Looking (far) ahead to the future project of replacing the 904 on our /6 1975 Swinger with an A500 using the (727) adapter plate etc. For the cross member, has anyone tried using the USCT Motorsports 518 cross member adapter? I know that cross member needs to be changed / modified for the A500 installation, but I'm wondering if the USCT 518 adapter would be worth buying. It looks pretty substantial. I note that using the Dodge 727 trans adapter plate moves the trans rearward 1". Also, the distance from the bell surface to the rear mount pad is almost the same on A500 and 518. Has anyone worked with USCT's part? Feedback?
Their quote: "Engineered to facilitate installing a Chrysler 518 overdrive automatic transmission into a Dodge/Plymouth Mopar A Body car."

http://store.uscartool.com/67-75-A-Body ... p_141.html

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

It looks like it would be pretty close. You are of course right about the 1" rearward change to the trans from the Slant 6 plate. I built my upper and lower X from scratch, but I bet it would be relatively easy to modify that one. Note that you need to cut the whole upper X out and rebuild that, and move/raise part of the trans tunnel.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I've looked at other photos of 727-518 swap cross members and see that they still need some custom fabrication to fit the A500 and adapter plate. My welding skills are needing a lot of growth, so that identifies my hesitation. Cutting and patching-in the trans tunnel I can handle, as it isn't a real critical section. I'm not sure if paying the USCT $274.00 is worth anything, if I end up needing to do almost the same amount of work as just modifying the cross member that I remove. Good welding on the cross member counts, so I might need to tack it and send it out to a shop to weld. Unless my skills improve greatly. Thanks for your input, Lou.

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

I like the idea of making the parts to modify it, mock it up in the car and tack it, then take to a welding shop for final welding.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Custom projects require custom ideas, commitment and ca$h if you are unwilling or unsure enough to do the work yourself.

I would get the usct part and go from there.


Greg

_________________
http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Good thoughts. Spend the $$ on a good quality part, custom modify it as needed, tack it together, then get a good weld on it. I think that will be my safe, solid plan. P

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

There's a very detailed account—with pictures—of putting an A500 in a '66 Dart over here.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks Dan. I had not seen that thread. I have been researching this project pretty well over the last several years, so there are just a few details that I'm trying to nail down. The cross member is one of the last items that my plan was fuzzy on. I have the adapter kit, pressure switches for the OD, lots of threads and info, and the donor (fresh) A500 in a running 1989 Dakota sitting in my driveway. I have tooling, so I'm looking forward to the day when the Swinger goes up on stands and the fun (??) begins.

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

not "almost" the same. it IS the same. I've done an A500 to 518 swap into a Dakota.... direct drop right in. no change in driveshaft change either. I think the dipstick and tube might have been different, along with the inspection plate over the converter, but that was it. 500 to 518 was a direct drop in swap. did that in a 94 Dakota with a 3.9.
so retrofiting one in your Dart, pick one.... bolt in the same. same mods on a retrofit, would apply to either auto OD trans.
now if you were to start swapping between auto and stick in the 500/518 years, the stick trannys are shorter//so you need a longer driveshaft. at least going from 500/518 to NV3500, as I did in my 93 Dakota club cab..... think it was something like 5-7/8-6" difference in length.

Thanks folks! I've been away from the Forum due to being employed again, so slow to respond. I made a small wad $$ in overtime, so I did buy the USCT crossmember, and it looks VERY healthy. The project is not along far enough to set it into place and analyze the fit, but that will come later.

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

Keep us posted. I still have an A500 I plan on installing in my 76 D100. I grabbed the transmission crosmembers out of the donor 88 Dakota and a 90 D150, so I am hoping to get away with only having to drill a few holes in my frame. But I would love to see what other options are out there.

_________________
Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

I think the truck frames and crossmembers are waaay different on the trucks than my Darts. Check how far from the /6 rear mounting flange the rear mount is on your current trans versus the A500 mount pad. I would think that the crossmembers that you got would fit nicely, but maybe check how far back from the engine that puts the pad on the frame versus where the pad on the trans will actually end up.

_________________
"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

Truck should pretty much bolt in. A-body will be lots of cutting and rebuilding/welding. Been there...

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988