Since this is a 72, I might be in the wrong forum.

I have a 440 and a short shaft 727 ( was going to put it in my Duster, but now I'm thinking OD ) I am looking at taking out my 318/727 and putting the 440 into my 72 D100. Besides the obvious, like Trans, motor mounts, and maybe springs, what do I need to do a big block swap on my truck?

j

 

3 to 4 core radiator or one out of a motorhome with a BB and A/C, truck exhaust manifolds, BB motor mounts, and I think thats it. The tranny should bolt up to the stock cross member I believe.

I wanted to do the same thing with my 78 D200 but just don't have the money.

 

So, to sum up:

• Motor Mounts
• Headers
• Radiator
• Transmission
• Torsion Bars (Or Springs)
• Maybe Rear End
• Brakes?

I am considering upgrading to either 3/4 ton or 1 ton suspension anyway because I want a hauler. I'm also considering just buying an old 3/4 ton Dodge just for that. My GF youngest daughter wants my truck anyway

j

 

you'll be better off with coils in the front.

you can buy my 78 if you want. new control arms up front, locked D60 with 4.10 gears, I'll even throw in a set of Autometer gauges that are brand new, new fender, carpet kit. I can't remember what else.

 

If I wasn't in Washington State ( and the GF approved ) I'd take you up on that I did find one on Craigslist for I think $900 that has a 400 in it already, so the swap would be rather easy IMHO. I'm not sure if it was a 200 or not, but with he 400, I wouldn't care.

j

 

thats a good price as long as its running.

 

Guess I'l just have to wait till I get some more money. I spent all my car money But, I got a 71 Demon, and a 68 Dart, and a 440 Now I have to come up with the $350 for my 400, and another $300 for the two Dana's I found. Coming up with $750 shouldn't be that bad, right?

j

 

na, you just need the right job.

If you have to many, I'll be more than happy to take the Dart off your hands. lol

 

I have a 77 Winnebego with a 440/727 that just became a donor Will the coils in the D100 stand up to the 440? I'm thinking of taking the truck down to have the steering gear replaced, and might have them put in heavier springs. I know the 8 3/4 will handle the 440 easy...so...I need to find headers, or manifolds for my truck. I'd LOVE to use headers

j

 

I hate you...... J/K. I wish I had the space for another truck build. Maybe with after we move into a larger place.

When I did my 85 D100, I was told that I needed to use D300 springs as the ratings are different. I do not know if this is true though.

 

Do you happen to have an extra pair of front springs that can be shipped to Washington State? Or, do you know of a vendor for old truck springs? Or, does anyone for that matter have any D200/300 front springs laying around? If so, that would be AWESOME!

j

 

I imagine they would last long enough for me to get an idea of how soon I need to replace them Or, if I can get the shop to replace the springs for a few hundred more while replacing/rebuilding the steering gear box, who knows...

j

 

I don't have any. I'll have to look around for who carries them.

 

Next question...

Headers for a '72. I have found them for 73 and up, but not for the 72. I was told, that Stans Headers here in the Puget sound region will take the 73 and up headers if they don't fit, and are in like new condition...with a 20% restocking fee...

20% of almost $700 if they don't fit...wow...

Anyone happen to have any BB truck manifolds laying around?

j

 

Got the 440 out of the motor home

Check out the pix

j

 

and some more

 

did you get it out going up, or did you just pull it out?

 

The pix above are of a long days work, pulling the motor. Now I've got to get the truck cleaned out ( people thnik it is a large trash can. ) I got to get the Winne moved so I can get the truck tuned arround, so I can get the 318/727 out. Now...my question is...is that a short shaft 727? I have a couple long shaft 727s but am not sure of the usability. I'm giving serious consideration to trying to find a 3/4 ton, and parking this motor in the back of my garage, pulling the 318/727/8.75 rear from the D100, and moving on.

Decisions, decisions

j

 

Going to look at a 78 D200 W/440 Friday. Package deal comes with a 78 D100 W/400 as well Will post more this weekend

j

 

Well, the GF wouldn't let me get the trucks, and I got laid off yesterday. Talk about incentive to get out and work on the projects SO, I'm ordering the motor mounts and was wondering if there is a difference in the tranny mount between the short/long shaft 727 tranny's? Will it just drop in?

j

 

Next question is, headers. I can't seem to find headers for the '72 with a big block. I can find them all day long for later model trucks. Anyone have any experience with putting headers on a big block in a '72 Dodge half ton TWD?

j

 

So, I got started pulling the 318 out today. Got the hood off, Rad and AC Cond, out, engine accys out, and the drive shaft out. The trans mount and crossmember are about half way there.

Some pix ( from my Android. Believe it or not...this is an 8MP camera...)

j

 

Sorry to hear about you losing your job.

The tranny mounts are the same.

Have you looked at Summit or Jeggs? I was able to find headers for those years with that motor back when I built my D100.

EDIT: I just remembered that they go back to 73. I'm not sure how the frame differs (if at all) betwen the pre-'72 and post'72 models.

 

Both Summit and Jegs have them for just under $600 for Hooker IIRC Super Comp. I was hoping to find a cheaper set. Been raining off and on all day. Didn't get any more done to the truck. I understand it is supposed to rain for the next few days. That might give me time for the motor mounts that I ordered to come in. I can also get the 440 ready to put in.

To my ? about the transmission...The tail shaft on the Winnebago tranny is different than the one that I have in my truck. The 'bago had a two piece shaft..

How would I convert the output on the 'bago tranny to a slip in yoke? Should I just have a shop do it?

j

 

Yup. They have to swap the tailshaft housing and output shaft.

 

Crap

Have you ever tried to change it yourself? If so, how hard would it be?

j

 

Never have done it myself. I'm not sure if the entire inside needs to be pulled out but I would think so.

 

Motors out Now I just need to receive the parts I'm waiting for, headers, oil pan, and pickup. I might have to push the truck out of the garage to get the 440 ready to go in. I was concerned when I started this little project that I wouldn't have enough room...still hopeful tho. Pix to follow later today.

I might also have to change the transmission that came out of the Winnebago got one I have in my garage. We'll see...

j

 

The empty engine bay of the '72 D100

j

 

After lots of deliberation and soul searching, I have decided to abandon the project. While I was in the engine compartment, I was looking through the rust holes to the garage floor in the fenders. The bed has rust in both sides, and the bottom. I think the only part that isn't cancer ridden is the top of the cab

I am looking for another truck to replace her...preferably a 3/4 ton...with a big block If I can find a late model Diesel, or I have considered a Dually with a 360...

We shall see...

j