Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto to 5 speed conversion

[klaybus]

Hey guys. I found a site on the web that offers a fairly complete package near as I can tell but dont know anyone who has bought from them. Here's a link to their website. Any feedback would be appreciated.

http://www.high-impact.net/NV4500%20into%20an%2094%20and%20Up%20Dodge%20Truck%20with%205.9L%20Cummins.htm

Clay

 

[SAndreasen]

I think it looks like a pretty good deal better than upgrading an auto IMHO

 

[JR]

If I was going to spend that kind of money to swap to a standard I would do an NV5600. The gear ratios in the 5 speed are not much different than the auto and for that kind of money you can build a solid auto that would honestly be more drive able than a 5 speed.

 

[SAndreasen]

I spent 4500 on an auto that didn't include a torque converter which was another 2500 and it still didn't last 50 000 and that was with regular fluid and filter changes at 12 to 15 thousand miles I also had the deep pan so 6 gallon oil twice a year at 25 bucks a gallon from Chrysler.

 

[JR]

Why such short service intervals? FSM recommends 30k but that with the ATF3, with the new 4 you can push it beyond that depending on usage. (Highway vs city miles, heavy vs light hauling, etc). For the amount you had in that automatic I'd say you either got shorted by the builder or abused the snot out of it, 7k should have given you a top quality transmission. I don't even have 3k into mine, but I am friends with one of the areas top diesel transmission builders and he assembled the transmission for free. I did all the leg work, dropped it out, separated t case, degreased it and took it to him and then reinstalled it. Had it in my former 00 to begin with and now my 98 and have well over 100k on it to date.
One thing I notice about that kit, it states the trans parts are aftermarket, I would check into what exactly is aftermarket. Seems awe fully cheap for a complete kit with a "new" transmission.

 

[VolsFan]

Best thing I ever did when I wanted a manual was sell my auto truck. Wasn't an easy decision but upgraded to a better brake system and a 6 spd. Kinda a bummer starting over again but the end justified the means for me.

 

[SAndreasen]

This is why the short service intervals

 

[JR]

Is that a recomended service for the first 12k miles? I dont think that is every 12k miles, the engine oil/filter is not on a 12k mile interval and neither is the front and rear diff.

 

[SAndreasen]

Check the manual

 

[SAndreasen]

I'm sure its probably not the end of the world to not do it 12000 but as much bad luck as I had with automatic transmission I didn't dare take a chance and it still bit me in the a**

 

[JR]

OK, that's under severe service or schedule B. Along with 3k mile oil changes. If you truly met those conditions then maintenance all around would be pretty costly, not just in the transmission department.

 

[SAndreasen]

I do everything except the engine oil which I do analysis on each change also the engine is way over built for the application. The auto trany is under built at best