Hot Rods Dodge 318 LA to New process 4 speed

Hey chaps.
I'm in New Zealand, working on a 1942 Dodge WC body and tray. I have a 77 club cab D200 chassis I am going to make 4x4. My LA 318 has a bellhousing for the New process box. My question is, does anyone make an alloy bellhousing to replace the cast iron dinosaur I currently have, I can't believe the weight of this thing and I'm trying to stay under the big truck limit of 3.5 tone here in NZ.
Thanks

 

Which NP box is it? The 435?

Truck stuff was built pretty heavy....

 

I think it is a 435

 

will this work la 318?

 

Possibly but need a link or address to view specs. Thanks

 

https://www.holley.com/brands/quick_time/
Mike

 

They don't have NP435 as one of the transmission choices. Does anything else use that bolt pattern? It's not the same as the car A833

 

I am not sure of the input shaft length and too lazy to pull one off of the rack to check but, why not use a 70's-80's alum truck/van bell and modify the trans bolt pattern if it needs?

 

I have drilled/tapped/studded an NP435 to change pattern too. It was the tail end, I'm sure you could do the same on the bell side as well. The case was plenty stout. Mike

 

Awesome info guys, that alloy bellhousing from a van looks interesting

 

If you are keen to loose weight why retain the NP435 box?
Is it because you can get the 4 wheel drive takeoff on the side of the box?
Ive use Dodger Dakaota 5 speed boxes in a couple of projects behind good 318's and never ever quetioned their ability. They are aheck of a lot lighter than the 'box you are using - by the way I have a NP435 in my '73 Dodge club cab so have experience with them. Darn hard to kill - but plenty of weight to lug around

 

Again thanks for the options. Sounds like a reasonable idea to change to a modern gearbox. I'm going to run a separate transfer case so that could work. One issue over here is Dodge stuff isn't easy to find and shipping availability and cost is mental currently.