Researching A833, still left with ???'s

[Filliswept]

So I bought a '68 D100. 318 with column shift 3 speed. I've been pondering the 4-speed swap. I'm leaning towards the A833. I've gone all the way back to 2008 on here searching these builds. So my question is in regards to the bellhousing setup with the different clutch options. It seems that most have converted to a hydraulic clutch. I have the mechanical style currently, and I would rather do a simple swap. I have been told that most of the mid 80's 4-speeds were the A833. I also read somewhere in my search that Dodge used the mechanical clutches up to the late 80's.

After hours of researching today, it seems that all the threads dead end where I'm left with questions. I've got a feeling my answer is going to end up being "use the NP435". Can somebody confirm that there is indeed a V8, mechanical clutch, A833 offered in the mid 80's? If it helps, I have a mid 80's LA318 that will be installed on the truck as well.

I have located an "85 in a local salvage yard. I haven't seen under the hood to know what style clutch it has.

Any info is appreciated.

[712edf]

Dodge light duty trucks used mechanical type clutch from 1969 through 87. The 435 used a different bellhousing than the 833. The 833 bell is essentially same as used in the passenger cars.

As far as I know the truck A833 was only offered with mechanical clutch & only found in 2wd trucks. It appeared in late 70's & I think was gone by mid 80's. Moparts says 1975-80 . It was technically an OD transmission.

Bucky

[Filliswept]

Dodge light duty trucks used mechanical type clutch from 1969 through 87.
As far as I know the truck A833 was only offered with mechanical clutch & only found in 2wd trucks. It appeared in late 70's & I think was gone by mid 80's. Moparts says 1975-80 . It was technically an OD transmission.

What I am gathering is that if I can find a V8 truck with the A833, as long as I get the bell housing (casting #4202507) to mate, it should be a simple bolt on?

So with the builds I have seen, (Irish? Demolition? Exline? sorry for not remembering exact names) was the hydraulic clutch conversion a preference thing?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

68 trucks are ALL hydraulic clutch from the factory. PITA to convert it to mechanical.

[Filliswept]

68 trucks are ALL hydraulic clutch from the factory. PITA to convert it to mechanical.

This is why I hate researching stuff. I have a '68 (confirmed by VIN tag). I have a mechanical clutch (confirmed by looking at it). So what I am really trying to figure out is basically will the 4202507 casting bellhousing work with a mechanical clutch?

[712edf]

So you are saying you have a 1968 D100 with a 318 & 3-speed columned shifted (three on tree) manual transmission that has MECHANICAL BELLHOUSING ?

As far as I know the bell that A833 equipped trucks used was essentially the same as the bell that the 833 cars used, and they are plentiful, especially the small block version.

I don't know what else fits the bell you already have the 3-speed behind.

Bucky

[712edf]

Yes bell #4202507 is a small block bellhousing that fits the 833 and takes mechanical fork set-up. Brewers Performance has them.

http://www.brewersperformance.com/prodd ... prod=BH507

Bucky

[PwrWgnDrvr]

68 trucks are ALL hydraulic clutch from the factory. PITA to convert it to mechanical.

This is why I hate researching stuff. I have a '68 (confirmed by VIN tag). I have a mechanical clutch (confirmed by looking at it). So what I am really trying to figure out is basically will the 4202507 casting bellhousing work with a mechanical clutch?

A 68 with a mechanical clutch simply is not possible. Either the cab (with vin tag) has been swapped or someone modified the hell out of the truck.
Post some pics and the reality can be determined.

[712edf]

In the original post, when you mention column shift 3 speed I assume you meant manual.

1968 trucks with 4 speeds weren't converted to hydraulic clutch. They came that way.

Bucky

[Filliswept]

After further inspection, I owe y'all an apology for the misinformation and for not listening to the masters.

The truck is, or rather was, a hydraulic clutch/ bellhousing truck. On the firewall where the master cylinder should be consists of the bulk wiring, as well as a steel braided cable that leads down towards the trans. I was under the assumption that this cable went to a mechanical release fork.

I am still in the idea stage of this build, if you couldn't tell, so back to the drawing board I go.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Still would like to see a pic under the hood. Maybe the braided cable you mention is the parking brake cable?

[712edf]

Yes, mechanical clutch linkage consists of a "Z-bar" & some rods. No cables

Bucky

[Wildergarten]

The truck is, or rather was, a hydraulic clutch/ bellhousing truck. On the firewall where the master cylinder should be consists of the bulk wiring, as well as a steel braided cable that leads down towards the trans. I was under the assumption that this cable went to a mechanical release fork.

Having the firewall plug there instead of a clutch master cylinder sounds more like a '69-70 than a '68.
Pictures please!

[jboymechanic]

Are you sure the braided steel cable isn't a hydraulic line going inside the bellhousing to a hydraulic throw out bearing?

[Jim100]

A braided steel cable going to a hydraulic throwout inside the bell does not sound right.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Not unless it is some bastardized aftermarket foolishness.