360 transplant

[goatboy]

I have a 71 Swinger with a /6. I have a 360 in my dakota that I want to transplant. The swinger has a 225 /6 with a 904 transmission and a 8 3/4 rear end. It has power steering, but no power brakes. Disc on front.

I guess my question is what do I need to consider when making this swap. I know that I need a different transmission the one in the dakota is a 500? I think. I am learning as I go really. The 360 runs like a bat out of hell, I know part of that is because it's a little truck but man it's nice. I know this swap has been done but I can't seem to find the info I am looking for. Do I need to do anything different to the steering? or the suspension? Thanks in advance, and please forward any links or info that you may know of. Thanks billy

 

[rumblefish360]

Schmaucher creative services (Engineswaps.com) has the engine mounts your looking for. Easy job, did it myself on my duster that had a /6.

The tranny, will or should need a bit of clearancing in the tunnel. From what i remember, the mags used a BFH (Big Freakin Hammer) to make some room. The cross member is another issue. If you can fab one, it'll be cheaper than a purchase of one, though I love bolt in's.

You didn't say what year your truck is. So, the O.D. unit may have an issue, as in shifting into it. Later year O.D. tannys use the computer, earlier one use a dash mounted button. If your going to use the Dak's computer as well, then theres no problem there.

You will have to shorten your drive shaft. Speak to a driveshaft shop on how they want you to measure it. More than likely, it'll be;
Car on level ground, tape measure from the trannys tail, no yoke installed to the yoke of the rear end.


Disc brakes up front are a big plus. I need to do that myself. I have power drums on all 4 corners. While not bad, disc is better.

Nothing needed for the steering.

Suspension wise, I did nothing up front. Just upgraded to KYB shocks from what ever leaking units that were there to begin with. The /6 bars give a good weight transfer. Good for a Very hot rod or drag car. It's fine for the street.
A better ride quality will be had from ethier the standard V-8 bars or slightly larger 340 bars (From what I understand) or a stiff ride, use 383 bars, MP's next size up.
Larger sway bars are also nice.

The rear leafs should be upgraded. This way it will handle the power better. Standard 340 leaf springs will fit the bill unless your engine is on the hot side. Then S/S springs or Caltracks should be sought.

Sway bars from Addco; http://www.swaybars.com/
engine swap kit; http://www.engine-swaps.com/
Leaf springs; http://www.espo.com/ or your MP dealer for the A body XHD rear leaf springs.
tranny parts, upgrades and swap parts; http://www.transmissioncenter.net/highperflist.htm

Lok around the web and other links that the fellas post up. I just dropped a few, theres plenty out there.

 

[lawndart360]

I am working on this very swap myself, only I think I am taking it to the next level, granted my car is a 72 Swinger and is a small block car, Rumblefish didnt leave much out. Standard small block torsion bars ar .870, option are .890 and .920.

My donar wa sa 94 van, I gutted everything, and I mean everything, and intend to graft the entrie wiring harness into the dart, and even use the factory electric in tank fuel pump, with some obvious fabrication.

Biggest issues are getting the trans to fit properly, thus requiring modification to the floor and trans cross member.

 

[goatboy]

I forgot it is a 92 dakota, the engine is not original. I am hoping to pull the power steering pump this weekend and hopefully be able to get to the numbers and figure out what it came from. I had to get a crankshaft positioning sensor last week and the guy said it was somewhere in the 2000's based on the part but could not narrow it done anymore than that. It's a magnum. I will find out what it's from and get back. thanks for your advice.

 

[goatboy]

lawndart, what transmission do you have? You said you had a van did you use the trans out of that?