Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Auto to 5sp swap

[blkdragon]

I done some searches for this and have had minimal luck. Maybe I just need to word it better or search harder, but I would like to have some info on this swap. I have a 97 club cab with the auto. I would like to know how hard it is, a parts list, and how much it has cost. I have seen people post that it cost 6-7 thousand and other say 3-4 thousand. Thats a pretty big difference that would affect if I just build the auto or do the swap. Thanks

 

[BigPapa]

I converted mine last winter. The stock auto finally got to where it wouldn’t go into reverse. Mine was no big deal on the electronics since it was the 47RH. The PCM works fine with the 5-speed as well as the cruise control.



I found a fellow in Missouri through an ad in the classifieds that had a 1994 2WD 5-speed that had been totaled in a rollover. He sold me practically everything I needed for $1500. That included the transmission, flywheel, stock clutch, bell housing, clutch hydraulic system, pedals, shifter, front half of the drive shaft (the yoke is different), transmission mount, and all the bolts and hardware.



The stock clutch had been dropped on the edge and had a couple of small chips out of it and I want to do some bombing so I bought as SBC Con-O for $650. I had the flywheel ground for $25. I also went with the new roller pilot bearing which required flywheel modification that a friend did for free.



I installed the pedals, which was no small job. I paid a friend who owns a transmission shop to do the swap $280. He removed the auto, all the lines, and the cooler. I had to remove the seats and the carpet. The only modifications he had to make were to cut the hole in the floor for the shifter and rewire all the switches. He installed a new rear main seal for me, also. I think the seal cost me @ $35 at Cummins. We also removed the bulb from the transmission temp warning light because we couldn’t get it to go off. The cross member had to be removed and turned around backwards and the front half of the drive shaft had to be lengthened ¾”. The drive shaft work, including replacing a u-joint, cost me $125.



I sold the old transmission, cooler, and lines to a fellow for a 1st Gen conversion for $250 and I sold the stock clutch on eBay for $50. So, all in all, it cost me $2315. I did a lot myself and had friends do the rest, so if you have to pay someone to do it all it may not be cost effective.



I love it. Solid drive, no more slush box, I can do some bombing without worries, and I picked up 3. 5 MPG with the conversion. I’d do it again in a minute.



Scott

 

[WadePatton]

Excellent write-up Scott.



I'm going to be doing the swap. 1995 Club 4x4 auto is getting 4500 from 1999 Quad 4x4. I have the complete 99 truck (sister totaled it). I expect driveshaft modification and a 2-disc clutch from Peter... . darn it I'm salivating again.

 

[MDW]

BlkDragon: Where are you located?? I have a 94' that I would like to convert to auto.

Wanna swap?

 

[98slushbox]

Does the 47RH have any electrical wiring that plugs into it? I have a 94 5 spd. that i'm wanting to do the opposite and go to an auto. trans. Someone told me it would be easier to use and RH over and RE.

 

[BSmalley]

47rh

I will be swapping a 47RH out for a NV4500 in the next month or so. If anyone is interested in my old auto, let me know. It's still working fine, I just prefer the standard and I happen to have the five speed in stock. The fluid has been changed every 15,000 miles and the bands adjusted at the same time.

 

[98slushbox]

I may be interested in it by then. Did the 47RH come out in only first generation trucks? It is an overdrive trans. but no wiring, is that correct? Someone was telling me that would be what i would want to swap in. The auto is out of a 2wd truck right?

 

[BigPapa]

The 47RH was in the 1994-1995 models. It does have wiring to the OD unit and I think a neutral switch, possibly. The auto PCM will work with the manual but I don't think the manual PCM will work with the auto. For the OD to function I think you will need a different throttle linkage assembly, you will at least need a throttle postion sensor for the OD. You'll need the steering column, pedals, and instrument cluster.



Sounds like it's a WHOLE bunch harder to go from manual to auto! Is it worth it?



Scott

 

[BigPapa]

I forgot about the cooler and cooler lines!



Scott

 

[BWillard]

Going from auto to manual, NO need to change the following: ECM, PCM, or harness.



Even on an '01. 5 with a speed sensor you only need to use one wire in the harness going to the auto... . neutral saftey switch!



Going the opposite way, things can get more challenging!

 

[RBrunson]

blkdragon, here is a web site that caters to the swap you are talking about. It will give you some numbers to work with and parts to do it if needed.

http://www.high-impact.net/transmission_and_gear/nv4500_dodge5.9diesel88-03_auto.htm



After all that work going to a manual, did you guys know that at trade in time they knock off $500 because its a manual. Don't make sence to me, I would pay an extra $500 bucks to have a manual.

 

[98slushbox]

If i would use a floor ratchet shifter I wouldnt really need the column right? Shouldnt really need the instrument panel either. Wouldnt I just need a wiring harness and the manual trans pedals i could use just tie the clutch pedal to the floor or just take it out. I think you guys still might be right though, could be too much work. If it wasnt for the wiring and ecm crap i might try doing it but it sounds like it could become a mess thats not really worth it. Be better off buying a different truck.

 

[BigPapa]

BWillard,



That sounds like what I said! But Slushman is asking about putting and AUTO in place of a MANUAL.



RBrunson,



I haven't traded a vehicle in 20 years! As far as the book value goes, would you want to buy a truck that was an auto and is now a manual, no matter who did it or when? I wouldn't! I thought about that a LOT before I did my conversion. Like it or not, this truck is mine for the long haul!



Scott