Standard to Automatic Conversion

[MDeGirolamo]

Last year I blew my clutch/dual mass flywheel while being a good Samaritan. Based on everything that I had read about the OEM clutch/flywheel being a problem, I decided to go ahead with a South Bend dual disk and solid flywheel conversion. I did this after reading several threads on the pros and con’s of this conversion. While the majority were positive, I remember reading one piece that was a very objective assessment of the possibility of excessive transmission rattle, hard shifting, and wear and tear on the drivetrain. I can’t comment on wear and tear at this point, however, the writer’s comments on transmission rattle and hard shifting were bang on. I was disappointed with the transmission rattle from my first drive forward. I read forum threads pertaining to this issue and followed recommendations on RPM’s and shift points. While some improvement was noted, it was moderate at best. I contacted South Bend bend and was advised to try Gorilla Juice. I was concerned after reading some feedback on Gorilla Juice in cool climate but I did decide to try the product with the hope that it would reduce clutch/transmission rattle. While the Juice did produce positive results when the transmission is warm, the impact when cold is adverse. Cool in this instance is an ambient temperature of 45 degrees or less. As second to third gear is next to impossible when I gently shift from second to fourth. Double-clutching on other occasions helps to ease shifting as well. In South Bend’s defense, I do not question the strength of their clutch as it feels and operates like it’s indestructible. All this said, I really haven’t enjoyed driving my truck since the clutch/flywheel upgrade was completed. In view of the foregoing I am considering the possibility of replacing my G56 with an automatic transmission. Has anyone had experience with such a modification and if so, can you advise on the cost, undertaking and results? Thanks.

 

[HBarlow]

Many buyers are determined to use a manual transmission. I don't understand their reasoning.

Ram is the only light/heavy duty truck manufacturer who offers one but in my opinion, it is a poor choice for many reasons. The dual mass flywheel was chosen to avoid shock loading on the weak G56 transmission and gear rattle caused by power pulses of the mighty Cummins engine at low rpm. The G56 transmission was selected by Daimler and forced on Ram, probably primarily for proprietary reasons. It uses an aluminum case which is inherently weak and less robust than the previous NV-5600. Converting to solid flywheels and SBC clutch assemblies is a compromise but as you have learned, it is not an ideal solution but causes other unwanted results.

The days of easy conversions from manual to automatic transmissions or automatic to manual are mostly history. It can be done but at significant cost and trouble. The new generation trucks are too complex to allow simple parts swaps. You should expect to pay a small fortune for the transmission plus different mounts, linkage, pcm, ecm(?), harnesses, programming, instrument cluster, shift lever, and probably many more parts. Then unless you are capable of doing all the work yourself labor would very costly. Would the final result be a smooth seamless driver like an original automatic transmission truck? Perhaps - perhaps not.

I would guess you'd come out cheaper and more satisfied by trading your truck for one with an automatic. That would be my advice.

 

[LNaugle]

Sounds like your trans has too much input shaft play. We rebuild or reshim every g56 we install a new clutch in and only use SB. WE also run a 75-25% blend of gorilla juice and atf+4, over filling by 1 quart. My customers don't have problems like you are saying but have seen other shops just put the new clutch in with out consideration of end play. That said, I know you can convert your truck to a 48re but will not be factory, far from it actually, most people doing this are doing it for competion reasons. Suncoast has the lowdown on what it takes, and is expensive! MUCH easier and cheaper to fix your trans or convert it to a nv5600 from early 05 and down truck.

 

[EMAC2]

Try these links:

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/0...s-discussion/468556-68rfe-swap-out-6-spd.html

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/3...-manual-swap-complete-step-step-pictures.html

 

[cerberusiam]

One word, expensive. Swapping an auto in is not simple and requires building the transmission and a stand alone controller. The only other option is a salvage yard and all the auto pieces plus computer work to integrate the controller and ECU.

Go back to the DMF or trade the truck if you don't like the manual. That will preserve your investment. You might come out ahead as some people seem to think the manual is worth having. Buyers are getting smarter and if the VIN says it was manual truck and you try to sell it with an auto there will be questions.

 

[SierraRam]

I wanted the manual and traded in my auto, guess I am an oddball. My SBDD has been in for six years and 70K miles of trouble free operation. It is not babied and can handle all of the abuse I have thrown at it. It is noisy but I have learned to accept it. I just changed to Mobil Delvac 50 and it did quitedown the rattle quite a bit.