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Regular
Posts: 60
Location: Pine, CO | Hey all, I'm trying to get my '61 DeSoto in the shop to work on it over the winter. The 361 was full of water when I got the car years ago. I'll keep it with the car but I'm looking for another engine that I can install. I've heard there is something about not being able to use an engine later than a '61 to keep the original transmission? Number of holes on the crankshaft? Anyway I have a complete '63 NYer drivetrain with the 413 engine that I was hoping to use but I would like to keep the push buttons and I'm not sure if I can figure out the emergency brake situation. What other engines should I be looking for and where do you look for them?
Thanks,
Teresa |
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Expert
Posts: 2490
 
Location: Kansas City, KS | 1961 was the last year for the extended flange crankshaft with 8 bolts.
There's several options you could do if you are not wanting to rebuild the stock motor but still want a fairly simple/inexpensive solution.
1) Find a later 60's 383 or a 70's 400 and put the crankshaft from your 361 in it. This will allow you to use your original push button transmission.
2) Use the '63 413 (or any mopar big block) and get a '62 big block transmission. This will have the parking brake on the tailshaft and will bolt up to the later engines.
3) Use the '63 413 and the '63 transmission and then install a later model ('66 and up) rear axle with emergency brakes in the drums. You will still need to use the '63 shifter cable and you won't be able to engage 'Park' position. |
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Temporarily suspended to cool off
Posts: 316
| Honestly, you can put anything in anything. Hell you can make brackets to use a linage shift trans with the push button setup. there is a member on here that posted doing exactly that. Everything is possible with enough determination, welding wire, a sawzall and an angle grinder. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Peoples Republic of Oregon | 61desoto - 2015-11-07 9:54 PM
Hey all, I'm trying to get my '61 DeSoto in the shop to work on it over the winter. The 361 was full of water when I got the car years ago. I'll keep it with the car but I'm looking for another engine that I can install. I've heard there is something about not being able to use an engine later than a '61 to keep the original transmission? Number of holes on the crankshaft? Anyway I have a complete '63 NYer drivetrain with the 413 engine that I was hoping to use but I would like to keep the push buttons and I'm not sure if I can figure out the emergency brake situation. What other engines should I be looking for and where do you look for them?
Thanks,
Teresa
Yes, you will need to stay pre-62 to keep things simple/easy. You can use any pre-62 B or RB engine since the transmission will not know the difference. If you are looking for a engine consider that a good runner may be difficult to find and you might need to be rebuilding it, same as if you choose to reuse what you have. However, phone calls and questions are still free so call around a see what is available.
Start with my friends at http://www.wildcatmopars.com/ 503.668.7786
Vanessa often answers the phone and is very helpful. They ship parts worldwide so they can quote freight rates with some accuracy. |
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Regular
Posts: 60
Location: Pine, CO | Hey Don,
Thanks for taking the time to clear things up for me. I really like the idea of finding a '62 big block transmission. If I use the 413 engine and trans why would I have to use a '66 and up rear axle for the e-brake? I haven't looked at the axle that went with the 413 in awhile but I'm pretty sure the trans doesn't have the e-brake on the back of it. From one Jayhawker to another I appreciate the help.
Polybun,
I really like your "can do" attitude I just need more time and energy to pull this off, well and smarts too!
Wayfarer,
Thanks for the lead to Wildcat Mopars.
Teresa |
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Expert
Posts: 2490
Location: Kansas City, KS | '62 was the first year for the aluminum case 727 and was also the last year for the transmission mounted parking brake. Being a one year only model means they're harder to find but they sure make later year engine swaps easier in Forwardlook cars.
You will need to use a later rear axle only if you use the '63 transmission that came with the 413. You will not be able to activate the "Park" position on the '63 transmission using your original push buttons so the emergency brake on the later year axle will keep your car from rolling out of the driveway. The added benefit of a '66 and later rear is getting rid of those tapered axles shafts and pressed on drums. |
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Regular
Posts: 60
Location: Pine, CO | I did keep the whole 413 drivetrain because I wasn't sure about how to keep the e-brake on the DeSoto. I don't know if the original axle and the 413 axle are the same dimensions though. Other than ease of maintenance is there some reason I shouldn't use the 413 axle?
I think the '62 transmission sounds like a better way to go if I can find one.
Teresa |
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Expert
Posts: 1740
Location: Alaska | The original axle (8 3/4") is plenty strong enough for your car, the only hassle is working on the rear brakes. You need a good drum puller to remove the rear drums unless they are modified. Search in the threads on this site on how to convert to slip on drums. There is a flat spot on the lower side of the center diff. where the ratio is stamped, might be 2.93. |
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Expert
Posts: 1737
Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada | Hi Teresa,
I have a '62 Chrysler 300 I'm parting out, but I'm up in Canada, so shipping a transmission that far would be costly...but an option. |
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Regular
Posts: 60
Location: Pine, CO | 58Coupe,
I didn't know you could convert to slip on drums. As for the axle ratio I'll have to check on that when I pull it out of the shed. I assume you measure backing plate distance on both axles to see how close they are for fitment?
Thanks,
Teresa |
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Regular
Posts: 60
Location: Pine, CO | Brad,
I think you're right about shipping being pricey from Canada! I have a '57 Windsor wagon that should go in your Windsor line-up. You can never have too many ya know...
Teresa |
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What engine will fit?
