Alright, just have a couple questions on a manual swap. Read Hambones write-up. Awesome write up by the way. My transmission is acting up, was gonna rebuild it over winter. But im not driving big rig anymore and I cant get my fill of manuals.
going in a 1997 Ram 1500 5.9 4x4
Is there any computer swapping that needs to be done, if so what years are compatible?

Will a transmission out of a 4x2 work in my 4x4 application? Will my driveshafts I have now work, or will different ones be needed?

Thanks for all answers. I just swapped in a rust free cab that came with a 5 speed. So the hole is already cut and I have the pedals

 

2wd trans won't work. Need one from a 4x4. Getting an NV4500 would be your best bet, as the 3500 NEVER came behind a 5.9. (although, some folks have done it, and haven't reported failures.... yet....)

Best bet is to find a whole donor truck in the scrap yard, or dirt cheap on craigslist.

Need to have the PCM reflashed with a manual trans tune. Otherwise, it will constantly be whining about trans sensors and such, that aren't there any more..... Or, just swap in the PCM out of a manual trans truck..... the 96-97's don't care as much about having the VIN match everything else. (and if it does, its a simple matter to have that issue dealt with.)

 

Sweet. This will be fun. Not a single cheap truck around me thats manual

 

Of course not. Now, if you WEREN'T looking for one.... They would be everywhere.

Might check with the junkyards, one of them, at least... should have a locator service. Might be able to find a good used one that way. Still prolly be cheaper than a rebuild on your auto.

 

Yeah, car part is my go-to site. A couple for $800. But then im still left w/o a pcm. Are those expensive on these rigs? Will the T-case I have now still work?

 

Your tcase is a np231 and has a 23 spline input. Most nv4500s for the gas V8 have 23. Unless you get a 2000 or later then you have a 29 spline out on that trans.

As far as I know, there is no 29 spline input for the 231 that is available. So upgrading to a np241dld or 241dhd will be in order. If you snagged a beat up 2500 you would be in business.


My used pcm was 100 bucks off eBay. But now it's throwing abs codes and won't pass state inspection. But I'm in Virginia.

 

Every manual 2500-3500 around me has that big ole C slapped on the side. So no matter what im paying out. So ill have to piece everything together from junkyards.

 

Sounds to me like the gods want you to do a diesel/manual swap!