What do you guys think about swapping a 318 out of a 96 dodge half ton along with the axles what manual trans should i use and how bad would it tear up the stock AX-15 just wondering because i actually have it.

 

i imagine it would destroy an ax-15

 

Ive seen LS1s in front of an AX15.. Dont see why a little 318 would hurt one...

 

I'd give the AX-15 even odds behind the LA-Block V8.

However, you do have the problem of adapting the AX-15 (with the AMC GenII/III V8/Modern Era Six bellhousing pattern) to the Chrysler LA-Block pattern (common to the 238ci V6, 318/360ci V8, and the 488/515ci V10. All are derived from the "Late A" or "LA" Block V8.)

Given that there are a number of transmissions that are already set up to go behind the LA-Block V8 that should be somewhat stronger, you may as well grab the transmission as well.

However, if you insist upon the AX-15, there are two ways to stick one on the back of the LA-block V8:

1) Fabricate or order an adapter plate to go between the AMC V8 and Chrysler LA bellhousing patterns.

2) Find an AX-15 out of a V6-equipped Dakota pickup - the 238ci V6 used in the Dakota, as noted above, used the same bellhousing mount pattern as the LA-block V8s and the Dodge/Chrysler V10s.

The latter option will take a bit more digging, but will likely be easier and less expensive in the long run. Score an AX-15 from a 1994-up Dakota, and you should get the "external" slave cylinder as well.