Big block swap

[coog]

I've seen this discussed using a hydraulic clutch, but my '70 W300 has a mechanical clutch with the arm on the driver's side. I have located a bellhousing from a big block car with a 4 speed; will this work? What else is needed?

[Gordon Maney]

What about your mounts? Does your bellhousing get involved in how it mounts on the frame?

[712edf]

Car bells wont work, at least not easily. They are for 833 transmissions (and maybe 3 speeds too) & 130 tooth flywheels. The truck bells fit the NP435 4 speed & usually has a larger 143 tooth flywheel.

You need a 69-78 big block truck (100, 200, 300 series) bellhousing. They are cast iron & run about $225. I will be having one come up for sale in a few months.

A car bell could be made to work, by I'd rather find the correct bell to begin with.

Bucky

[712edf]

I hope I am correct

What about your mounts? Does your bellhousing get involved in how it mounts on the frame?

I believe the mounts moved to the transmission tail shaft in 69, at least on light duty trucks. They stayed at the bell on medium duty trucks throughout production (ended 77), even though they too switched to driver's side mechanical clutch in 74.

Bucky

[coog]

I believe the mounts moved to the transmission tail shaft in 69, at least on light duty trucks. They stayed at the bell on medium duty trucks throughout production (ended 77), even though they too switched to driver's side mechanical clutch in 74.

Bucky

That's correct (at least on my truck).
Bucky other than the car bell being drilled for another transmission and flywheel, is there any other reason one won't work? I ask because I am also looking at 5 speed kits that are available for Mopar muscle cars. I like the thought of 38% overdrive behind a stump-pulling big block.

[712edf]

That's correct (at least on my truck).
Bucky other than the car bell being drilled for another transmission and flywheel, is there any other reason one won't work? I ask because I am also looking at 5 speed kits that are available for Mopar muscle cars. I like the thought of 38% overdrive behind a stump-pulling big block.

If you use a car transmission (and the smaller flywheel) then you should be fine with car bellhousing..... or drill the car bell for the truck transmission should you keep that.

Different tranny lenght may need the mount/crossmember to be moved.

Clutch linkage may be a potpouri of parts. Shifter may be in different location in the floor hump. But its doable.

Bucky

[greg rider]

You did say this is a "W" series correct? Will any of these tranny's work with the transfer case without some crossmember mods as noted?

[712edf]

You did say this is a "W" series correct? Will any of these tranny's work with the transfer case without some crossmember mods as noted?

If he keeps his 435 & gets a proper (truck) Big block bell then obviously no crossmember mods required. If he uses a car bell & either the 435, 833 or some other 4-5 speed then crossmember may need moving. Intermediate shaft may need lengthened/shortened too depending on overall transmission size.

Bucky

[coog]

It's a 1970 W300. I believe Dodge went to the mechanical clutch in '69, which changed the clutch arm to the driver's side and moved the mount from the bell to the bottom of the transmission. I have a Clark 5 speed o.d that I'll use if I can find the proper bell, but it may be easier to use a T56 package meant for a car. I'll be messing with the tranny mount and driveshaft in any case.

[712edf]

http://www.sweptline.org/forums/view...p?f=32&t=28347

Carnuck was advertising the bell you need on sweptline.org You have to be registered there to post/respond. The ad expired & in this thread he was inquiring as to why, so I believe he still has it.

Clark transmissions used a totally different 2 piece SAE type bell. You generally found these only in 500 & larger series trucks.

I will try to direct Carnuck to this site & thread. His profile shows that he lives in Seattle.

Bucky

[712edf]

I should specify that the Clarks that came originally in the Dodges used the SAE bell, not sure if all Clarks out there would though.

Bucky

[coog]

Thanks, Bucky.