318 to 400 swap, have a few questions about setting it up for my 4 speed

[Estwingr]

I have a 318 833 4 speed Ram, its an 85. I am going to put a 400 from a 74 truck with a 727 behind it. What kinda flywheel do I need? Did they ever make 400 4 speeds? Do I need a 400 fly wheel? Can I use a 383 or a 440 flywheel? Can I use the 10 1/2 inch clutch and pressure plate that is bolted to my 318 now? I have a 23 spline 833. Thanks guys.

Jeff

[Ausydad]

You have the choice of keeping the 727 behind the 400, or as I choose. I say keep the 4 spd. To do this, you will need to change the bellhousing as the 2 have different bolt patterns, and change to the 11" flywheel, plate, and disc. 383,440, it's all the same for big. Does that help?

[Estwingr]

Theres no doubt about it, the whole reason I asked this question is because I want to keep my 4 speed!! I can't use the clutch setup I have now? Thats a bummer, as its fairly new prolly doesn't even have 1,000 mikes on it.
My truck is a factory 4 speed truck, but I just didn't know whats involved with the swap since the 400 is from a automatic equipped truck. Thanks for the info.

Jeff

[sumthin fishy]

Yes they made 400 4/sp. I have a 78. No, you cant use 383 flywheel (steel crank) Yes you can use 440 cast crank flywheel, (for extrernal balanced engine). Your biggest problem will be if your crank is not drilled for a 4/sp. but really no problem, just cut off a portion of the input shaft, or drill your crank so the input shaft will fit. And you may have to have a pilot bearing machined.

[Ausydad]

I thought someone said that there was a newer Ram truck that uses a pilot that doesn't require any machine work or drilling? Can someone please remind us of this if you know?
BTW, whaddya want for the flywheel, etc. from the 318?

[Estwingr]

I have no idea what its worth, but I'd be more interested in doing some trading. Got anything you'd be willing to swap? A thermoquad? A six pack of Budweiser? Let me know

Jeff

[Mach Manny]

hey - how common is it to find trucks like your's powered by a 318 and backed by a 4 speed? i'm getting interested in a prostock truck

[ScottPuddintane]

CHECK THAT PILOT BUSHING HOLE!
To my knowledge the 400 4-speeds, put in cars up until '74, had the FORGED 383 type crank with the pilot bushing hole. All of the automatic Chrysler cranks I've seen DO NOT have the hole. This is a royal pain in the butt..... I've been through it. You have to find a GOOD shop to drill the pilot bushing hole. There's a crank oil passage nearby. The flywheel balance is another big problem. I don't think one was made for a cast crank 4-speed.

Have you considered changing over to forged crank?

[Estwingr]

I haven't considered to much of anything yet to be honest with ya. The 400 is coming from a 74 truck with a 727 so I pretty much figured that the pilot hole wasn't drilled and I'd have to cut off the end of the input shaft on the tranny. Someone else here said I could use a cast crank 440 flywheel????

Mach Manny - I really don't have any idea how rare or common these trucks are (mine is a 85 by the way) but I've only seen one and its mine. I see quite a few /6 four speeds here in the my local junkyard if thats any help.....

Jeff

[Ausydad]

Hey Estwingr,
If you give an email, I'd love to talk to you about it!
Ausydad@yahoo.com

[jelsr]

If you have access to a good steel 383 crank it would be relatively simple to put that in the 400. You would also need the damper off the 383. Doing it this way you can use your flywheel, clutch assy, and gear reduction starter.

[Estwingr]

Jelsr, what kind of condition (std/std 10/10 etc) and do you have a balancer for it? I'm going out to Dawson NE on January 5th to bring home the truck with the 400 I've been talking about. Are you anywhere near there? How much would a 383 crank cost a guy? Thanks!

Jeff

[jelsr]

Jeff,
I'm sure I have a crank and damper, but would have to look. Would be std/std with some surface rust and would finish 010/010. I don't keep the ruined ones unless they are 440/steel. Couldn't find Dawson on the map but found Dawson county. E-mail me with the for sure location. My brother lives in Norton, Ks. which is south of Lexington, Ne. about 65 mi. on US 283. I live 120 mi. southwest from him but could meet you at Norton.
Jim

[Estwingr]

Here is a link to a map of where Dawson NE is:Ram Jam event page. I'll have to do some searching to find Norton. Shot me a email at MoparRam4spd@aol.com. I tried to email you thru the board but it said I couldn't do that.

Jeff

[jelsr]

E-mail is enroute, edited my profile options to show my address, didn't realize it was hidden.