Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 4x4 Auto ---> Manual Conversion

[Jerred]

This is my first post and I don't have a signature yet, so this is what I got: 1996 ext cab long bed 4x4 auto transmission, 3" straight pipe, no 'kitty' or muff, 2" level kit on front, K&N filter, removed turbo ring, 150k miles on all orig/stock equipment. I do alot of all-weather mountain pass driving and would love to have control of the transmission. What would it take to convert to a manual? I hear good things about the 5spd and bad about the 6spd. Is it a one-for-one 5spd swap or am I getting into new drive shafts and transfer case/bell housing interfaces? From what I have gathered so far, the hole in the cab is ready to go for the stick and the clutch can pretty much just bolt right in and run the linkages. As for the computer, I have no idea what mods are needed. Love to get some advice, come on...

 

[Kirwin]

auto to manual

Its been done before but its a lot of work. See NV 4500 to NV 5600 conversion for some of what will be required. I am definitely biased, but the NV 5600 is MUCH more of a heavy duty transmission that the NV 4500. The drive train changes under the truck are relatively easy. Hardest part of the conversion is under the dash and the steering column. Try a search for transmission swaps. Welcome to the TDR. Ken Irwin

 

[Bob Horrell]

Look in the back of the TDR magazine and you will find a number for Jim Leonard. Give him a call. He has done a number of the auto to 5spd and 6spd conversions and knows all that has to be done. It takes him about a day to do a 2wd and a day and a half to do a 4wd. He does quality work and is a heck of a nice guy to boot. He is located in Northern California just below the Oregon border.

 

[DieselB59]

I always get the right parts and "one job believe it or not this happened" information from Dave Mitchell of Enterprise and Don at Blumenthal's. The steering column modification is the easiest part of the job, hanging the clutch pedal may get you cursing though. Worst thing to happen when you disable the truck is missing something so seemingly stupid that ends up being out of stock when you have the truck apart and you have to wait for it. This is why I trust the right people to help us to make it all happen.

 

[Bseg]

I don't have my TDR magazine available right now or I would call Mr. Leonard myself. Anyone have an idea what the whole job costs, parts + labor?



Thanks.