Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Auto to Manual Questions

[Cummins360]

As my title says I have had enough of my damn piece of worthless crap auto transmission. I am planning on converting the truck to manual and was just curious whats involved? I know clutch hydraulics and changing the driveshafts and the cross member. My questions are as follows:

1. Is the frame different from a manual to an auto??

2. Is the splining on the transfer case the same? From say a 47RH to an NV4500???

3. How difficult is it to swap an auto for a manual?? I know as well I have to cut a hole on the floor for the shifter and get rid of all that auto trans stuff.

-Travis

 

[JPittinger]

You sure??? It would be cheaper to rebuild the auto. If you're good enough to do a swap, you're good enough to rebuild your own auto to hold 500 hp plus. I did mine in my gravel driveway and basement. Bought all the parts and got loads of phone help from Dave Goerend, who is highly thought of by folks around here. I know you didn't ask, but just thought I'd throw it out there.



My stock '97 CTD with a manual would have trouble keeping up with my '94 auto when starting from a standstill.

 

[BigPapa]

I don't know about building the auto being cheaper, but if you have the money, go with Goerend's. If I'd had the money and know what I know now about Dave's trannies (money was the deciding factor), that's what I'd have done. It all depends on how much you can do yourself and how much the parts will cost you. You can also get decent money for your auto from people that are doing the conversions. Since it's not electronically controlled it will work for almost any conversion unlike the 47RE that needs all the electronics.



You can read about my swap here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133064&highlight=swap



Mine is a 2WD so I can't help you on the transfer case. I can tell you the output shaft is different on the auto and the manual. Frames should be the same. You will also need drive shaft modifications. Installing the pedals is a lot more difficult than cutting the hole in the floor and removing the "auto stuff" isn't that hard, either. Your best bet will be to find a donor truck or someone who has a truck they're parting out.



Good luck,

Scott

 

[jwilliams3]

1. No

2. No, it has a different count.

3. I have been told its not that bad to do. Just some work and finding all the parts you need.

 

[Cummins360]

Its not that my auto is slipping its that I cant stand not being in controll of the shift points and a clutch and I just downright hate the piece of crap (typical dodge quality) automatic transmission. Is there anything in particular that makes it difficult to install the clutch pedal???

 

[Berrigan]

Believe me, sticks have there problems too.

 

[AMikesell]

The swap is not the hardest thing to do it is just time consuming. It does help if you have all of the parts there such as the pedals, trans, transfer case, front and rear drive lines that came off a manual. I am happy that I converted my to a manual Oo. It was easy to hang the pedals with the dash removed but you may be able to just tilt it down and have access to everything. I was also trading out my tan interior for the dark charcoal gray with leather. I had to play electrician and wire up my back-up lights and the park/neutral safety switch. One more thing it helps if you have a friend to help; make it a weekend project.

 

[BigPapa]

Is there anything in particular that makes it difficult to install the clutch pedal???

It's not just the clutch pedal. It's the pedal assembly. I can see where it would be easy with the dash out, but with the dash in place it's a bear. You will have to take the dash and the steering column loose.



Now, that said, I've been told since I did mine that all you need to do it pull the pivot pin the pedals hang on and put the new clutch and brake pedal in. THAT may be pretty simple.



Scott