So I'm (hopefully) picking up a 440/6 next weekend. Assuming all goes well there, I'll be dropping that big pig in an A-body Swinger. (70-72)

Ideally I'd like to put a 4-speed in it, not really concerned with overdrive, however I want something that will hold up to some abuse.

Doing a lot of research, I'm reading a lot of conflicting info, the majority of it appears to be combinations that "should" work, I.E. advice from people that have not actually done it. Other than that mostly either A-body or B-Body specific combinations.

I'd like to avoid the 727, they are a dime a dozen sure, and I'd go that route as a last resort.

So....18 or 23 spline....from what I have read, both will work? (23's seem to be a dime a dozen)

Bell housings: TOTALLY lost here. No idea what size(s) I need, 10.5, 11, A body, B body, IBR hole(5.125" or 4.35" or 4.80")

And lastly, tailshafts. Not a clue here. I have no isues getting a custom made drive shaft, but as far as what is going to fit/work under an A-body....clueless.

I appreciate the help in advance fellas. I know I'm biting off a lot, and I'm green as hell. But I'd rather learn and do it the right way, than screw it up and do it 10x guessing.

If I'm missing anything else, let me know. I know it's going to take a lot to get this done right.

 

I would go after market with a 5 or 6 speed kit made for a A body

 

There's quite a few good transmission options but cost is a big factor , a good a body 4 speed can be had for $400 or less.

 

Did they make a Hemi A body trans

 

No, only the fine spine and it was good enough for 440 a body's in 69.

As an edit I should say not that I know of, all the production cars used the fine spine.

 

One thing you're going to have to come up with is clutch linkage, bell housing and clutch etc.. There's a lot of options on how on determining what you want or need so research is needed.

 

I was under the impression all the 440s and Hemis had the 18 spline.

 

B and E body but not all.

 

You have to remember that most big block A body's were 383 cars with a limited number of 440 cars and a percentage of them had 4 speeds.

 

From what I have read the 383 had the 23 spline tho, not the 18 spline. But I don't know, obviously, that's one of the many thing that makes getting info so difficult.

I have no issues running a 23 spline, so long as I know that it will work and be reliable.

 

The 64 max wedge went through a 23 spine, its all hard you abuse your equipment. 4 k hole shots might be fun but they're a great way to break parts.
Clutch selection can help with durability also.

I had a friend years ago who's brother had a bb, 4sp, 67 Corvette roadster, car had power to run mid 10s but he would soft shift it and run consist 11.tens and win regularly, all with the stock ten bolt rear end!
He couldn't get parts good enough to make the rear axle survive so he adjusted his driving stile.

 

Well I picked up the 440/6, so I definitely need to find a A833 4 speed. Still don't have a car picked out but I have a few prospects, and as much snow as we're getting dumped on us right now won't be getting a car any time soon, anyway.

 

-- I saw You in The FABO Forum a little while ago. - You should be able to find a Swinger Project, over there.

 

Trick is finding one priced right....and within driving distance!

 

I've got the trans you need, I think I have three, might be able too talk me out of one?

 

I may end up taking you up on that, Iowan, right now I'm trying to lock down a car tho, so it'll probably be a while before I get to that point. What specifically do you have, and prices? (I can PM you my cell or email if preferred.)

 

It's all late 60s abody, 68 -69, I think two are from 383 cars.
I was collecting them to use in my f body have stayed with the 727. I think my big blocks would be a little hard on parts.

 

To my knowledge, 18 splines were only used with 440 and hemi cars, along with dana 60 rears. Big block automatics used a 8 3/4 rear, regardless of a or b body.