going with a dakota transmission

RedFish said
I think they all have numvers stamped on the left pan rail. Tou dont wamt before 90 model. The 89 had fluid flow issued. Corrected bt cross drilling the sprag but why bother.
94 and later are 42re, elecronic controller required.
If my memory serves the 92 still had a cable driven speedo.

Do you have any information on the pre 90 models and their supposed oil flow issues? I'm not disputing your word. Just like to know cause I rebuilt a 88 A500 for a buddy and the truck had over 250,000 miles on it and looked original. I don't know if he got lucky or it's just a rumor about the oil flow issue. Also, cross drilling the sprague doesn't make much sense to me. I regulary drill a small oil feed hole (1/16") to lube the sprague better but I've seen numerous torqueflites (o.d. models included) go over 200,000 miles without the mod. I just feel it's a worth mod. And are you positive about 94 being the year they went to electronic shift? I thought it was 95 when they went to the RE series but I admit I'm not up to par on the o.d. models like a 3 spd. torqueflite. 95 also had a speedo cable output. Just an electronic sensor screwed onto it but you can unscrew it and screw a speedo cable on. Haven't worked on anything newer than 95 so I'm not sure what their like after that. Your correct about them having an i.d. # on the left side pan rail but the problem is I can't find anything online to identify anything newer than an 86. The dealer can tell you what it's from but that's the only way I know. Thanks Red