1989 318 Manual Trans info

RKTINC · May 20, 2020

This is my first post. I am a Land Cruiser and Jeep J10 guy but I found a great 1st gen dodge pick up and need expert opinions.

I just found a nice, rust free 1989 PowerRam 4x4 150LE with a 318. For some reason a previous owner switched the manual trans to an automatic. They left the clutch pedal in place They switched the steering column to an automatic type.

Questions:

What manual transmission would have come in a high optioned 4x4 short bed like this? It says 4speed on the original window sticker but I can't imagine it not being a 4 speed OD.
Are these transmissions common? Were they good units? Do the salvage yards keep them and are they reasonably priced.

Second, the auto trans is strong. The column shifter is very very loose and the linkage is terrible. Would it be easy to just use the original hole in the floor and mount an aftermarket floor shifter and keep the automatic with an aftermarket floor shifter?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Moparite · May 20, 2020

What's you objective auto or manual? There where less manuals made. 89 was the first year for the overdrive auto and it was an option. If you want you could find one of them and install it. Nice looking truck!

Gen1dak · May 27, 2020

A833 or NP435. Both are stout units. The NP435 is often referred to as the granny gear 4 speed, as the first ratio is an un-synchronized double low. So, essentially, it had 3 normal ratios, and first was in the traditional second gear position. Granny was in first position. When you needed to pull the Earth out of orbit, put the transfer case in low 4, slip it into granny gear and look out. Both trans are excellent, enduring, designs. Would it be easier to do what you said with a floor shifter, yes. However, if ya went with a manual trans, you could add a pistol grip!. Very nice looking ride.

1989 318 Manual Trans info

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