Parts needed for 5 speed trans swap; 1990 trans into 1989 caravan ?

[jefo]

Alright guys,

I found a 1990 5 speed tbi caravan at the junkyard. What parts would I need to grab off of it to convert my 1989 turbo caravan to a manual? And are the parts interchangeable between the 2 years, and turbo/non-turbo?

What transmission is in a 5 speed 90 tbi caravan? I am planning on putting in an a568, just need all the minivan 5 speed hardware.

-Jeff

[turismolover22]

The 90 caravan should have a 523 or a 568. I heard the vans always got the hd transmissions. I would source a flywheel, and clutch, as the tbi unit will be no bueno for the turbo van. Besides that everything else should be a bolt in. If the van has a 523 in it,dont worry. They are pretty stout trannys.

[GLHNSLHT2]

TBI got a 3.77 523, only the 90 Turbo vans had a 568. Flywheel and clutch are the same size as the turbo's. Only the TBI and carb cars had smaller clutches. TheDodgeGarage has a good write up on what parts you'll need

[j4278h]

Every 1990 tbi van I have seen has the 3.85 small spline a523.

[Vigo]

Yeah, my 90 factory tbi/5spd van got a 3.85. In fact, i dont know if any 3.77s existed in 90.

turbo and non turbo flywheel are the same. It would be a good idea to get a turbo pressure plate, though. The actual stock clutch discs are the same too. So if you put a stock clutch in it the only real difference between a turbo and a tbi is the pressure plate.

[GLHNSLHT2]

yes you guys are right, not sure why I was thinking 3.77's.

[jefo]

So I couldn't find a guide on what to get. But I am assuming I will also need the k-frame for the bobble strut mount? And how can I remove the shifter bracket from the floor without power tools? Also, will the motor/ transmission mounts be a problem between the two vans?

I found the records on the car also. New clutch kit and resurfaced flywheel at 105k miles. It is sitting at 135k. Would a transmission with this kind of miles last for drag racing? Would power shifting be a no-no?

I am considering running it and upgrading to a large spline a568 down the line.

[cordes]

So I couldn't find a guide on what to get. But I am assuming I will also need the k-frame for the bobble strut mount? And how can I remove the shifter bracket from the floor without power tools? Also, will the motor/ transmission mounts be a problem between the two vans?

I found the records on the car also. New clutch kit and resurfaced flywheel at 105k miles. It is sitting at 135k. Would a transmission with this kind of miles last for drag racing? Would power shifting be a no-no?

I am considering running it and upgrading to a large spline a568 down the line.

I highly doubt the clutch would last.

You'll want to make sure you get the trans mount with the trans as there is a difference between the auto and manual brackets. I'm unsure if there is a difference btween the KGP body brackets and the mini brackets.

[GLHNSLHT2]

You'll need an 89 or older 5spd Minivan bracket. Have to grind the the bracket a bit to clear, you'll see what to grind when you try to bolt the bracket to the trans. 90+ mounts won't work. have to match the mounts to the year of car/van.

[Vigo]

Also, van bobble strut brackets (the one that bolts to the trans) are different from cars. They place the bobble lower relative to the trans. So you would ideally want a van bobble strut bracket. But on the plus side, you can buy the k-frame bobble bracket from polybushings.com for like $12 and just weld it on while you have the trans out rather than swap the whole k-frame.

[jefo]

What is the difference between the 89 and 90 trans mounts? The mounting holes on the body, or the bracket itself? Due the how rare these parts are I would like the adapt them if at all possible.

You'll need an 89 or older 5spd Minivan bracket. Have to grind the the bracket a bit to clear, you'll see what to grind when you try to bolt the bracket to the trans. 90+ mounts won't work. have to match the mounts to the year of car/van.

[GLHNSLHT2]

The bracket that bolts to the trans and the bracket welded on the frame, 90+ uses the big fat rubber mounts and the 89 and older use smaller mounts. You just match the mount to the year of vehicle you're working on and you'll be fine.

[turbovanman²]

Grab it all and as Vigo said, you don't need the K-member.

Use a drill to drill out the shifter mounting bracket welds.

[jefo]

I believe I got everything I need, including an 87 5 speed trans mount out of a shadow for $270! Sweet. Ordered a lightened steel flywheel along with a 4puck yellow clutch from TU as per his recommendations. Hopefully the install goes without problems.


The trans has 130k miles on it, and I ordered a shim kit to tighten up the minor input shaft play.

[jefo]

What is the best way to lube/ grease the clutch and shifter cables, and what type is recommended? My thought was i might as well since they are out.

[Aries_Turbo]

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...lem&highlight=

cable lube discussion.

[GLHNSLHT2]

Your shadow mount will NOT work. It MUST be from a 89 or older 5spd Caravan! The mount is taller on the vans than in the cars.

[shackwrrr]

I used a 89 Daytona mount for mine. Worked fine.

[GLHNSLHT2]

well then your engine won't be level or where it needs to be. The van unit is around an inch taller which has the motor sit an inch lower. They're clearly diffferent.

[jefo]

well then your engine won't be level or where it needs to be. The van unit is around an inch taller which has the motor sit an inch lower. They're clearly diffferent.

Can someone confirm this? The dodge garage says the mount is the same.