Hi everyone!

I have a 2003 2500 HO with 48RE. I really wanted a manual truck in the first place, but after about 5 months of looking, no dice (or beat to hell truck...). So with towing season (travel trailer) fast approaching, I went for an auto. I don't hate it, but when replacement time comes (or when I just get really bored) I'm thinking about a manual.

I seem to frequently find NV4500's and occasionally NV5600's nearby on Craigslist and local yards. I've never done anything quite like this, so I want to have a solid plan well in advance to minimize downtime. I might have a local shop help out with part or all of the install.

Will the NV4500's line up the same for shifter location? Does it matter if the trans is from previous generation truck (most are)?

I plan to use a smarty flash to make the truck think it's manual (can a smarty jr do this?).

Also if anyone has a complete parts needed list that would be really awesome! I've read tons of posts and so far it's been really encouraging, but still a bit scary

Any info appreciated

 

Oh yeah, will interior parts etc from a manual 1/2 ton work in my 2500/ do they line up the same? I also have floor-shift 4x4, so that's a consideration for interior trim...

 

With yours being an 2003 I'm not sure if this will help or not but send cbrahs a PM. He was going to do a G-56 swap on his 2006 and was gathering parts but decided to trade it in on a new truck before the install was done. He may be able to guide you in the right direction at least.
As for the Smarty you will need to get Marco or Bob Wagner to send you the program to do this.

As for the tranny I would personally go with the NV5600 if you can.