Convert Auto trans to Manual in 1st Gen

[MMoyle]

Hi All,



Is it alot of work (in your experience) changing a 1st gen 4x4 auto to a 5 or 6sp manual? I am currently looking to buy my first 1st Gen and I really want a manual. If I find a truck I really like and it is a auto, I would like to know how difficult it is to swap. I would also like a round about cost to do the job. Thanks all!

 

[Philip]

The auto version of the 205 transfer case has a different input shaft setup. The splines are different. So figure this into the price also.



Going with a NV4500 you can figure around 2 to 3k for the job. Add another 1k for a NV5600. This is parts prices to. No labor included.



I looked into doing this one time myself. I even had a NV4500 setting in the garage. With the other parts I needed for the swap I was still looking around another $1500 or so. I decided that I could rebuild my A518 a couple of times for that price. At that point the NV4500 found a new home.

 

[1stgen4evr]

Converting

Since the first gen manual is a getrag and since the 4 by 4 will kill the getrag, you may want to do a conversion anyway so it makes less difference where you start from.



You must have the obvious parts like clutch pedal/cylinder and slave cylinder and clutch with flywheel but there are other parts as well. So, I would find a manual and start from there.



From what I read on the forum, you can get pretty good performance from the automatic if you do some up grades there.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[dpuckett]

If you are LOOKING for a 1st Gen, I'd say broaden your search area and hold out for a manual. They are around. In fact, I know of a 93 W350 that needs some tuning that MIGHT be for sale in the near future..... *I* once owned it, so you know it was a good rig. It'll be well under $10K.



Daniel

 

[skobylenski]

I can think of ONE truck that is for sale at this very moment (hint hint)



Scott