4 speed swap

[68mopar]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about swapping my auto trans for a 4 speed. Before I pull my trans out to look, what are the chances of my crankshaft being able to accept the 4 speed bearing (have I got this right?). It's a 68 383 with a steel crank. I think it's the original motor.

Thanks
Andrew

[Carlwalski]

Your crank shaft should be fine as far as I'm aware. You sure you're not getting confused with the bellhousing?
You'll need a bellhouse to fit to your engine and various other bits and pieces. If you browse our FAQ section their is a conversion thread with everything needed to be done. Won't be "too" hard and worth the end results.


 

[Killer_Mopar]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about swapping my auto trans for a 4 speed. Before I pull my trans out to look, what are the chances of my crankshaft being able to accept the 4 speed bearing (have I got this right?). It's a 68 383 with a steel crank. I think it's the original motor.

Thanks
Andrew

Not sure the exact odds on the crank, but I remember reading somewhere that even some automatic cranks were drilled for 4-speeds, so your odds should be better then the production number of 4-speeds vs. automatics. Even if the crank isnt drilled, you could always lob off the front of the input shaft on the trans and it will work fine. That is what was done to my 4-speed and it works perfect. Also, adding a newer style roller bearing wouldn't be a bad idea. Good luck on the swap

[Chryco Psycho]

virtually all froged cranks I have seen are drilled for the pilot brg , even if it is not the late Dakota brg works , it sits in the torque converter hub instead

[rottenfish]

Even if your crank is drilled, it may not be machined to accept the standard bushing. It seems to me NAPA used to sell an undersized bushing that would fit into unmachined cranks, but I have never used one. If it is not machined, the standard bearing will not fit properly, and you can get some real unpleasant interference problems. As someone mentioned already, the "dakota" style bearing is your best bet. It is a needle roller part, and IMO, is better to use anyway. I have a link to a how-to on a 4 speed swap here:
http://www.wlrgroupco.com/auto/ramcharger_page_2.htm
It is for a truck, but most of the same material applies. The bearing part number is there as well. If your crank isn't drilled, you just have to trim your input shaft an inch or so.