Diesel4blood

I had a thought about converting my 1994 Dodge Ram 4X4 from an automatic to a manual transmission. Anybody done this? I'm interested in how it went!

95black2615

I did to my 3/4 ton and never looked back. Best thing I've done to the truck.

gorms

I did mine last winter. Ended up costing about as much as a decent new auto, about 3k all together. Clutch + flywheel are expensive. Pretty easy to do, holes already in firewall for clutch master, dimples in on the other side to mount resevoir....etc. Ebay/salvage yards good for the pedals, shifter (if needed), bell housing, trans mount. Use the same crossmember and isolator for the mount. Shortens everything up about 1/2" for 4wd, I was able to use the same driveshafts. Overall very happy with the swap, much easier to pull a load now. Do miss the auto for cruising empty though, but I'm used to it now.

Robert Rausch

There is a seller on ebay whose name is Redlinear in Arkansas. He parts out Dodge/Cummins trucks. I've bought several things from him, including a disc-brake rear-end for my '95. He may have some parts you'll need.

runningbird

I was going to do this to my 98 truck, instead I found a 96 12v 5spd 4x4 for 3k and put 2k into fixing it up. now my daughter drives the 98 and I have my 5spd.

Big Deezul

i did mine....piece of cake. I am very happy with it

Diesel4blood

Thanks for all your replies, it is appreciated! My Auto tranny is fine and I have no problems with it, I'm just used to driving a standard. I do pull a 36 ft travel trailer and have a 14,000 lb hitch and electric brakes operated by Tekonsha prodigy.

So which do you think would be the better tranny? The New Venture (NV) or the Getrag?

Diesel4blood

I guess answered my own question between Getrag and NV.
Now how many of your converted vehicles were 4X4? were any changing to an NP 205 Transfer case and Part time front end?

Tate

Theres really no advantage to the 205 in our applications. They are very simple and reliable, but they were never meant for a diesel application. The 241's and 271's seem to hold up to 800hp trucks very well that I wouldn't even bother swapping in a 205. In the 205, you get a much taller low range. 1.96:1 instead of the 2.72:1 in the later t-cases.

You might also look into the G56 6 spd. You can come across them pretty cheap. I like mine better than the NV4500 for just day to day driving.

gorms

If you tow often with alot of in town miles the 6 speed would be better. The 5 has a big gap from 3-4. If I shift out of 3 at 2500, goes in 4th around 1500. Not a big deal, would be easier with another gear getting going up hill. 6 speed conversion takes more parts, like bellhousing adapter and I think the crossmember as well.

dieseldemon

The NV5600 6spd bolts to the same adaptor as the Auto and NV4500 5spd.

gorms

Aha....is it just the location of the starter then? Meaning if running stock (47RE/NV4500) adapter, need the 13" clutch, err at least flywheel for NV4500, with the ring gear at the front of the flywheel and starter spacer? I was looking into a 6spd a few years ago, hooked up with a guy that sold the entire kit (big $$$) and he insisted I needed the bellhousing adapter plate for NV5600.

Tate

Engine adapters all share the same pattern. If he's doing a conversion, he'll have to buy a clutch anway, so if he goes with a clutch that requires a starter spacer, it'll be supplied. Thats for either the 4500 or 5600.

He'll need a crossmember from 98+ truck. Not sure if the autos are the same, but my 5 spd x-members have all been the wide ones for the 6 spd as well.

Diesel4blood

Are there known issues with the NV5600 6 speed like the NV4500 5th gear? This sounds like it would be the best way to go. I'll keep the NV241 transfer case since the feedback I'm getting seems to suggest it really is pretty durable. I don't do a lot of heavy 4 wheeling.

dieseldemon

Southbend Clutch sells a 13" clutch and flywheel set that fits the auto and Nv4500 adaptor no need for a starter spacer you only need the spacer with the stock 13" flywheel for the NV5600 Trans.