Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission Swap???

[Bouma]

I am sure this has been asked before... . but my question concerns a 2001 3500 with an automatic. Is it possible to swap a 6 speed manual in place of the auto. If so how hard is this? Do you need to re-flash the PCM? What other issues will I run into? Or would it be less of a head ache to get the trans built? Would that be ultimately a cheaper option. The truck has 115,000 miles on it, it was purchased used. The worry is how long will it last.

 

[ArmandoCantu]

HELP! '00 4x4' ATS Stage 2 transmission installed @ 2 years and 30,000 miles ago. ATS shop replaced gov transducer and solenoid they said @ 2months ago when transmission was in what appeared to be limp mode - stuck in 3rd gear. Fixed and ran great. Now it's back in the same mode out of the blue it seems! Any ideas!?

 

[HBarlow]

I am sure this has been asked before... . but my question concerns a 2001 3500 with an automatic. Is it possible to swap a 6 speed manual in place of the auto. If so how hard is this? Do you need to re-flash the PCM? What other issues will I run into? Or would it be less of a head ache to get the trans built? Would that be ultimately a cheaper option. The truck has 115,000 miles on it, it was purchased used. The worry is how long will it last.

I haven't done the swap and don't know anyone who has but have read comments about someone doing it from time to time. I think most realize the challenge and change their mind.

You'll probably realize it will be pretty difficult and costly to find a bell housing, flywheel, clutch assembly, transmission, clutch linkage and master/slave cylinders, (starter?), frame cross member, ECM, and miscellaneous hardware to make the swap.

You'll basically need a donor truck or another Dodge owner with the opposite set up willing to trade to get all the pieces together.

 

[HBarlow]

HELP! '00 4x4' ATS Stage 2 transmission installed @ 2 years and 30,000 miles ago. ATS shop replaced gov transducer and solenoid they said @ 2months ago when transmission was in what appeared to be limp mode - stuck in 3rd gear. Fixed and ran great. Now it's back in the same mode out of the blue it seems! Any ideas!?

Mando,

I think you posted your question in Bouma's thread.

A friend had a full ATS automatic rebuild done on an '05 years ago on when he and I were both transporting RVs. Because of the repeated failures of his ATS transmission he went broke and his truck was repo'd.

I wouldn't haul an ATS transmission around on a pallet on my flatbed.

 

[Nyoest]

I'm a big fan of manual transmissions but a built automatic is the best there is. By the time you buy a good clutch $700-$1,500 and find a good or reman 6 spd $1,500 -$3,500 + no core charge you could have had the proper trans for your built. And there is a lot less mucking about.

Ymmv.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Man I wish you would have been interested in a swap 5 years ago when I was living in Muskegon. My knees are shot and I am having problems driving a stick now. I have the tools and background to make a auto/manual switch happen.

Kyle

 

[ArmandoCantu]

HBarlow - OOOPpps - well I'm stuck them. Good thing it's still under warranty though. Hope they can fix it, again! Waiting on new 2012... ...

 

[HBarlow]

Try to get ATS to bandaid it until you can trade it for the 2012.

Perhaps all of their rebuilds are not bad. Their rebuild was not compatible with my friend's 2005. When he started up a grade with a trailer on the ECM/PCM(?) would sense slippage and put the engine in limp mode. ATS tried two or three times to correct the problem but were unsuccessful and cut him loose without warranty.

My friend was trying to make a living transporting and lost so many loads and spent so much time waiting for his truck to be repaired it was repo'd.

 

[ArmandoCantu]

Fixed!!! Shop says diode in ATS wire harness failed. They took it out -presto runs like ATS new!