ok, so what all do i have to go through to make my 2 wheel drive 5 speed a 4x4 5 speed, my auto just grenaded, the 3rd tranny ive put in this truck time for a manual. ive got a 5 speed out of an old 2 wheel drive sitting around, i know ill need to put the pedals in, hydraulic resevior, maybe change ecm driveshafts all that crap, but i wanna know what i will need to do for the trans. can i take the tailstock off and change output shaft or would it be better to put a divorced x-fer case in? whats best to do, thanks.

 

Find a trans out of a 4x4..... need to change output shaft on trans, and tail housing.

 

To convert a 2wd to a 4wd manual, here's the basics (I'm inferring you are going from auto to manual): You will need either a 4wd manual transmission (easiest to do), or will need to swap the mainshaft and tail housing. You will also need a transfer case to match your transmission. Then, you will need a new rear driveshaft (because it will be approx. 8-10" too long). You will need the shift lever assembly for the transfer case, and you will also need a 4wd front driveshaft. I'm assuming you have the IFS front suspension, not a solid axle. You will need to get a complete 4wd front axle out of a ram 1500. Must have springs, sway links, etc. You will also need to modify your vacuum lines to allow for the CAD actuator line. You will need the CAD vacuum harness as well. You will have to cut a hole in the floor for both the transfer case shifter and the transmission shift lever. This is just a start. Can you clarify if your truck is currently a 5speed or is it a auto? Some things you said in your first post are somewhat contradictory, such as needing pedals and reservoir, and stating earlier that it was a manual.

 

Easier to sell it and buy a new one.. There is one of these threads almost every week and nothing ever comes of it.

 

I think he has a 4x4 already and just needs to know what he has to change on the trans from a 2wd to maske it fit in his 4x4 truck.

 

Ditch it and get an NV4500

 

A lot of wasted time and frustration, basically rebuilding the whole tranny and sourcing the 4x4 parts needed.


Much better to get a 4wd tranny from the start.

 

ok so to clarify, yes i do have a 4x4 auto, i have a 5 speed out of an old 2 wheel drive parts truck, i was wondering what it would take to convert it. thanks guys for the input, i would like to bite the bullet and get a 4x4 5 speed but there isn't any around where i am other than whole trucks cheapest at 2 grand and i really like my truck with everything ive done i dont want a new truck. i was considering the remand 5 speed trans at autozone 1400 with core, then ive still gotta get the pedals and etc. maybe a divorced transfercase?... we will see... i picked up a trans for a couple hundred bucks today im going to slam in and use until i can configure how im going to go about this. im definately not taking the manual trans i have out of the 2 wheel drive and using it, its for sale. thanks again guys.

 

Could he use a Dakota tranny?

 

If it's an NV3500, yes. In theory anyway.
It's weak even for the 318 it came on in the Rams.