Auto to stick conversion?

[Paddy McMahon]

So how difficult would this be? I loved the 5 speed in my first gen truck and drove it without event for over 300K. I would like to know if it was possible to put a five or six spped where my POS auto trans is right now and some idea of what it would entail, cost, etc.

 

[rbattelle]

You'd probably have to go with a 6-speed, since only the standard output trucks had 5 speeds.

I think this project is doable, but the hardest part would probably making the various computers happy. And I believe on a 2005 you have the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module... although I have a different word for the "I").

Anyway, the powertrain control module will need to be removed, which may or may not require changing the ECM.

You'd need a new flywheel, and probably a new driveshaft (I'm not sure if the autos and manuals use the same driveshaft length). Plus the extra pedal and everything associated with it.

Including the cost of the transmission you're probably looking at something like 5K if you go with all junkyard parts. Double that if you want all new parts.

I'm not speaking from experience... just taking a wild guess.

Ryan

 

[Paddy McMahon]

With the $ already spent on the VB &TC and install labor I would've been 1/3 the way there for a new stick! Honestly it looks like buying the proper OEM setup would be the way to go.

 

[13MWZ]

I was considering a swap untill I thought hard about it. I was wanting to find somebody local to swap with or get a donor truck. I started thinking about what exactly would need to be swaped, clutch hydros, master cylinder and pedel, possible crossmember, driveshafts, ecm maybe, and all the other typical stuff. But then I thought about the inside, dash (so the guy getting my auto would know what gear he's in) wich would mean dealing with the odometer, colom shift deal wich would probably mean swaping the entire steering colum... ... possibly wireing harness or parts of it????I dont know. Also may need to swap interiors, my 06 has the cup holders on the floor so it would work just fine, but if you have the cupholders that swing you might not be able to use them.



I still realy want to do it, but I rely on my truck daily and cant have it out of service long enough to do it right just yet.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

You'd probably have to go with a 6-speed, since only the standard output trucks had 5 speeds.

you could certainly run a 5sp, and that's what I would recomend... less expensive, more reliable, etc. Plenty of high powered trucks out there running NV4500's



if the 5600 in my '04 ever gives up the ghost, I'll give serious consideration to a 4500 swap.



I sold a 4x4 NV4500 earlier this year that had a fresh rebuild, fully splined main shaft, etc. bellhousing, clutch hydraulics, flywheel, and South Bend clutch for $1800. If you shop around you can find good deals on conversion packages.



about the biggest hicup/hurdle you're going to run into is the driveshaft lengths and the ECM... I would imagine that you could simply wire wire the thing so that the ECM thinks you're in neutral at all times, but you'll lose your cruise control. I've had this issue converting vehicles in the past, but these ECM's are much more advanced than the cars I was messing with.



You might get with Bob and Marco at Smarty and see if they can write you a custom flash to reprogram your ECM with a program for a manual transmission

 

[rbattelle]

you could certainly run a 5sp, and that's what I would recomend... less expensive, more reliable, etc. Plenty of high powered trucks out there running NV4500's

I thought that was the case, but I wasn't sure. I don't keep up too much on that sort of stuff. Thanks for correcting me.



Ryan

 

[betterthanstock]

You're probably attached to your truck, but the best swap is a truck trade w/ someone who can't drive a stick anymore (bad knee, etc). I know there are far fewer manuals out there though.

 

[abranz]

Of all the modifications to my dodges over the past 10 years by far the best was my recent auto to nv4500 and then adding a pac brake. As long as I can shift, I'll never by another auto.

Anthony in Idaho