Retrofit Question

[Monkey Man]

Silly question maybe, will the gearbox from an M37 fit a WC Dodge with out too much modification?

MM

[Brigand]

Sorry old man, I believe the respective bolt patterns are off by quite a bit. Or perhaps just for one mounting ear.

[jimmy_stikx]

Wouldn't swapping the bellhousing from the M37 allow for the tranny to be swapped over? This is assuming the bellhousing bolt pattern to the block and starter mounts are the same.

[Monkey Man]

Thanks Guys......
I might be able to get a hold of a WC gearbox to measure it out, I only ask the question as I have a friend with a WC Dodge that really likes the idea of fitting my spare synchro 3rd and 4th spare gearbox and I would like to help him out but if it dosen't fit relatively easily then it's not practical to go ahead with.
Also, what is an almost new gearbox with PTO fitted worth as a trade these days?

MM

[jimmy_stikx]

No idea, actually trying to figure out an OD trans to swap my early trans with, along with sourcing 4.88s.

[Brigand]

Tony, I did some poking about and discovered the following. The transmission from the M series will fit three out of four bolt holes. with the judicous use of a scribe and center punch , the location for the fourth hole could be identified and drilled. It's unclear if the clutch disc or pilot bearing would be the same but that's something that could be ironed out. I have a couple spare M37 bell housings but they are heavy and probably prohibitive to ship to your locale. Certainly no harm can come from trying it out.

[Monkey Man]

Thanks Bob, I'll inspect the box to make sure there has been no rust spots forming on the gears and look at replacing all seals for him, the extra hole can be drilled for sure and per your advice I'll see if Harry has any clutch component spares in his collection to compare. I won't need my spare box, if I ever find that this one is unservicable I am seriously looking at going to an automatic transmission (I should have bought that F-150 Ambulance, it had an auto already fitted, power steering, EFI V8, aircon etc. etc....... )

MM