518 Conversion
#2906095
04/04/21 10:34 AM
04/04/21 10:34 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,163 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
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I bought a 52 Dodge B3B several months ago. It’s a well done truck with some more moderan upgrades. Has a 330 Hemi, 727 and a E body 8.75. I plan on converting over to a 518. I’m wondering if there’s a member to two that have a pilot house. The question I have is pertainIng to the tranny crossmember. Is there a crossmember out there that would be a good candidate for this conversion. I’ve been told that the cross member from a early 90s dodge will work. I know I’ll Need to fab something, just want to find something close.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: 518 Conversion
[Re: moparx]
#2906240
04/04/21 01:08 PM
04/04/21 01:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,163 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
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Well, it’s a Dodge Dakota piece, probably could modify it further. I don’t have the trans as of yet to get an idea. The crossmember in there now was modified for the 727. My understanding the 518 is mounted further and lower back.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: 518 Conversion
[Re: trw1982]
#2906509
04/04/21 07:38 PM
04/04/21 07:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,651 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
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Freeport IL USA
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The 1st question should be, is the frame under your truck the original frame for the 50s truck, or is it a more modern frame? Lots of these trucks have been updated with Dakota frames, or have had the original frame modified with an independent front suspension. With out knowing what frame is under your truck, figuring out which trans cross member it could use it a guess at best.
What year the Dakota trans cross member is in the truck right now is also going to make a difference. I believe the 93 model year Dakota trans mounts are no longer available (it was a 1 year only piece), so if the current trans cross member was out of a 93 Dakota, it had to be modified to either install the older, or the newer trans mount, or what ever mount was used for the 727. Farther more, if the Dakota trans cross member as from a 90 and newer, it probably was set up for the 500 or the 518 trans already, someone modified it to use with the 727.
At any rate, the trans cross member will need to be moved towards the rear about 4" for the 518 to fit where a 727 resides.(you will need to compare where the trans mounts bolts to the trans compared to how far behind the bell the trans mount bolt pad is located, its been a while and I don't remember the exact differences in length). Then its just a matter of modifying the cross member so what ever trans rubber mount you use will work. Gene
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Re: 518 Conversion
[Re: poorboy]
#2906575
04/04/21 09:55 PM
04/04/21 09:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,163 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
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I Live Here
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OP
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The frame is a stocker with a Dakota stub. Some of the frame is boxed for added strength. I found an old article on the conversion that’s answered most of my questions. What 1 need to do is extend a plate from the existing mount to the mounting point on the 518 tail shaft.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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