Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission Swap???

[Bouma]

Transmission Swap auto for manual???

I am sure this has been asked before... . but my question concerns a 2001 3500 with an automatic. Is it possible to swap a 6 speed manual in place of the auto. If so how hard is this? Do you need to re-flash the PCM? What other issues will I run into? Or would it be less of a head ache to get the trans built? Would that be ultimately a cheaper option. The truck has 115,000 miles on it, it was purchased used. The worry is how long will it last.

 

[Cosmo]

4wd or 2wd?

Apparently they've got different output shaft spline counts, so you'll have to either crack open your transfer case and swap input shafts or get a manual trans transfer case, plus find or build a new driveshaft to accommodate the different length transmission.

Do you really tow heavy a lot? If not, then the extra gear isn't worth the extra cost of a 6-speed versus an NV4500 5-speed.

 

[Bouma]

the truck is 4wd. The only thing the truck pulls that is heavy is a 12,500 pound camper. So what you are saying is it would probably be cheaper to have a ATS, Goerend, etc rebuild the trans vs swap in a manual? The trans operates fine its just me thinking out loud.

 

[Cosmo]

It would depend on how you go about it.

If you can find a junkyard with a complete truck and snag the trans, transfer case, mount (if different), and driveshaft, plus interior trim pieces, that would be the cheapest way.

Expect to drop at least $5k on a built auto.