While we are all learning here, anyone know the difference between the automatics vs. manual in terms of strength? Did the same changes regarding the cable driven spedometer vs. electronic spedometer happen at the same time for the manual trans?

 

well thank you again for the info

 

Manual transmissions, in my opinion, are less prone to breaking than automatics (thats why I did the swap). The main things that wear out in a manual are the clutch and syncronizers. They are also more fun to drive IMO :P

If you are drag racing, an automatic would be the better choice. If you spend the money to build one they are tough and very consistent (which is what you need to drag race).

As far as the speedometer cable switch, I would assume they switched at the same time.

 

I have the manual transmission and I love it, I am dreading the day when I need to get an automatic if it ever comes around. These trucks drive well with manual transmision, unlike some other newer trucks I have driven. I need to find the article, but there was a study done that said that drivers who drove stickshift actually pay more attention to the road and get in fewer accidents. Makes sense, now I just need to get my insurance company to cut me a break in my auto insurance for driving stick.

 

So you actually swapped a automatic out for a manual,now that is some dedication.I guess if I had a donor truck sitting here to do it would make it easier.A little more than a weekend project.I always wanted to make sure all my kids knew how to drive stick,my oldest is just learing to drive now and I'm not sure I can handle her also having to do the stick thing.giving me alot more gray hair.

 

lol, yeah I did, here is the post I wrote up:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-5-2l-4x4.html

It actually can be done in a weekend if you plan ahead and work hard enough. My last 2 cars were stick, and I decided I missed driving stick, so I saw where someone was selling everything I'd need on craigslist and thought "why not?" I'm still fighting with some computer issues, but it does drive fine.