Parts questions for 1986 Dodge 600 2.2L Turbo

[reeves12688]

First off, not too knowledgeable on vehicle repair. Got a guy doing my repairs for me but he's got a lot on his plate so I'm trying to gather the parts instead of having him do it.

I was informed this particular model has either TRW or Saginaw rack & pinion. any tips on distinguishing which one I need to order???

Also, looking to replace the transmission soon. Any tips on which I would need there and possibly a part #? And where to order???

I don't use forums very much. Don't much understand how they work or anything. If someone with answers could just email me at reeves12688@comcast.net that'd be wonderful. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

The transmission is an A413 Torqueflite. There are several overall part numbers depending on the final top gear ratio of the transaxle and if it is a standard or heavy duty unit.

The steering racks are very difficult to give you a word description to tell the TRW and Saginaw units apart they are very similar. Even the factory Service Manual pictures are not all that helpful unless you are looking at the pictures and are actually looking at the rack in the car.

[reeves12688]

I guess my next question is whether or not the racks are interchangeable? and are the transmissions interchangeable? as I said, not very knowledgeable on these matters.

[Pete in NH]

I've never tried interchanging steering racks, I'm not sure they will interchange. It's always safest to replace exactly what is there. I did a little digging through the parts book. IF the parts book is accurate there is a difference in rack mounting between the TRW and Saginaw racks. According to the parts book the Saginaw rack mounts with two mounting strap clamps on either end of the rack and gives a part number for right and left clamps. The TRW rack uses only one mounting clamp on the passenger side of the rack. The driver's side has mounting feet cast into the rack tube. You may be able to use this to tell the racks apart from each other if the parts book is right. The shop manual drawings show cast mounting feet on both racks on the driver's side.

On the transmission, again it's safest to rebuild or repair the unit in the car. Swapping in other transmissions can sometimes lead to unpleasant surprises like different length axle shafts, mounting brackets etc. There should be an assembly part number stamped on the rail just above the transmission oil pan on the rear of the transmission. The first four numbers should be 4207 or 4377. I don't know how good your chances are of finding an exact replacement by part number will be.

[K-CAR_WAGON]

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[K-CAR_WAGON]

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[aussiewoody]

I don't know diddley squat about the trannies, but all that has been offered sounds like good advice.

Swapping out or modifying can be tricky. I think that rebuilding, where possible, would sidestep a lot of tricky issues.
Just my 2 cents worth!

Good luck with your project

[reeves12688]

you guys are all amazing and incredibly knowledgeable. thank you so much. seriously.

[aussiewoody]

Yes, you're right, we are lucky to have a few helpful K enthusiasts and we can all learn something from them.

[89ARIES]

And we are lucky to have guys on this forum. Keep up the good work.