Hey fellas im looking to put a 5 speed manual in my 95 4x4 2500 automatic because i do alot of towing any sugestions.

 

I've wanted to do that too, but have come to the conclusion that a good, well built auto and HD TC will work very well without the complications and expense of a conversion... IHMO.

 

I did the swap, and could have had a well built auto for the same price, and I got almost all used parts off ebay/salvage yards for fairly cheap. Does take a while to get everything together that way. There are days I miss the auto, but overall I like the 5spd better for towing/hauling. Best bet is to look around for one to test drive, if possible to get a feel for it.

 

That's good info, gorms. I would also love a 5 speed in mine, but after considering it and reading each post that comes up about the swap, I have concluded that it costs about the same. More, if you want a new or rebuilt, upgraded 5 speed, or the 5600. So, I personally will put a built auto in mine, when mine ever goes out.

 

I think whether you like the stick more depends on how you use the truck. For hauling its great. For city driving its not as easy and youre really dependent on that AFC to keep the smoke down if youre trying to get off the line fast.
Also you lose boost when you shift.
on the plus side the economy is better and once you address the nut that often comes off one of the shafts inside, theres not a whole lot to break except the clutch. With an auto theres a LOT of stuff in there which can go bad.
I got a DTT buildup done about 6 years ago. Not much mileage, maybe 70k.
But the trans is my main suspect in chasing down really bad fuel economy. I think it needs an overhaul kit or a new TC installed.