1997 c3500 cummins conversion
 

hows it going guys, I am about to start my conversion but im just a little stuck on the transmission. I have the 4l80e and an adapter is like 1000$. does anyone have a better option

Be a man, swap out to the 2wd nv4500. Uses the same 32 spline output shaft as the 4l80, and for the gm they are plentiful. Only difference is the input shaft and bearing retainer. Gm uses 1 1/8", dodge is 1 1/4".
clutch hydraulics are basically identical. Makes the swap easier overall, only thing you might have to change, is to relocate the hanger bearings.

Something to think about

If you do the Chevy NV4500 swap, make sure you get a 1996 or newer unit. That way all you need to do is swap out the input shaft and bearing retainer, then it is straight Dodge flywheel/clutch/bellhousing.

1995 back used a different case bolt pattern and would be an issue to get bolted to the dodge bell.

If you want to stay Auto, you best choice to me is to spend the bucks for the adapter, otherwise build up a 47RH.

Have you figured out how you will shift the 4L80E? By 1997, trans functions were integrated into the PCM.

thanks for the help guys. I went ahead and forked out the money for the adapter and a transmission controller from autoworld. they said it hooks up to a computer and they will help me program it when it all comes in. Im just waiting on a few things to arrive then I will start my build.

Cool, keep us updated on progress.