I thought I’d share my recent drivetrain upgrade I put in my 01’ 3500 (SRW converted) 6 spd.

On transfer case side of things swapping a NP271D in is pretty common for a 2nd gen. I wanted to take it one step farther.

It took some trial & error finding what parts will work and what doesn’t. It’s pretty much a modified Ford design.

I found a used 08’ NP271D and rebuilt/modified it. Eliminated the leaky Dodge slip yoke tail housing and utilized the rear fixed flange yoke setup from a 06’ NP273F.

I bought the rebuild kit, some updated parts & specific seal installers from TorqueKing4x4.

I also installed the Ford style companion flange on my Dana 80 along with a new washer, nut & seal.

***Snap-On # M3586 is the correct thin walled 1-7/8” socket if you ever need it.***

Initially had a 5” aluminum driveshaft but the Sonax slip yoke kit is quite expensive so I had a 4” steel one locally made and upsized it to 1480 greasable ujoints (OEM are 1410).

T/case fits perfectly. There’s 1/8” of clearance at the frame and no contact at bottom of cab.

The 2nd Gen linkage rod (11”) is a tad short so even set at max travel the shifter will be off just a touch. So I replaced it with the 3rd Gen 16” one and now it’s perfect.

I don’t have the cad Dana 60 so the momentary ball switch from the old NP241D-HD just swaps over to make the 4wd light come on.

I have the LRG trans crossmember so I didn’t have any interference with the front driveshaft.

APPS delete ✅
Midrange power steering ✅
Electric vacuum pump ✅

Next project: Dynatrac high pinion 35 spline Dana 60 3.73 gears with an electric locker…

Enjoy!

Edited September 28Sep 28 by Mace

Same driveshaft my 1972 Dodge Power Wagon had... I'm assuming there is a grease zerk on the other side of the stub? The issue I had back in the day the spines wear down if you don't keep up with the greasing and that seal for the spline. My old 1972 had a unmarried transfer case and that short shaft was wobbling from a worn spline. Learned a lot about the old school spline shafts.

1 hour ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Same driveshaft my 1972 Dodge Power Wagon had... I'm assuming there is a grease zerk on the other side of the stub? The issue I had back in the day the spines wear down if you don't keep up with the greasing and that seal for the spline. My old 1972 had a unmarried transfer case and that short shaft was wobbling from a worn spline. Learned a lot about the old school spline shafts.

Yes, it’s on the other side. The splines are coated in Teflon but I’ll stay atop of it.