bolkowdude

I'm selling my '02 4X4, QC, SWB with 6 speed. I just bought a '94 Reg Cab, 12er, 4X4, with 5 speed to replace it. My dilemma is that I have really gotten used to and like the 6 speed in my '02, especially with the short throw shift lever mod. Is buying a used 6 speed for my '94 and swapping out the 5 speed fea$ible/possible? Thanks.

dieselman2300

Problems with the swap are: 5600 is big bucks, parts are hare to find when you need a rebuild, costs alot of money to do the swap.
If you like the 4500, but want to get the short shifter, all you have to get is the top plate and shift tower from a 98 and newer. Alot cheaper that way.
And besides the consensus around here and other forums is the NV4500 is stronger.

Box5

yea it's definently doable, i think theres people on the board who did it. But, instead of the money and hassle of it all, why not just change the shift tower on the 5spd and install a short throw shiter on it? I think u'll get use to the 5spd and like it.

95ram

Another option would be a G56. I've heard of people doing it, but haven't seen it. You should try it and let me know how it works .

tinkertoys

I have talked to several "experts" in my quest to stop my 4500 from blowing up( 6 times in 204000). I have found through concensus that both trans are good to 500 rwhp, so It is pretty much up to you. It does appear that that several heavy hualers like myself are having very good luck with the g-56. It seems to be holding up better. I haul 20000 to 28000 every day with 525 rwhp.

bolkowdude

Hmm.? OK, thanks all. I found a site that explains the swap in pretty good detail. They even provide all the parts, and yes, it's expen$ive! If my '02 doesn't sell quickly, I may just swap out the trannys and sell the '02 with the 5 speed.

Captain

you'll need the wide cross member from a 98 (some say you can turn around yours and use it or something with some modification) the trans. some adapter plate to adapt the mount to the trans. the exhaust hanger bracket. shorten your rear drive shaft, lengthen your front. You may or may not need to extend your hoses on your transfer case vaccume switch and the wires for the reverse light switch.

quad4x4 sells a kit to do it thats fairly complete with decent instructions. I did it about 3 times in my one truck befor I threw the 6speed in the garbage and put the 5 speed back in. I wish I had never thought of the idea. However if you have a good working 6speed now and you like it that much its probabbly a REALLY good idea to swap it out with the 5 speed and sell the other truck as a 5speed. you can do it in a weekend in the driveway with a good trans jack and a little help from a friend.