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

[DarrellB]

Anyone ever changed out an auto to manual transmission on a 3500 4x4?



I have a good friend that is really in love with this used 95 but it has an auto and he would like a manual. (5 or 6spd) I don't have a clue what would be involved in the change over but thought someone on here may have tried the swap or researched it to some extent. He and myself would really appritiate any help or advise we could get on the swap.



Thanks in advance.

DB

 

[Lsfarm]

'99 vs '95

DB, you may be opening a can of worms trying to use a '95 47RH [hydraulic control trans] as the donor transmission for your '99 truck which uses a 47RE [electric control trans].

.

I'm almost positive PCM in the '95 won't work in the '99, and the 47RH trans may be a bit of a struggle to get to work with a '99 Automatic PCM.



By far the easiest way is to find a '99 donor truck to swap with, since everything should interchange. It has been done with success by several TDR members.



I'm not possitive the differences between the PCM's from '95 to '99, maybe someone has put a 47RH trans into a former 99 stick truck and can comment. You may not get the instruments to work.



I would give Bill K at DTT a call and ask him which PCM's will work where/with which transmissions and gauge clusters.



1-866-504-4002 DTT



Hope this helps, Greg L.

 

[ndurbin]

Your best bet is finding a donor truck that is as close to the 95 as you can get. A truck thats been rolled or wrecked would work good for the donor.

 

[DarrellB]

Oops!



Sorry fellas I should have been a little clearer in my post. My friend is wanting to swap the auto in the 95 4x4 with a manual. He loves this on truck that is for sale but doesn't like the auto.



DB

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by DarrellB

Oops!



Sorry fellas I should have been a little clearer in my post. My friend is wanting to swap the auto in the 95 4x4 with a manual. He loves this on truck that is for sale but doesn't like the auto.



DB

If he hasn't bought the truck yet, I would advise against this project. Cheaper and cleaner to find a truck like he wants that has the manual transmission from the factory.



Have him post a wanted ad in the proper section of TDR. Something will come by soon.

 

[CATCRACKER]

from what i understand it not that big of a deal this will cost some money but if he has is then not biggie. the only thing i am unsure of is how if the PCM needs to be changed. if you do a search there will not be that good of info i have tried that already i am suprised there is not better info on this subject. however many many people have made the swap so it can be done. so far i woud suggest. find a junk yard 6speed get the conversioin kit from bluemethal (5spd to 6spd kit) then buy all the pedal assembly from the dealer. then have you drvie shafts adjusted. the conversion will take some time. i am considering it b/c i dont need my truck everyday its just a toy. if i could find someone to buy this ATS triplelock transmission i would be ready to go.

 

[TKremer]

I am also considering switching my 1996 auto to a manual (5spd). I really don't think it would be that terrible. It will take a good weekend or two no doubt but I think that with some mechanical knowledge and some time it can be done. Let me know what you find out and I will do the same.

 

[Neibe]

Tell him it would be better to find a 96-97 or early 98 that way you get all the goodies that came with the 215hp engine.

 

[HCanales]

Hey DarrellB I did it and it was the best thing I ever did. Lots of homework, but well worth it! I did this about a year ago and have 35,000 miles on it. Spent about $2500, its really not bad considering I bought many new parts. It is impossible to tell that it used to be a auto. If you have any questions I can give you step by step instructions on how to do it. I tell you what I would do it again if I had to I love it!!

 

[CTait]

HCanales, please give us more details. Was your conversion on a four wheel drive? Did you change out your steering column? How about any electrical problems? What was your rear end ratio? Did you have to cut a hole in the floor or is it a matter of unbolting a plate? Did you have to buy a new cross member support and drill the frame? Many thanks.

 

[HCanales]

CTait I have a 4x4 and all I did as far as that goes is change the input gear/shaft on the transfer case from 23 tooth to 29 tooth. Also shorten the front shaft about 3/8th of an inch didn't do have to do anything to the rear drive shaft. The input gear/shaft from the dealer is about $320 but I paid $125 for a busted tranfer case. No I didn't have to change out the steering column just the plastic shrout $22 from the dealer brand new. As far as electrical goes mainly neutral safety switches no big deal at all. I have 3:55 gears on mine and 5th is . 74 output as for the auto in OD is about . 72 and 6th gear on the nv5600 is . 73. Rolling down the hwy going 65mph with 275/75-16 BFGs my RPMs are at 1500. I did cut a hole in the floor there is no plate! What I did is make a template from my buddies truck. It would be in your best intrest to buy a brand new inner boot for the shifter to see where the hole goes before you cut anywhere and then measure based of a factory truck. Note: the '98 models have a nice floor councel as oppose to the earlier models. No holes on the frame, no cross members just a different trans mounting bracket $75. Slave cylinder I would highly recomend buying brand new because the unit is unservicable. Sorry friend but brand new one is $257 its one unit with res. , master, and slave cylinder(non-serviceable item throw it all away if the sytem gets opened!) If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

 

[HCanales]

Correction on my tire size 285/75-16 BFGs/MT not 275!

 

[HCanales]

If your into spending money go with the 6spd trans. Its really nice but there is alot more mods. I also have a few details on that because I almost went that way. The only hold back was $$$! One of these days I'm going to the next level because its a hobby of mine. Another thing to keep in mind 5 1/2" longer!!!

On a different note if you have any questions drop me a PM.

Have a great day HC!

 

[DarrellB]

Thanks for all the responces fellas, but he bought a manual yesterday.



And I was so looking forward to spending someone elses money.



Thanks again.

DB