Cummins Diesel Compatible With Loadflite 727?

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Paul Valois - 29 Jul 2005 21:00 GMT

I have a Dodge Motorhome with a 440-3 and a 727 Lodeflite transmission.

It is my understanding that the Lodeflight is internally a completely
different transmission than a Torqueflite 727. The Lodeflite is beefed
up for heavy duty use.

I would like to replace the 440 with a 5.9 Cummins turbodiesel and I
would like to keep the transmission, if possible, in order to keep the
driveshaft emergency brake and in order to avoid modifying the driveshaft.

Is it possible to mate a Cummins diesel to a 727? If so, is it advisable?

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Max Dodge - 29 Jul 2005 23:41 GMT

Bolt pattern may hold this up, but otherwise it should work. Internally, the
LoadFlite is pretty much the same trans, just with more clutches. Things
you'll want to consider:

Space for the Cummins: it'll be taller and longer than the 440.

Fuel system: You'll need a lift pump, appropriate engine controls, depending
on model of engine, and a return line to the tank, as diesels have to have
one of these.

Exhaust system: Space for the larger diameter pipe, and heat shields for the
turbo and exhaust manifold.

Intake: space for the intercooler, and filter box, as well as the plumbing.

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Max

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>I have a Dodge Motorhome with a 440-3 and a 727 Lodeflite transmission.
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Is it possible to mate a Cummins diesel to a 727? If so, is it advisable?

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John Kunkel - 30 Jul 2005 22:26 GMT

>I have a Dodge Motorhome with a 440-3 and a 727 Lodeflite transmission.
>
> It is my understanding that the Lodeflight is internally a completely
> different transmission than a Torqueflite 727. The Lodeflite is beefed up
> for heavy duty use.

"LoadFlight" is a fancy name for the Torqueflight when installed in trucks,
the internals are no different than those found in many big block V8 cars of
the same era.

> I would like to replace the 440 with a 5.9 Cummins turbodiesel and I would
> like to keep the transmission, if possible, in order to keep the
> driveshaft emergency brake and in order to avoid modifying the driveshaft.
>
> Is it possible to mate a Cummins diesel to a 727? If so, is it advisable?

The 727 (37RH) used with the Cummins has a unique bellhousing bolt pattern,
so a unit from behind a 440 won't bolt up. Your output shaft/tailhousing
assembly could be swapped into a diesel case to maintain your parking brake
and mainshaft. It would be wise to retain only the shaft and housing from
your 440 trans and use as much of the diesel internals as possible,
especially the governor assembly which is designed for much lower shift
speeds.

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