""Robert Meredith"" <rmeredit@trysybase.com> wrote in message
>
> Hey all. I have a '03 Dak (QC, 4.7L, Sport+, 3.92s, etc.) with a 5-speed
> that I'm wanting to convert to an automatic. I am about 4.5k upside down
on
> the loan - and don't want to eat this much on a trade - simply for this
> reason. I have had a change in jobs - so I am now sitting in stop-n-go
> traffic w/ a stick (which I hate).
Bummer. I know how that is though, I used to do that every day in Chicago
traffic - and I had a dual disc race clutch, aftermarket quadrant, the whole
works. It was like stepping on a rock every time I had to clutch.... You
find that you develop great calf muscles in your left leg that way though!
I did a lot of research to convert my V6 auto to a stick and found that it's
not really a feasable alternative with all the computer controlled goodies
in these trucks nowadays. Some of this information will still be valid for
swapping the other way... In addition to the trans, driveshaft, transfer
case if you're a 4x4, clutch hardware, flexplate, pedals, misc sensors, and
wiring harnesses you'll need to get a new PCM for an automatic. The problem
with this is: The Automatic PCM won't accept the VIN for a stick truck (and
vice/versa), and if the VINs don't match you get all sorts of errors along
with a constant MIL. Also, since the 5-45RFE is part of the electronic
shift trans family, you'll need to pick up a TCM (I think this trans has a
seperate module to control it's functions whereas the 42/46RE are controlled
by the PCM) while you're shopping, and wire that in as well.
> Anybody have a ballpark figure of what it would cost for me to convert
this
> truck to an auto? I'd like to do it as 'stock' as possible (5-45rfe I
> believe). Any info you can give will be much appreciated.
The total for my swap without addressing the PCM issues would have been
right around $4k for all the hardparts. I still would have needed some kind
of engine management because the stock PCM would be unuseable. It'll
probably be more for you though, since you'll need a new cluster (a quick
$1000) and steering column as well.
IMHO, for a daily driver it's not worth the hassle at all. You married?
Can your wife drive a stick? If not, it might be a good time for her to
learn...
-- - Josh Lowered 2000 Dakota CC 3.9L All facts have been omitted from this post. www.omg-stfu.com
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Sep 01 2004 - 00:53:40 EDT