Hey all, did a bit of a search, couldn't find anything relevant for what I am doing...
I have a 4.7 Powered 4x4 Dakota, a couple weeks ago the transmission **** the bed on me...
I have found a decent used transmission to replace it, however, I am considering doing a manual transmission swap to replace the uncertainty and unreliability of an automatic transmission.
Before the transmission blew my transmission showed no signs of giving up... shifted smoothly, and hauled my 4-wheelers around no problem...

I know that it will likely be alot of work to swap to a manual transmission, but I'm wondering if there is a list of everything I will need anywhere...
Like different transfer case, driveshafts, bolts, crossmembers etc...
I have done an auto to manual swap on a Rear Wheel drive car before, but never a 4x4, so any and all help will be appreciated!

 

I am currently in the middle of changing out my 45rfe trans for a newer used one, and I can tell you that there is a slot in the insulation looking up from the bottom of the truck that appears to be there for a shifter on a manual trans. Driveshaft length will likely be different. Aside from that, I am guessing that it shouldn't be too bad. I didn't attempt it because i have two extra 45rfes at home, and didn't feel like hunting for a manual PCM.

 

you also have to get a pedal assy and install a clutch master setup installed ecm clutch flywheel drivelines and the steering column assy and possible gauge cluster best bet would be to find a donan vechical and swap it all over

 

I have a list going of the stuff I will need from a thread on here for a 1st gen Dakota transmission swap...
I didn't take into consideration the Steering Column, or the Gauge Cluster... didn't think those would be required... Wasn't sure about a computer either... I'm guessing I would get all kinds of Check Engine Codes running a Manual where an Auto once was...
I already took into consideration the Flywheel, clutch kit, and Driveshafts, one thing I am uncertain of is the Transfer Case compatibility...

 

well the gauge cluster has the gear position setup on it for the automatic and the steering column has the automatic shift lever in it that if you wanted to do it right you would want to take all of that out so its not there and what type of center console do you have cause they was some of them are you would have to get a diffrent center console and i dont have a standard trans in mine so this is all off my head slave cylinder so will all the parts needed to do it correctly i would say best bet would be to find a donar vechical to swap it all over from

 

I do have a replacement Automatic Transmission, I just don't have alot of faith in Automatics, never have...
I am also looking at a 1999 Parts truck local to me that Is 2WD... I'm not sure what I would be looking at to make the Transfer Case work with a 2WD transmission, if it is even possible...
The Parts truck option is my cheapest right now, then I would have a decent tailgate, doors, fenders, bumpers, and some running gear I could sell off... it would also be cheaper than Buying a manual transmission from a junk yard...

 

You would be using an NV3500 out of the parts truck, it has an integral bellhousing and there is not going to be any easy way to make it a 4WD. I have a Chevy NV3500 I was going to swipe the tailhousing off of and put onto my 2WD NV3500 but decided against it. I am planning to just scrap the Chevy trans this week.

As for ther automatic, I hated them too, still do compared to the fun I Have driving manual, but I just got 206,000 miles out of a 45rfe before the torque converter went. Not too bad IMO.