5 speed install

So im thinking of putting a 5 speed behind my now 3 speed 57 D100. I know people talk about using a T5 from what ever.
I have a line on a 5 speed from an early 5.2 Dakota. I would like t keep it all mopar. Anybody done it?

Be sure to verify that the trans is an AX15, not the AX5. Also be sure that you get the bellhousing as they are unique to the AX trans.
The next question is what engine are you working with? Lots of info on my website to help you decide.

What engine do you have?

What year Dakota? Some used the NV2500 (NP535). Had one behind a 360 LA...smoothest shifting trans I ever had but was worried it might not survive long so I replaced it with a Tremec TKO600.

Not sure what year the Dak is The trans is an AX15. The truck now has a 270 Hemi with the original bell that the engine came with.
.I would like to keep that bell as the motor motor mounts 2 spots in the bell. I was hopeing to hang the 5 speed off the original bell as the 3 speed is now..
Thanks for all the replies and the help.

The AX15 belhousing bolts to the trans case in a unique pattern which is nothing like the original trans pattern.

AX bellhousing pattern



You might be able to fab up an adapter that you can bolt to the original bell and fits the AX15, but I think the plate would have to be bolted with the bolts going from inside the original bellhousing to plate, IOW you'll be drilling out threaded holes.

I have anAC15 trans out of a 90 Dakota and one out of a 92 Dakota. Neither have a bolt pattern that looks like the one pictured above. Both were held to the bell with 4 bolts, but in a different configuration then the old 833 was.

Unless the OP plans on dumping the clutch a lot, I would not be too concerned about the AX15. The slide rail shift mechanism isn't nearly as nice slamming gears (doesn't shift fast enough) as the old Hurst shifter, but it isn't the 1970s anymore.

PM sent. Thanks for all the replys.

I don't know what an AC15 is, but all AX15's have that pattern.

You probably had an NP535/NV2500 transmission, not an AX15.

NV2500

I checked the tag on the 5 speed out of my Dakota. It is indeed a New Process A535 (2500) 5 speed. They came in Dakotas from 87-92 according to the Mopar manual transmission guide.
The AX 15 (which I was told mine was) was put in the Dakotas from 91 to 96.

Sorry for any confusion.

Wouldn’t you need an adapter?

With the correct factory bell, the NV2500 is a bolt on for any LA or Magnum SB.

Since everything came out of the 1990 Dakota with a 3.9 V6, everything was factory bolted together.

As John stated, the bell bolts to any Mopar motor with the small block bolt pattern. The older motors that had the extended crankshafts would probably need a spacer between the motor and the bell to put the trans and clutch assembly on the same plain, to make up for the longer crankshaft hub.

The bolt pattern between the trans and the bell are probably transmission specific, but it has pretty much always been that way with Mopar.

The NP A 535 (2500) trans has the 4 bolt ears to bolt the trans to the bell, and also only has a round hole for the trans snout to fit into. It would probably be an easier trans to adapt to an older bell then the AX 15 with the specific trans bolting arrangement and the oblong center hole. But that would be my opinion based on nothing other then the 4 ear trans bolt pattern and the round center hole. I have no other Mopar manual transmissions to compare to around here anymore.

As far as I know MoPar never put the NV2500 behind a V8. While it might bolt onto one with the V6 parts odds are good it won't last long. It was iffy behind the stock v6.

That's why I replaced the one behind my 360. (Previous owner installed it)

If the V8 is pretty much stock, and the trans isn't abused, it should do well. Dumping the clutch with real traction is what breaks manual transmissions. Reduce the clutch dumping, and remove the real traction and weak parts can survive.

Not all of us beat on things like we used to I know I collected enough broken parts from street abuse back in my younger days that I no longer have that desire. Now its more about enjoying the ride from point a to point b. A manual trans can improve that enjoyment as long as you remember what the weak link is.

Nobody has mentioned the NV3500. I have one to replace the A745 in my Sweptline. Truck has a poly stroker and I think the no holeshot/speedshift rule should make it last. They put these in full size Rams and chevies.