how much trouble would it be to put 5-speed tranny in a 1996 dodge ram 1500 slt with a 5.2 with an automatic 2wd? i realy want to have a 5-speed but i would also like to keep my truck. my fear is that i would have to mess with the computer?

 

You indeed will have to replace your computer, with one out of a 96 Dodge Ram 2wd 5spd with a 5.2l motor.

As far as the rest of the swap, I really can't help you. I've done conversions on cars before, but never a truck. The hardest part is usually getting the clutch (pedal, linkages, etc.) setup correctly. If you can find a donor truck to work off of, you shouldn't have much of a problem. Good luck!

 

I was going to do the same thing but a buddy of mine who is a mechanic told me I was nuts, it would be easier to just buy another truck.I guess there is alot to change.You would need a donor truck.I miss my 97 Ram but I dont miss replacing that auto trans every year or so.

 

He wants to convert a 2wd though. That's a bit different than converting a 4wd. You don't have to mess around with the transfer case shafts...or alternatively, purchase a different transfer case. You don't have to relocate the transfer case shifter. The steering column is probably one of the most annoying things to deal with. Because of that, and the clutch setup, it's still not the easiest thing in the world to do. But like I said before, if you can find a donor truck you shouldn't have much of a problem.

I had looked into converting a 5spd 4wd 1st gen Diesel to an auto, before I bought my V10. The final cost would've been around $5,000 for the conversion, plus $5,000 to buy the truck. That was with a brand new transmission, brand new transfer case, and the other assorted parts needed for the swap. It could be done for a lot less than that with a used transmission. Personally, that cost was too much for me. I ended up picking up my V10 for less than the cost of just the 2nd gen Diesel. [8D]

 

I dont want to get a new truck because I just spent a bunch of time and money putting new heads on and rebuliding the front suspension. I also replaced the carpet to and it looks like theres a whole for a shifter thats got a plastic plug in it? I guess that i will just have to keep an eye out for a doner truck.

 

the swap shouldnt be that bad, since you have a 318, it's internally balance which will make it easier... get a 318 flywheel, and the clutch pedal setup, slave cylinder and everything you'll need for the swap. the 360 would be more of a challenge

 

why would the 360 be harder? could I put a hurst speed shifter in? on mine?

 

a former member here did the swap with the 360 and he went thru 3 flywheels before getting the right one. the 360 is externally balanced and you need to make sure you get the right flywheel to avoid any vibrations in the driveline.

 

1996 ramboy: I have a 95 318 5 speed. My transmission went out of my truck and I haven't been able to find a transmission anywhere. It would be in your best intrest to re-think puttin a 5 speed in your truck. Just keep the automatic. I have found many auto trannys but no 5 speed. Keep the auto to save you troubles down the road.

 

the computer is another thing. when my transmisson went out i had thoughts about switchin to a automatic but i would have to get another computer for the truck. Money was an option for me and i didn't have enough to switch. Just keep your automatic and it will save you time and money down the road.