Swapping a A833OD for a A833

[74GreenScamp]

Hey all! I recently discovered my scamp has an A833OD aluminum case. The trans hums a bit once I shift into fourth (OD). For my plans with the car, the ratios are really not ideal. So I have a few questions:
1.) can I use my current A833OD bell housing with a non-OD A833?
2.) is the clutch linkage and fork the same for both OD and non-OD
3.) what A833 should I look for to replace my OD trans?

Thanks for reading. I’m ready for some negative comments as some people enjoy the OD, but I would prefer the ratios and durability of a non OD trans.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Bolt in swap EXCEPT the bellhousing. The OD has a large 5.125" bearing retainer so the bellhousing has to have that same corresponding size center hole. The non OD transmission has a smaller front bearing retainer. It's either 4.35 or 4.8. You need to measure the outside diameter of the front bearing retainer to be sure you get the right bellhousing. The alternative is, you can have an adapter ring made to fill in the gap from the OD center hole to mate with the smaller front bearing retainer. I've never liked that idea, plus a good machine shop will probably charge just as much or more than the correct bellhousing.

 

[66fs]

All you need is the right front bearing retainer. There are two 5.125 retainers with different bolt circles. Next you need to know the number of output splines. Then you can get the right A833 to match what you have now with no other changes.

 

[RustyRatRod]

All you need is the right front bearing retainer. There are two 5.125 retainers with different bolt circles. Next you need to know the number of output splines. Then you can get the right A833 to match what you have now with no other changes.

Now THAT I was not aware of.

 

[66fs]

The small bolt pattern was rare but I have had a few. Brewers Performance has new billet retainers in both bolt patterns.

 

[matthon]

I went the other direction, A833 to OD A833.

I even had the OD bearing retainer turned down so I could swap a larger retainer on to the A833, so I can easily swap trans.

The plan was use the OD for long cross country trips, the other for around town.

I haven't had the urge or need to swap the OD back out.

Imo, it's the better all around trans, all in how you shift it. It rips the treads off the tires in 1st, 2nd is fun and great for downshifting from 3rd or 4th, third is ye 'ol 4th, and OD is fantastic on the highway or country roads and for gas mileage and distance and hearing music or my co-pilot talking.

And yes, the OD can take the horsepower.

Mine is the cast iron OD, but you can have a steel bushing put in the aluminum counter shaft hole. I may have some terms there incorrect.

 

[Dan Brewer]

Like a few others have mentioned, all you need to do is put the correct bearing retainer on your 1:1 unit. ALL 64-74 A-body 4-speeds used a 307 front bearing with a 3.70" bolt circle, so this retainer would bolt on and fit your O/D bell with the 5.125" bore diameter.
23 SPLINE BILLET 5.125 DIA 307 BEARINGC97728 3.70" BOLT CIRCLE - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission & Component Specialists

I do have a couple original cast units in stock I would sell cheaper...but they have some pitting on the snout. It wouldn't affect anything....just doesn't look great.

 

[YY1]

What axle gear is the OP running and what doesn't he like about the OD unit?

I have no idea what rear is in my truck, but I find myself doing a lot of 2-3, 3-2 "cross gate" shifts, which is not particularly comfortable.
I'm hoping changing the rear gear will make that less of an issue.

Being aware of that borderline "granny" first ratio is something to remember as well, that can make a more highway friendly rear act "lower" on takeoff.
...but can also make a less highway friendly rear borderline unusable in first.

 

[74GreenScamp]

Like a few others have mentioned, all you need to do is put the correct bearing retainer on your 1:1 unit. ALL 64-74 A-body 4-speeds used a 307 front bearing with a 3.70" bolt circle, so this retainer would bolt on and fit your O/D bell with the 5.125" bore diameter.
23 SPLINE BILLET 5.125 DIA 307 BEARINGC97728 3.70" BOLT CIRCLE - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission & Component Specialists

I do have a couple original cast units in stock I would sell cheaper...but they have some pitting on the snout. It wouldn't affect anything....just doesn't look great.

View attachment 1716452035

Forgive me I am new to manual transmissions. This will adapt any A body A833 trans I find to my current bell housing?

 

[Dan Brewer]

Forgive me I am new to manual transmissions. This will adapt any A body A833 trans I find to my current bell housing?

Assuming it is 1:1 4th gear, yes. Some of the O/D units used in A/F body had 307 front bearing, most had the lager 308.