auto to manual conversion
 

hey guys new on here. but ive got a couple of questions. pretty much just gettin research. i have a 98 ram 1500 quad cab short bed. its automatic with the v8 360 4x4. i want to change it to a 5speed. where can i find the parts to change it over? what all do i need? how much is this gonna cost? and how hard is this gonna be? and last but not least is it worth it? thanks guys

About the same cost as a new automatic transmission, from what I've heard/read.

You'll want the NV4500, if you go for it, out of a Ram 2500 with the 5.9L V8. The Cummins or V10 2500s/3500s will be a NV4500HD, not sure if that would bolt up to the V8s or not, and the NV3500 in the 1500s with the 5.2L V8 may not handle the 5.9L V8, then again, it may. Personally, I'd go the NV4500.

You will need the transmission, pedals, clutch setup, computer and all related parts. You can buy the parts new or opt for boneyard parts which should save some money. Cost is gonna be based on the ability to find a good parts source that has decent prices. How hard will it be to do depends on how much mechanical ability you have. Is it worth it? It is if its what you really want. There have been plenty of posts on here about this same issue. Search for them for more info.

yeah i definitly wanna go with the nv4500 but finding my truck 5speed is hard enough let anlone in the junk yard. now if i find a tranny out of say a regular cab longbed will i have to have a new driveshaft? or would mine work?? i know i want to change it to 5speed cuz i know the auto trannys are junk. i know mine isnt going to hold much longer so i figured id start my research now save up and piece it together so i should have everything by the time my decides to go.

The quad cab short bed and the regular cab long bed are really close in wheel base but I am not sure if you would need to lengthen or shorten your shaft. It is going to be expensive to swap them out no matter what but if it is what you want and you are fairly wealthy go for it. Is you truck two or four wheel dirve by the way?

Just throwing it out there but i just bought my 99 ram also and have been reading on how the auto trannys are junk but before doing a extreme swap like this have you read on rebuilding the auto tranny to be real trustworthy? I've search google and some have rebuilt the auto trannys to be real strong. Once again, just throwing it out there...

if you live near in NW Indiana i found a 96 dodge ram 2500 with a stick that runs but is starting to rust. It would make a perfect donor truck and want 1500 obo. I'm sure you could part out the rest of the truck and not have that much money in it when it's said and done

You could switch the dash from the 2500 to make it look originally and not have the dash that reads, " P R D 2 1" Getting a donor truck seems to be the best bet if you were to do this. IMO

Lots of people post about doing this or wanting to do it. We still havent found anyone brave enough to try it.

Im doing it for sure. Ever since i got my ram i wanted to do it. Im saving up now. Will be awhile till im able to do this but i will do it!