Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 5 speed to auto swap

[Animal]

I just purchased a tow vehicle to replace my 97 Dodge (keep overloading it) and I'm giving my Dodge to my dad, but it’s 5 speed and he wants an auto. I have a rolled 97 auto that I can use to change out the 5 speed, what I need to know is how difficult is this with all the required parts on hand and what needs to be changed.



Is it easier to change out the complete motor/transmission combo or not? Does the wiring harness need to be changed?



See my new vehicle here;



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6729&item=2427968148



I know it’s a Ford but at least there is a Cummins in it (5. 9L).

 

[Strick-9]

Done completely, it's about a 30-40 hour job.



I would leave the 5-speed motor. You'll have to change the brackets on the p7100, but the rest of the motor should stay.



PCM, wiring harness, steering column, carpet (to cover shifter hole), pedals, driveshafts, cubby hole in dash replaced with "OD off" button, instrument panel PRND21 indicator.



If you're going to put a stock transmission behind the motor listed in your signature, you should consider beefing it up to avoid leaving your dad stranded somewhere.



-Chris

 

[Animal]

Thanks Strick-9, I have a DB TC and VB for the transmission and I'll put in a #11 plate for him.

 

[Cummins_gal]

 

[Bseg]

Animal, that's a nice looking rig you bought. For that price you can hardly go wrong. How many gallons of fuel do those tanks hold? You will be able to cruise a few miles with that.

 

[Briar Hopper]

A cable operated ratchet shifter from B & M would be easier to install than the steering column mounted type, and faster to get done too. Plus, it just plain looks They've got a nice selection of styles for $125-$200. An aluminum or stainless plate can be fabricated quickly & easily to cover the hole in the floor, and provide a slightly higher mounting location for the shifter.

I've been through such a conversion, the vehicle electrics can drive you crazy, especially if there's something wrong with the donor vehicle's harness or PCM. It's rare, but it happens. Not really all that much to it, I'd do it again, at the right time and place.

 

[Animal]

Bseg, I'm not sure how many gallons it holds until I measure it or fill it.



Briar, I've started and driven the rolled vehicle so the wiring should all be OK, but you never know on a short test of a rolled vehicle.

 

[Loren]

The general advice from people who know about auto to manual and manual to auto conversions is to sell the truck you have and buy the one you want. The conversions are generally not worth the work and expense.



Naturally it can be done, and if you can do the work yourself it may not cost too much, but what's the price difference between the truck you have and the one you want? Is all that work worth the difference in price?



It's up to you.



Loren