Manual to Auto Conversion COMPLETE

[Jeff_K]

I recently finished my manual to auto conversion and I must say it was a lot easier than I first thought.



My Parts LIst:



NADP Race transmission w/ TQ Converter

ATS Standalone Controller & Valve Body

Suncoast Flexplate

Stock transmission Cooler (Rad Mount)

Stock transmission Cooler Lines

Auxillary B&M transmission Cooler

Lokar Transmission Mounted Floor Shifter

Bell Housing Adapter Plate (Auto)

Input Shaft/Gear change on Xfer Case

Longer Rear Driveshaft

Clutch Master Cylinder Cover Plate





The conversion is pretty straight forward. You need to change the input shaft/gear on your transfer case because the auto has a 23 spline output shaft and the manual has a 29 spline shaft. You also need to change out the bell housing adapter plate because there is a spacer built into the manual adapter plate that puts the started too far away and it won't engage (don't ask me how I know). The stock rad mounted transmission cooler bolts right in, and the stock transmission cooler lines route fairly easily. I opted not to install the water/oil cooler above the starter, and just made up a couple fittings to connect the two lines together. I also put a tee in that spot for my transmission temp gauge.



Once the transmission was in, I hooked up the cooler lines and the standalone transmission controller, tapped the TPS sensor and MAP sensor for the controller, wired up power and routed the laptop cable into the cab and away I went. The ATS Standalone transmission controller is flat out awesome. I can't think of anything you can't do with this thing. I have to thank Joel at ATS for answering my questions... he has been great to deal with.



There are photos in my gallery

 

[JStieger]

Looks sweet!

 

[Jeff_K]

It drives sweet! I really should have bought an auto a long time ago :-laf

 

[Forrest Nearing]

hey, did I sell you that VB?

 

[Jeff_K]

Why yes... yes you did



Thanks again Forrest! It rocks!

 

[WUnderwood]

nice write up!

 

[jkoplin]

I am starting this process right now. Your post was a godsend. How hard was the mechanical work. I am competent with a wrench. Is this a project for home or leave it to a shop? What was the final budget do you remember?

 

[Money Maker]

What was the final budget do you remember?

x2







have thought about doing the same, but haven't done any shopping.

 

[bighammer]

Are there differences electronically? What did you have to do to overcome that?

 

[EErmert]

Hey, you don't say what type auto you used???? Can you use the "new" 6spd. auto????

Eric - '03 slt qc swb srw 4x4 305/555 6spd 3:73 54k white

 

[jglasgow]

That is SlickOo.

Nice Truck.

John

 

[Jeff_K]

jkoplin, the mechanical work is pretty straight forward. If you have ever R&R'd a transmission then you will have no problems.



bighammer, there were no electronic modifications needed because I used the ATS standalone transmission controller. The controller has its own harness and must be used with the ATS selectshift valve body. All that is needed to make the transmission work is tap the TPS, sensor ground and provide it ignition swithced power. You can hook up other sensors if you want as the controller has 6 analog inputs and 16 digital inputs. The standalone controller makes this conversion extremely easy.



EErmert, I used a built up dodge 48re transmission to make things easy. I am sure eventually there will be the ability to swap in the new 6spd trannys, but I doubt anybody has done it yet.



jglasgow, thanks for the comments

 

[Donniey1]

What are you guys doing with the manuals you are pulling out? I would like to know if you would sell the parts!!

 

[Jeff_K]

My manual is not available, but I do have other parts

 

[joaker]

So do you have that rig dialed in yet with the auto?

 

[MLisle]

I recently finished my manual to auto conversion and I must say it was a lot easier than I first thought.





You need to change the input shaft/gear on your transfer case because the auto has a 23 spline output shaft and the manual has a 29 spline shaft.



Isn't going from a 29 spline shaft to a 23 spline shaft going to make the drivetrain weaker???