter than the B/E-body trans and the shifter mount is in a different location. Possibly with some shifter modifications and a shorter driveshaft you might be able to make it work. Good luck on your project. Kevin.
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  #4  
Old 04-04-2001, 06:22 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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Thanks Darn Dart, do you know if the linkage and clutch mechanisms are a bolt on item even on cars that weren't originally equiped with it?

What about the "hump" I've heard that it is different on a auto than a manual, is this true?
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  #5  
Old 04-04-2001, 06:37 PM
Darn Dart Darn Dart is offline
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I'm not sure, but I would have to say no. I think the A-body Z-bar is shorter than a E-body. But if you could find a Z-bar from a slant six A-body they are about 4 inches longer than a V-8, you could probably shorten that for use on a E-body. I shortened one from a /6 duster to use in my 318 duster and it worked fine. As a matter of a fact I bought a whole slant six duster with a 3speed for $50, I used the pedals, all clutch linkage, floor hump, and even the steering column with the finger lever to turn the key all the way off. I put in a 4speed overdrive out of a 76 Volare, and had a nice daily driver with 20+ mpg all the time.
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  #6  
Old 04-05-2001, 06:50 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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Anyone else been crazy enough to put a manual in an automatic trans car?
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  #7  
Old 04-06-2001, 03:55 AM
swinger340 swinger340 is offline
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I'm in the process of converting my 70' Dart from a 318/auto to a 340/4 speed. I already have the pedals installed, and most of the linkage in. The only complications were in trying to get the old pedals to clear the stearing column when removing them. I then figured out all I had to do was "set" the e-brake to gain clearance to move them in and out. Now its only a couple welds on the pivot plate/brace thingy on the fraim rail. I don't dare say its a weekend project, but that seems to be all the time I've spent. Yes its a differant hump, you can buy them aftermarket from several companies, Paddock? Year One? However mines from a 74 Dart Sport, just cut a hole and weld in the new hump. New carpet is also needed in order to look "correct."
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Old 04-06-2001, 10:58 AM
69-383-CHRGR 69-383-CHRGR is offline
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I researched something similar, but decided it wasn't worth it. you will have to change steering column, drive shaft, and transmission tunnel (floor hump). The tunnel on a 4-speed car has a protruding area on the left side with a large hole in it to accomodate the shifter.

In addition, I believe the crank on the engine is different as well so you may have to get a new one of those.

Good luck!
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  #9  
Old 04-06-2001, 02:38 PM
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70Barracuda 70Barracuda is offline
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I switched my car to 4 sp. The 340 was an auto car now 4 sp. with no motor problems. Look on e bay for the hump, linkage, z-bar,pedal rods. clutch fork, bellhousing, pedal set up, and whatever else I have forgot. You will need a new driveline. I suggest getting a hump before cutting the floor to be safe. I have a spare z-bar and rods.
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  #10  
Old 04-09-2001, 05:39 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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Thanks a lot for your input

What do you think the whole deal cost? More than the cost of a gear vendors overdrive/gear splitter.....~$2500???
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  #11  
Old 04-09-2001, 07:31 PM
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amoparguy amoparguy is offline
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By going through used parts channels, you should be able to make the swap for a fraction of the cost of a GearVendors OD. Check year one for the shifter "hump" I'm sure it's being reproduced.
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  #12  
Old 04-09-2001, 10:20 PM
swinger340 swinger340 is offline
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I bought my 4 speed, bellhousing, clutch, pressure plate, all linkages and the pedals, driveshaft and the hump for $450, which I think is quite a deal . I have seen complete setups go as high as a $1000 though. My setup was from a 74' Dart Sport.
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  #13  
Old 04-09-2001, 10:50 PM
mopar_man mopar_man is offline
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After you drop the slush box, check and see if your crank is drilled for the pilot shaft. also install a new pilot shaft bushing if every thing is ok. If you don't you could go through all this work only to find out that you have to change the crank or even the whole motor.
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  #14  
Old 04-09-2001, 11:13 PM
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70Barracuda 70Barracuda is offline
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You wanna bang gears or get gas mileage?
YOU WANT TO BANG GEARS!!!
Remember the E body stuff is gold plated when it comes to buying parts.
My motor is a 70 340 auto originally, it has the pilot hole. I put a roller in it 18 years ago, still there.
I am looking into getting a performance shift mechanism so the original one and the z-bar & rods I can sell. I regularly see everything on e-bay.
I think around $1500 or so will do it. Maybe.
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  #15  
Old 04-10-2001, 09:42 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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70barracuda,

I'm looking to have a little of both. I want the best of both worlds, tall gearing in the differential and low rpm highway cruizin'.

Thanks for the advice
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  #16  
Old 04-10-2001, 10:37 PM
Thunderstruck Thunderstruck is offline
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Odd you should ask. At least your combo was available from the factory. I am in the process of swapping an A833 into my 360 powered 87 Dodge Diplomat. Oh what fun it has been. Fortunately, I can use F body (Aspen/Volare) clutch linkage parts and A body parts to do this. I am running an A body bell and A833, with a flywheel from a 239 V6 Dakota, $15 from the boneyard. Yeah I know it needs balanced for a 360, did that. I just today cut the shifter hump out of an Aspen with my new cordless Sawzall, bless the man who invented that.

You might consider looking fo a van/truck with an A833, I understand they use the B/E length trans setup. Looking at my various FSM's I would have to say no, the pedals and clutch linkage from an A body won't bolt into an E body. Remember B body stuff is the same as an E. I see you ar in Austin, I work there.

Steve
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  #17  
Old 04-13-2001, 08:06 PM
Plum Crazy Chris Plum Crazy Chris is offline
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Thanks Steve, I'll look for a B-body setup, is the Trans bellhousing different for the different body styles?

You should try to stick around austin on the First Tues of each month for the Mopar Muscle Car of Austin meetings at Maggies Heart of Texas Dodge off I35, starts at 6:30. And check our website for upcoming local shows. www.mopar.org
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