Automatic trans,whats better?

[badboyztoyz]

I recently bought a 03 3500 single wheel quad cab short box,truck "was" a 6 speed manual trans. Trans and t-case are gone,thought about a Allison conversion but read elsewhere that a 48re built is stronger. I don't really care for an auto trans but wife wants to drive this one to. Can a auto trans be put into a stick truck without a lot of headaches???And if so whats the best way to go?

 

[abdiver]

Would it be just easier and cheaper not to mention Cleaner to just swap it out for a factory auto

 

[Wingate]

I attempted several times to contact Howards Allison Conversions... . never got a response...

Have since decided that it will be easier to jsut billet the 48RE when the day comes. As to converting, other than electronics, it shouldnt be much of an issue.

 

[cerberusiam]

Its a problem if you try to put the 48RE into a manual truck due to the lack of PCM, wiring harness, different ECU, steering column, shift cable, TV cable, APPS, etc. You really need a donor truck to source all the parts to make it look and work stock.



An Allison conversion may be simpler, and, maybe not a whole lot more expensive. The Allison will use a stand alone controller so sourcing the harnesses is eliminated. Shifter and cable can be remedied with a floor mount that shows the gear, if one exists for the Ally.



Either way, its a massive project to swap between the 2 and get it close enough just anybody can drive it.

 

[Wingate]

Its a problem if you try to put the 48RE into a manual truck due to the lack of PCM, wiring harness, different ECU, steering column, shift cable, TV cable, APPS, etc. You really need a donor truck to source all the parts to make it look and work stock.



An Allison conversion may be simpler, and, maybe not a whole lot more expensive. The Allison will use a stand alone controller so sourcing the harnesses is eliminated. Shifter and cable can be remedied with a floor mount that shows the gear, if one exists for the Ally.



Either way, its a massive project to swap between the 2 and get it close enough just anybody can drive it.

see, not that much to it!!!. hahahhaa. .

Might as well drop in the 6 speed AISIN!!!. . :-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[HBarlow]

Well, the six speed Aisin is all computer controlled so that would be another challenge and expense. Someone would have to design and program or perhaps adapt a control unit to shift it.

The owner of one of the transport companies I worked for owned a FL-70 with a 5. 9 Cummins and what he claimed was an Aisin five speed. Some FLs must have used the Aisin and must have offered a controller for the Aisin set up for a 5. 9.

 

[cerberusiam]

see, not that much to it!!!. hahahhaa. .

Might as well drop in the 6 speed AISIN!!!. . :-laf:-laf:-laf

Same difference, need a stand alone controller for the transmission. Everything else applies, shifter, gear indicator, etc.



The AISIN is going to be limited to the basic programs unless you can find somebody to build a custom tune. Also, ZERO aftermarket upgrade parts. Don't bet it will handle the power without some TQ management.



AT least with the Ally ther eis custom tuning and upgrade support.

 

[Wingate]

yeah. . i know. . I was just being a S. A... . !!!!

The guy with Howards Allison Customs must be either REALLY busy or out of business. .

 

[Motorhead]

About a year before I "ESCAPED" (retired) from UPS, We had some Freightliner chassied package cars that had the VP44 fueled, 24v Cummins and an Allison 5spd auto. NICE delivery trucks to drive!

 

[rscurtis]

If it was my choice, I would restore the '03 to its original transmission and transfer case and either 1- keep it and buy the wife a truck with an auto, or 2- sell it and buy a truck with an auto. It should be an easy sell as that's a desirable package, espescially in light of $4+fuel costs.



You also won't be stuck with a *******ized vehicle when it comes time to sell it.

 

[HBarlow]

I am completely in agreement with Curtis above. I did lots of mods and retrofits to old cars and pickups long ago when automobiles were simple and not computerized. Even then they rarely ever turned out as good as oem.

"*******izing", that's a good description, a late model truck like yours will cost a fortune and never be much more than a cobbled together mess. If you already had the unique and rare skills to perform the complex conversion you wouldn't be asking us, you'd be sending us photos of the progress or completed project.

Put it back together stock or forget it is my advice.