Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5sp.to 6sp. tanny swap anyone done it

[jughead]

I have a 99 3500 4x4 with a 5sp. what will i have to do to get a 02 6sp. out of a 2 wheel drive to work. thanks JUG.

 

[Supermod56]

Get a 4X4 6 Speed, you have to change the mainshaft/tailhousing in the 2WD trans, not worth the effort or cost unless you get it real cheap. Call Dan @ Quad 4X4, he has all the stuff you need for the conversion, I'm getting my kit from him.



Tom

 

[Loren]

JUG,



Don't do it!



Install an overdrive transmission instead. A ten-speed beats a six-speed every day.



The installation is more straightforward, and I understand that the costst are similar.



My US Gear Dual Range is one of the best modifications I have ever made to my truck. Gear Vendors also makes an overdrive.



Loren



P. S. Nag Robert to publish my article on this subject that I sent him several months ago. I'm getting tired of answering this question on-line.

 

[KcoleKennyc]

The swap is very easy and well worth it. I have run a 5 speed with and without the auxillary overdrive and I now run the 6 speed. The NV5600 is a much stronger and heavier transmission and will take a lot more torque. I believe you can buy a new 6 speed for less than a new overdrive.

 

[Supermod56]

By the time you buy the flywheel/clutch set-up you need for the 6-speed, plus the trans, driveline mods, etc. it does cost more than a overdrive unit for the 5-speed. (at least the Gear Vendors) With the O/D unit you only have to modify 1 driveline. In my situation where I don't want to tow in O/D, this would work great, but I have heard both good and bad things about it, I might look at the US Gear unit, we'll see. I'm concerned more with reliability than cost.



Tom

 

[shiffer]

Ok jughead, I guess the reasons for the swap will help determine if you should do it or not. Are there any problems with your 5spd? After my 5th gear went out twice in 1 yr. , I did the swap in my '98 and love it. Very easy and straightforward, Blumenthal in OK has the entire kit for $3500. That is a new transmission, install kit (just a shift linkage ext for t-case and b/u light ext. ) flywheel for 13" clutch, and new Southbend clutch. Be sure you have access to a lift and a good transmission jack as the 6er is VERY heavy. I went ahead and put new u-joints in my driveshafts while I was having them sized for the 6 spd. I think it was about $250 to get them sized and new u-joints. So its up to you, I could've fixed my 5spd with a new mainshaft and rebuild the tanny while I was at it, I needed a new clutch any how (i was on the phone ordering a new one when my 5th gear wnt out again). I was lookin at about $2500 for all this done right with a Southbend clutch, So I chose the 6er for $3500 and love it, would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Dachenbach]

What's Blumenthal's website?