I found a bunch of parts locally. Enough to do a 5 speed conversion I believe. My question to you guys is, Is there anything I need to watch out for? Are there any major problems with doing a manual conversion on my turck? Other then the trans, slave cylinder, pedal assembly, clutch...etc. Is there any other major parts like a tranny mount, or a different length drive shaft I need?

Any info is appreciated!

 

From my research, i've found those are something that needs changed

 

Yes drive shaft is a different length.You will need the manual drive shaft.It's also kind of a bitch to pull out the column shifter.Get the hydrolic lines with the clutch master and I think thats about it.Some trans mounting brackets are different but I think thats for the pre 89 models so you should be goo.

 

What about going from manual to auto? Has this been done by anyone here?

 

You're a horrible person!

LOL jk. but seriously, why would you? sure you can (just need all the parts the OP's taking out) but it's like losing half the hp, a few mpg, and 9/10 of the fun.

 

I'd like to give the truck to my son who just got his license. I know its easier to teach him how to drive stick but for a new driver, I think an auto is the way to go.

At the end of the day, it may be easier to sell my truck and find an automatic.

 

how bout we just trade? lol. I found a guy locally that will sell me everything short of the hydraulic lines and the clutch kit for $350. Think Ill have a 5spd truck soon enough.

 

*facepalm*
He'll never have an easier time to learn than when he's young. Better to do it now and get used to it than try after he's used to driving auto. I WISH I'd learned stick when I was 16, I missed out on driving a few fun cars when I worked at a dealership. At least give him the chance to learn. Don't let him quit in less than 3 months though. If he destroys the trans, THEN you can swap the auto in.

Auto won't increase the resale value $1 especially if it's swapped in. NEVER enough to justify the cost and time of doing it. If it weren't available that way it might be worth a small amount to swap it, but not enough to justify the cost. or if it were for performance (turbo350 w/ SBC or something) maybe. but this just seems like going the long way round to avoid doing something relatively easy.

 

I think stick is a good way to learn for a new driver not only of the procedure of driving a stick but I think it keeps younger drivers more aware and focused when driving in the city were they have a tendency to space out Or more like the whole body is doing procedures keeping a younger mind more focused . Just my two cents but either way that's a nice truck for your son

 

I feel that my truck is much more controllable, enjoyable, learnable, and reliable with the 5 speed I swapped in. That auto was hell. 4th speed Overdrive kicks in past 35mph when it's warmed up.

I broke the transmission and lost reverse.
And then I lost overdrive overall.

 

Was there any problems on the electrical end of your swap? The mechanical stuff doesnt bother me. that can be easily fixed. Its the electrical stuff I am concerned about.

 

I just came over here from yotatech.com and I'm going to be doing a 5speed swap here fairly shortly. There's a lot of info on yotatech about this. I believe the crossmember is different since the 5 speed is so much smaller. It's also a couple inches shorter. Ill be going with a drive shaft spacer from 4crawler.com instead of replacing my rear drive shaft since mine is in good shape and they're hard to find here.