Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Manual Transmission to Auto Swap on 2001

[CrewCabDiesel]

Yea I know you all think I am nuts but pushing in the clutch petal has become too painful with both knee and hip problems .

So I am left with two choices, sell off a truck that is paid for and is setup the way I want it and buy a newer 3rd Gen with an automatic trans or keep my truck and swap out my NV4500 with fast coolers and a short shift kit for a automatic. I would prefer to keep my trusty 2nd gen that I have bombed to a nice level of YEE HA . So now I am looking into a trans swap and I am hoping someone else has done it.



So here are the questions,

Do I need any wiring from an automatic truck and if so what parts ?

Can I use my current transfer case and drive shafts?

Do I need to change computers and APS (I just put on a new APS)?

Can I use my current speedo ?

Is the transmission crossmember the same ?

Is the engine trans adapter the same?

How does the Automatic hold up? ( I will most likely send it to ATS for overhaul, converter, and updates.

Of course I will need to get the OEM trans cooler and plumbing.

I do want to keep the entire swap looking OEM.



Any help or suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks

Kyle

 

[Fishin Guide]

Yea I know you all think I am nuts but pushing in the clutch petal has become too painful with both knee and hip problems .

So I am left with two choices, sell off a truck that is paid for and is setup the way I want it and buy a newer 3rd Gen with an automatic trans or keep my truck and swap out my NV4500 with fast coolers and a short shift kit for a automatic. I would prefer to keep my trusty 2nd gen that I have bombed to a nice level of YEE HA . So now I am looking into a trans swap and I am hoping someone else has done it.



So here are the questions,

Do I need any wiring from an automatic truck and if so what parts ?

Can I use my current transfer case and drive shafts?

Do I need to change computers and APS (I just put on a new APS)?

Can I use my current speedo ?

Is the transmission crossmember the same ?

Is the engine trans adapter the same?

How does the Automatic hold up? ( I will most likely send it to ATS for overhaul, converter, and updates.

Of course I will need to get the OEM trans cooler and plumbing.

I do want to keep the entire swap looking OEM.



Any help or suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks

Kyle

I would seriously consider selling your truck and buying the one you want.



To do the swap, you just about have to have the donor truck sitting right beside your truck. All th computer/ harness and hard parts are enough to make a guy go blind!



Dave

 

[BigPapa]

Kyle,



I'm sure you could find someone that would swap with you. That way you would have everything both of you would need. The only problem would be that you would probably end up with a well worn auto that would need some serious attention. Make sure to figure that in.



If you could get together with a trading partner at their place, you could probably find a DTT, Sun Coast, ATS, or other brand installer close that could do the swap and they could build or at least check the auto for you when they do it. You might check with Goerend, too. I think he's in Iowa?



My conversion ended up costing me @$2500. I'm sure you could find someone to swap with you for around that, as long as your transmission didn't need work, and that should more than cover your part of the labor and go a long way toward building the auto.



Just my $. 02... ...



Scott

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

This trans swap to me seems be a simple process of changing out parts after building 2 First Gen Dodge Crew Cabs, (1st one was totaled) converting them to 4X4 and installing a Cummins and making it all look OEM. Check the last one out in my reader's rigs.

I really hate to swap out the NV4500 for two reasons, one I have more control over the truck with a manual and the second is my wife can't drive a stick :-laf .

Currently my NV4500 works well but it now has 182,000 miles on it and should be gone through with a bearing kit. The up side it I have already upgraded the clutch and flywheel to the heavier SBC OFE 13". I am plan on having the new auto rebuilt and beefed up so it will handle my bombs, I am at about 440 RWHP so a stock auto trans is out of the question. I hope to get a parts list together and start buying what I need as I find it. I plan to do the swap once the weather warms up.

Klye

 

[IC Smoke]

CrewCab, I might be interested if youd like a auto and parts. what color is your interrior? youd have to change out the cup holders, 4x4 console etc...



Ian

 

[GBobbitt]

ATS is selling a stand-alone conversion kit listed under "automatic transmission components" that looks like a lot of the stuff you would need.

 

[Partyat33]

Its not a hard swap but it is time consuming. Before I can answer all the questions what auto trans are you looking to get. I went with a 47rh as there is not electrical connection to the truck PCM.



Dennis

 

[wtfd6]

it sounds like a lot of work. but the thought has crossed my mind a few times. i would be willing to help with a swap. if you do a swap with someone let us know.


mark

 

[REFLOYD]

i would be willing to swap out my auto for a manual if you want to do it come on down south and we can get started oon a project. .

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

Thanks for the replies but I still need to know what parts I will need for the swap. I intend to "do it right" by swaping out the electrical and needed computers and any other parts. I want to take my time at this and not do a rush job, so I want to start tracking down parts starting with the transmission so I can get it rebuilt and beefed up. Does anyone know exactly what automatic transmission was used in 2001/2002 ? I have heard several numbers such as 47re and 48re, but not sure what will fit correctly. I have a very good set of tools and a trans jack so I will be doing the swap in my driveway(truck will not fit in the garage). I am still considering buying a 2004 but prices are a bit high for the truck I want.

Kyle

 

[jmy]

To match the stock 2001. 5 truck you will need at least the following.



1.

47RE 4x4 tranmission - I think 2001 and later has the boss tapped for an extra bolt used to stabilize the shift linkage.

I've used an early version (1999) built up higher power (380) for a 2001 swap, but had to drill and tap the linkage mount boss on the transmission to install the second linkage bolt.



2. Shift linkage, steering column, compatible instrument panel with automatic gear selector indicator.



3. Radiator with transmission and transmission cooler lines.



4. Block mounted transmission oil cooler.



5. APPS with transmission cable linkage.



6. PCM



7. ECM from automatic or an reflash of your ECM.



8. ECM and PCM wiring harness (If your 2001 requires the different P/N harness).





If you can find a 2001 automatic in a salvage yard near you they should deal on the swap. Their market is greater for the MV4500 conversion.

 

[wtfd6]

my 2000 does not have a radiator mounted cooler. just the engine mounted cooler and the cooler in front of the intercooler. 2001 is probably the same. i wasnt even thinking about the clusters and a the columns. good info to get together.


mark

 

[jmy]

You are correct the transmission cooler is mounted in front of the intercooler not the radiator.