Planning a swap into a 2nd Gen Dakota....
Planning a swap into a 2nd Gen Dakota....
Adapter plate blues, maybe?
The folks that make the adapters for the OM617 do so for the Jeep 4.0L AX15 and the GM NV3500, though they don't specify which GM engine fitment they've developed for. I don't have either of these transmissions, and would prefer to use the NV3500 (GM version is $700-1200 in junkyards) rather than the AX15 for smoothness and reputed longer service life.
Assuming I can't get an adapter plate and associated stuff ready-made for the OM617-to-Dodge-NV3500 mating, and that I am going from automatic flexplate to manual flywheel, are there things peculiar to the 617 that I need to know?
Is the 617 typically externally balanced at the flexplate/flywheel?
Can I get the Dodge flywheel balanced to match the balance of the MB flexplate?
Can I use a sheet of HDPE plastic to mock up the adapter plate and transfer the locations from there to the final material?
Is aluminum or steel the better material for the adapter?
Is there a minimum thickness for adapter plates? In aluminum? In steel?
I assume that I'll need to make a flywheel spacer and pilot bearing mount that match the thickness of the adapter plate - or do I?
If there's all this info in other parts of the forums - haven't really searched yet - please feel free to tell me to GO LOOK! :-)