i have found someone who will sell a complete getrag conversion for 1500$ is that a good deal? i find myself in the valley of decision. i can buy a converter and do a basic rebuild in my 518 for around that price. i suppose i could offset the price by selling my original tranny and transfer. is my tranny combo worth anything? any thoughts would be great

 

You have added unnecessary complication to the question. The basic question is do you want auto or manual? Answer that question and then gather the knowledge and parts and money that are required to mod your wagon. (I heard that answer on Kung Fu) (Also, in Weedhopper's (me) experience, patience and knowledge will save you some money.)

But if you have lots of money then you better jump before the evil emperor "redistributes" it.

Now climb out of the valley and progress.

Wow!,
JP.

 

What do you use the truck for? About the only reason I could justify that, aside from simply personal preference, is if you tow alot. In the 1st Gen world, Getrags are an order of magnitude better for towing. Lacking a lockup torque converter really hurts the 1st Gen autos in that respect. Better aftermarket units help alot, so if if you aren't towing all the time, I think I would go that route.

 

its not a towing thing. my previous vehicle of seven years before this truck was a 5-speed. so i miss shifting, that and im completely let down by the performance of the auto. i have a 30 min ride to work of mostly rolling hills and the auto just doesn't have it. i want power to the ground!

 

not a bad price I cant even buy a getrag for that much up here

 

Very well put!!!!!

 

Well, you have specified 2 reasons, one that you miss shifting and the other is that you're let down by the preformance of the auto.

The first reason is purely subjective and does not dwell with reasoning, so no matter the advice you get, you would have already made up your mind or will independently of Kung Fu's wisdom ;-).

For the other reason, I would have the tranny diagnosed first, as there could be a few reasons for its lack of performance, although the torque converter is your usual suspect. Based on the examination - yours or a transmission shop - you can price the overhaul and build-up if necessary, and weigh it against the $1500 for the G360.

$1500... from the rear of the block to the diffs? hhmmmm, not bad...

 

If you're not going to be towing, I would stick with the auto. In most cases, its easier to buy a 5spd truck, (now is the time to buy) than to find all the parts and time to do swap trannies.

 

Go the 5 speed route. If you can get everything to do it.

I know there was a guy on cumminsforum that was selling a complete 4x4 getrag conversion kit, like EVERYTHING you need for$ 1300 and someone scooped it up.