Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans swap

[tpruitt]

what all is involved in a 6 speed to an automatic conversion

thanks for the help



trey

 

[Six_Man_Diesel]

Trey, for starters, you want to find someone with the exact same truck as yours. Year, model, color and package shouldn't matter I have done it on a 95 12 valve. Cumminsgetme, Strick9 and myself did it in one day, with the help of 2 other guys that contributed to the job greatly. However, the truck with the 5-speed was already stripped, we striped out my auto, and all the parts that go along with it, put the 5-speed with parts in my truck in 1 day. It shouldn't be a problem finding someone to trade, but that is what I would do for sure, that way you have all the parts right there. If you have anymore questions, I'll be happy to answer them the best i can.



Peace,

Willie

 

[tpruitt]

as far as electronics what all is needed. is there anyone that is thinking about doing a swap.



trey

 

[LSMITH]

I searched for a year for a 6 speed to put in my truck, now it is too late. Getting rid of that 6 speed should be really easy.

 

[klenger]

Dodge never offered an HO automatic in 2001. You may have problems with the ECM programming with that combination.

 

[tpruitt]

has anyone done a 6 speed to an automatic before.



Trey

 

[IWeiny]

keep the manual!

I read the thread Six_Man_Diesel is refering to. Unless you have a REALLY good reason I would keep the manual. I REALLY wanted a manual but could not justify a new truck right now and fooling the computers is out. This means you have to swap computers...



I would give you my brand new Suncoast auto for that 6 speed if I thought it was possible but I don't think it is worth the effort.



I think you should do a search and read the thread Six Man is refering too. To me, at least, it sounded like way too much effort. Also for the one getting the manual if it is like my 99 I would have the wimpy 70 behind a trany putting out way more torque. DC might screw up some things but I think there is a reason they put an 80 behind the manuals. I worked with a guy who compared the pinion of my 70 to that of a 44!!! He said a buddy of his had broken the pinion in his 2500 and when they took it apart he could not believe how small it was. This is one of the reasons I am so easy on my truck, I am constantly afraid of breaking a dodge part with that cummins engine!



Just some of the thoughts I went through in my trany searching. I lie awake at night kicking myself I did not get a manual. Count yourself lucky.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hey Ira,



There you are... . ... . how goes the battle... I bet you'll find the universals, steady bearings (were equipped), and OD units fail more than a properly set up Dana 70. In fact I bet that the flex plate bags out before those other things too..... but what do I know, I'm driving a 1st Gen, Blunt Force Trauma, areodynamic brick and, luvin it...



bob.

 

[tpruitt]

Well i know it can be done now but the price is just below $8000. I think it would be a lot easier to just trade trucks if i am going to seriously consider it. Thanks for all the help i appreciate it.

 

[CFAR]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...s=&threadid=59292&highlight=transmission+swap



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...s=&threadid=61672&highlight=transmission+swap



Here are the two threads about a successfull 6sp auto swap, its the only one I remember reading about

 

[Gizmo 007]

CFAR, thanks for posting that! I just now caught this thread.



Trey... the swap is pretty moderately invoved, but not as bad as you would think. You will have to swap steering columns, main wiring harness (runs along firewall), PCM, air-to-oil and water-to-oil transmission coolers, foot pedal and brackets. Once you drop the trannies... swap the flywheels, and move the starter spacer plate to the truck receiving the automatic.



You will also need to swap the cross member that supports the transmission.



Also, the auto transmission is about 5 inches shorter than the 6 speed, so a trip to the driveshaft shop will be in order



As far as the electronics, we did learn that if the other truck is the same year model, the PCM (on the firewall) and harness can be swapped and everything else works just fine! Only problem we had, is his is a 2001, mine is a 2001. 5. Only difference is his had rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, mine had 4-wheel anti-locks, so now both of us have BRAKE and ABS warning lights which is no big deal, just pop out the bulbs and you're all set



Note: THE PCM CANNOT BE REPROGRAMMED!!!



Feel free to PM me if you have any questions! I'm more than willing to help out in any way!

 

[CFAR]

If the trucks are the same wheel base the driveshafts should be a direct swap. correct?

 

[Gizmo 007]

Yes, if the wheelbase is the same the shafts can be swapped