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6 speed con?

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Old May 18, 2005 | 07:24 PM
  #1  
ARAcummins's Avatar
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From: Traer, Iowa
6 speed con?

I know it can be done but how hard is it. We did it all the time to old chevys. I have a built Gorend Bros tranny in my 95 now but I just dont' like the way it pulls, I want my manual back. Is it worth doing or not? Or should I just sell it and try to find a 5 speed, then try to swap in a 6 speed later. Any help or advice?
Thanks
Heath
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Old May 18, 2005 | 08:19 PM
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TxDiesel007's Avatar
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From: Laredo
From my understanding


If you are gonna have mainly a strictly pullng truck, which will tow heavily, the six speed is a better option, if you opt for a five speed, which is more bomb friendly, then get from an 01? i think model that has the fifth gear nut updated, or buy one that already has it. The six speed conversion has been done by gunracer1, you can pm him, and ask for his opinion.. But many people that tow like the six speed much better..

Tx
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Old May 18, 2005 | 08:24 PM
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From: Milan, New Hampshire
4x4 or 4x2? I'm looking to do the same thing with my '96 as soon as i can choose (and find) a transmission and the rest of the parts I need. I have done a couple auto to manual conversions on other vehicles, so I'll throw out what I know. Hopefully someone has more advice and details to add.

-Going from auto to manual is the easier direction these days. You are going to a transmission that requires less parts and wiring (no lines, no cooler, no trans TCU, etc.)
-You'll need at least the following parts: Flywheel, clutch assembly, transmission, pedal assembly, hydraulic assembly, and possibly driveshafts (I haven't measured tranny lengths yet). Many of those parts could be bought used, some new to ensure reliability.

As for whether its worth the expense, thats up to you. If your truck is close to stock, has typical miles for the age, and basically isn't anything special, then you might consider just selling it and buying a manual equipped truck. On the other hand, if you have expensive mods, have very low miles, or for some other reason the truck is something you really don't want to give up, then the conversion isn't out of the question. My research has shown that I can do a NV4500 conversion for roughly what a replacement automatic would cost, if I do all the work myself and shop carefully. By using mostly used parts, I figure around $1000-$1500 for everything, maybe more if I have to go with more new parts, or if I have a hard time finding good deals on the used stuff. I'd say maybe $2000 max with mostly used parts. Because of the diesel, you have 3 expensive parts to get: the tranny, a flywheel, and the clutch assembly.

Remember, my prices are based on an NV4500 5-speed. I have found several for between $600-$900. Aprox. $200 for a clutch set from Napa with my discount, aprox. $200 for a Napa flywheel, and roughly $250 for assorted used parts, such as the pedal assembly and misc. hydraulic parts. I'm also figuring in extra for little parts I'm not thinking of right now, and I'm planning that some of the parts may come out a bit higher when it actually comes time to buy them.

I'd be interested in hearing what you decide to do, and how it goes if you do, especially if you do it before I do.

Jim
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