Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto to 5spd. or 6spd.

[DManey]

I was wondering if there was a kit possiably that anybody makes to do a swap or do I need to find a donor truck? I like my truck and I know what the next weakest link is goin to be and I would'nt mind getting a different one that already has a 5 or 6 speed in it but then I gotta start all over and learn the truck and what its gonna need next, I have one in mind but i think the stealership is a little proud of the truck and prolly won't give me crap for mine. So I guess what I'm asking is it even worth messing with or just get a different truck????



Thanks, any imput appriciated

Derek

 

[RJPotts]

It all depends on what you want to do with your truck.

Are you planning on racing, sled pulling, heavy towing, or just a really fun all around street truck?

If you want to race, stick with the auto. Sled pulling any of the three will get the job done. Heavy towing: 6 speed. Fun to drive street truck: auto or 5 speed.

The other question is... Do you want to shift a lot or do you want to shift a whole lot?

If you're heart set on having a manual go with the 5 speed. As for a kit, I'm sure there is one out there, but I'm not sure.

-R. J.

 

[DManey]

Well I'm looking for a truck to do any of my farm related chores plus fun, and the occasional sled pull at the county fair. But I'm sick of the auto and really enjoy runnin a cummins through the gears.

 

[KKlingbeil]

I was going through the same thing you are about a year or so ago, and did much research on it. I never did find a actual kit, and what i ended up deciding is that a donor truck is the way to do it. If you tried to buy everything you would always forget something and i think it would take forever to get it done because you may or maynot keep encountering little things you have to have but dont have. Also, when i started adding things up as far as price i decided is was going to be more expensive to get all the parts then it was to put a DTT transmission in. Long story short i put a full DTT in and have no regrets at all. They have an excellent transmission. If i would of found a donor truck for cheap i probably would of done the manual, but i was pressed for time. But i am very impressed with a built auto, WAY different then a stock auto. Hope this helps a little bit. Good luck!!

 

[DManey]

Well today I got in touch with a company called High Impact Transmission and Gear. They sell a conversion kit but when I taked to the rep today and realized it costs to darn much... The kit includes a trans and bellhousing, adaptor, clutch lever, spring clip, shifter and knob, insulator, starter, master and slave cylinders and spline adaptor for the transfer case. So far the price is at $5,600 and thats with out their $900 stock clutch and flywheel. I asked if the ECM or PCM must be changed and hes thought the PCM needs chaning but the rep was going to get the info on that and hasn't called me back yet. Also I believe the drive shaft needs to be modifed. So this little project is goin to get pricey fast. So either I get a different truck or anybody want to get rid of their NV5600??? Got a good idea of what I need to do the project. High Impact just seems a little high priced for their "kit". I think a little searching around and you can get the parts you need at a more reasonable price.



Heres their website:

http://www.high-impact.net/transmission_and_gear/nv5600_dodgediesel10cyl.htm



Derek

 

[Supermod56]

Y0u won't find anyonewilling to fork over their 5600, they are out of production and have almost dried up. The 4500 is still in production.



Tom