48re to NV5600

[BlueRam2500]

I am contemplating switching my 48re for a NV5600. I have checked around and a new trans is about $3500 and a rebuilt is $2000 (found them on Ebay). I was looking for some further info from you guys on the efficiency and cost of doing this. I know that I can beef up my auto with a torque converter and valve body, but that job alone cost about $2000 at the local diesel shop. What do you guys think? Does anyone know of or have done this before?

 

[Cattletrkr]

What about a clutch and everything associated with that? That can't be to cheap. From what I've read about the 48re's here and elsewhere, this might be my last manual. I've actually been thinking of changing over to an auto if/when I trash my NV5600.



Why ya thinkin' about switchin'? Me, I'm just gettin' lazy.

 

[klenger]

I'm pretty sure the ECM software is different. I think you'd be better off trading.

 

[JCleary]

I am contemplating switching my 48re for a NV5600. I have checked around and a new trans is about $3500 and a rebuilt is $2000 (found them on Ebay). I was looking for some further info from you guys on the efficiency and cost of doing this. I know that I can beef up my auto with a torque converter and valve body, but that job alone cost about $2000 at the local diesel shop. What do you guys think? Does anyone know of or have done this before?

If you had a HO and lived locally, I'd swap with you no problem. ECM and all.



I think you'll need a different ECM for the manual.

 

[BILLUA]

By the time you are honest figuring ALL costs involved, you could get a bullet prof DTT trans for LESS...



It is your money, do what you want, but a properly built auto is AWESOME!



Best, Bill

 

[ctdodgeram]

Hey Blue Ram,



I am in Mid Connecticut, and I am interested in switching to an auto, so my wife will drive it.



Your sig doesn't say 4x4 or 2wd? I'd guess 4x4 with 35" tires. Mine is 2wd.



Probably not a match, as tailshafts are different?



Besides, Are ECM's swappable between 2003 & 2004. 5?



Let me know, as we're a couple hundred miles away.

 

[betterthanstock]

You guys might as well swap trucks than swap all that stuff. If the dealer stays out of the loop, a trade can be very affordable for both of you. No sales taxes either.

 

[DHayden]

A good even swap with someone who want's an auto is the best. I have been thinking of getting an auto also. I would like an allison 1000 but wouldnt rule out a nice built after market 4 spd. I really like my manual but my knee is telling me to get rid of it.

 

[BlueRam2500]

Hey Blue Ram,



I am in Mid Connecticut, and I am interested in switching to an auto, so my wife will drive it.



Your sig doesn't say 4x4 or 2wd? I'd guess 4x4 with 35" tires. Mine is 2wd.



Probably not a match, as tailshafts are different?



Besides, Are ECM's swappable between 2003 & 2004. 5?



Let me know, as we're a couple hundred miles away.

I am not sure what I want to do, so don't wait for me if something comes your way and you can do the swap. Yes, it is a 4x4 and I am not sure either if the ECM will fit my 04. 5 from your 03. I was just seeing what would be entailed in doing this swap. I know my friends Mustang, which is an auto, is setup for a manual swap in that there is a slot for a 3rd pedal and a rubber grommet in the floor where the shifter would go. Do our trucks have this also or would everything have to be fabbed up?

 

[NDanecker]

Have you driven a 6spd Ram yet? Don't forget turbo lag... you loose boost between shifts, etc. IMO, I'd just sell the truck for one that is already setup with the auto. The money involved especially if having someone else do the conversion adds up quick and I think will never justify keeping the truck vs. buying one already setup. Start a list of what you need with est. costs... dont' forget labor if your not doing it yourself (transmission, clutch, engine flywheel, clutch fork and slave cylinder, pedal inside the cab and mtg brackets, brake cylinder and plumbing, ECM software, shorter/longer driveshaft(s), void factory warranty???, etc. ) The list is more then just the NV5600.



If you still think its worth it then I wish you luck 'cause its not as easy and cheap as some people think especially with today's trucks where everything is run by the ECM.

 

[BRuppel]

There is a difference b/t the 04 and 04. 5 ecm's. The HO's have an additional 200,000 lines of code programmed in. IMO I would just get a DTT.

 

[BlueRam2500]

Thats probably what I will wind up doing Brett. I don't want to trade my truck for a manual because I will lose too much money. And it is going to cost an arm and a leg to swap my auto out for a manual. What does a built DTT go for?

 

[BlueRam2500]

NM I just looked it up on DTT's website. Its not too badly priced at $3599 for the full trans. Would it be worth it for me to upgrade the torque converter and valve body now on the 48re and then just swap those over when I installed the new trans?