I'm new to the forums. looking for some good info. I just bought a 1978 power wagon. I was told the engine size is a 400ci with a 727 torque flite trans, NP203 transfer case and dana 44's front and rear.

How do I identifie the Engine size? Trans type? Transfer case and axles. An what type of fluid should I use for each.

Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

I asked the same question a few days ago and was told the Engine ID is located on the passenger side of the block. I have yet to get the numbers off mine (so much to do and so little time) but that is what I was told.

 

You will need to get the casting numbers off the passenger side of the block to see what size it is. If the dizzy is in the front, then it is a BB. If the dizzy is behind the carb, then it is a SB (most likely a 360).

For the tranny, the pan should look like this.


The t-case should have a tag on it that says what it is. Most of the 1/2 ton rated Dodge trucks came with either a NP203 (passenger side drop) or a NP208 (driver side drop). The 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks would have either a NP203 or NP205 (passenger side drop), depending on the build sheet and a NP208 for a driver side drop.

The axles are just as easy. There should be a tag on them saying "44" or "60" and three more numbers indicating the gear ratio. If the truck has 5 lug nuts (1/2 ton), you will have D44s front and rear. If you have 8 lug nuts (3/4 ton) then you will have a D44 front and a D60 rear. 1 ton trucks will have D60s front and rear.

Here is what a D44 and D60 diff covers look like. They look very simular but the D60 is much larger.


Anyother way to tell if you have a D60 rear in these trucks is if you have a hub sticking out of the middle of the wheel, this would indicate that you have a full floating Dana 60 rear axle.

 

IF it is a big block and an Auto, it is a 727; guaranteed; even a smallblock if a 4WD will be a 727 (though BB and SB versions won't interchange) they didn't atart puttin 904s in trucks/vans til 79; and at that only in 2WD's.

 

You CAN'T put a 904 behind a big block.

On a 727, you either look at the pan like Tim showed, or if the trans is out you can look to see if there is a "bulge" on one side of the trans.

Set a 904 and 727 side by side, you'll be able to tell right off the bat.

 

Thanx to all for the info. much appreciated.