I'm interested in swapping to a 5 speed in my '98 Dakota. Dodge didn't offer the manual trans. with 318ci and 4x4. I remember seeing this done on an episode of Trucks or one of those Discovery Channel shoes. Has anyone done this or can someone give some options. Thanks in advance. REW

 

Hmm, I've seen a few 4x4 5.2L daks with 5 speeds of this vintage.

Gonna need a tranny, transfer case (assuming its different than an autos), crossmember, hydraulic clutch setup, pedal mounts and a computer for a 5spd.

 

I have a 99 5 sp. and i hate it. Given its a v6 but the transmission is just sloppy and the clutch is stiff as hell no matter what. if you think you would really enjoy it better do it, but i set my mind on owning a stick 4x4 and now i regret it. just my .02. sorry no mechanical advice. i hear going to pull all the parts from a junk yard is the best way.

 

Thanks guys. I really wanted the manual when I ordered the truck. There is no fun in this auto, it shifts like its full of marshmellows, and the slack in the chain drive feels like its about to rip out the rear end when its put into rev. I now have a Caliber for my daily driver and think its time to fix this Dakota. 104,000mi is long enough to put up with this crap. REW

 

I would beef up the auto and put a shift kit in her. it will be alot cheaper and alot more fun too.


I always get sick of driving stick around town after acouple months. but theres nothing like shifting your own gears[sm=gears.gif]

 

I gota agree with RP Racing on that one after all i own one.