Ok first off take it easy on me for this one. Ive got an '86 with a manual tranny that I want to swap for an auto. I dont do any type of extreme off roading in fact it will be a simple easy going trail rig for the family on weekends. The wife hates the manual. Is this going to be a bitch or pretty simple? Any links to write ups? The search showed everyone going the other way. Maye Im way off my rocker for trying to go this route!!!!
CK5
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Im going to get flamed for this!
- Thread starter rad86k5
- Start date
str8axle55
1/2 ton status
I`d trade you for my auto for your stick. It shouldn`t be too hard, tons of auto`s out there. You will need column, trans cooler in rad, lines....
Desert Rat
Fetch the comfy chair
I much prefer an auto over a manual. As you get older, shifting all the time becomes more of a chore. I don't think the swap is all that hard. I would guess going the other way is worse since you are adding the pedal and all the goodies down below. I say build up a good beefy 700r4 starting with a later model K case and HD internals and enjoy. The TC should be compatible with little mods.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
You dont really need to do the column which will save you the biggest part of work. You can use a ratchet shifter or an Art Carr shifter if you dont want something with lock-out and shifting.
You'll need either an auto pedal assembly or to just remove the clutch pedal its self.
Wire the clutch safty to be a park neutral saftey.
Add on a tranny cooler too.
You'll need either an auto pedal assembly or to just remove the clutch pedal its self.
Wire the clutch safty to be a park neutral saftey.
Add on a tranny cooler too.
four_by_ken
1/2 ton status
Why would you get flamed.
I will take an auto over a manual any day.
Just remove the clutch pedal, or even just tie it back out of the way to be real quick.
The shifter can be brought up and mounted on the floor like someone else mentioned... thats how mine it.
Going from manual to auto is pretty easy actually.
I will take an auto over a manual any day.
Just remove the clutch pedal, or even just tie it back out of the way to be real quick.
The shifter can be brought up and mounted on the floor like someone else mentioned... thats how mine it.
Going from manual to auto is pretty easy actually.
COCHEV
1/2 ton status
where in oregon are you? i'd be interested in your 4 spd. swapping one into my burb now and will eventually do the work truck too...
FYI my th400/ 208 combo was the same length as the 80s 465/208 combos, so no drive line mods are needed. not sure what auto you are looking for, but that can make the swap a little cheaper if you don't have to redo the drivelines.
FYI my th400/ 208 combo was the same length as the 80s 465/208 combos, so no drive line mods are needed. not sure what auto you are looking for, but that can make the swap a little cheaper if you don't have to redo the drivelines.
combatmatt
1/2 ton status
x3 Autos are awesome. I'm not a fan of trying to work 3 pedals and shift and steer while off camber, PITA. Most of the time you can come up with a reasonably complete setup (700r4/241) for pretty cheap. Craigslist out here has a few for 300 bucks. throw in a floor shifter and that takes care of the column swap.
Thunder
3/4 ton status
No flames for going auto. I doubt if you will hardly get a spark.
I prefer an auto for offroad any day over a manual.
For ease of the swap i would do as COCHEV said. The TH400 swap will be the easiest and cheapest swap. Floor shifter is the way to go for simplicity.
TH400 is a very strong trans and will work fine for you. You
If you go with the 700R4 route you will pick up maybe a few MPG because it has overdrive. It has a lower first gear too. But is a weaker trans than a 400. You will have to lengthen the drive line and install the electronics for the torque converter lock up.
You can usually get a nice 400 and torque converter for a lot cheaper than a 700r4. all the parts for the conversion can usually be found in a wrecking yard. They are a common trans.
Look at your radiator. . If it has plugs on the side tank it is already plumbed with a trans cooler. Of coarse an after market cooler is always a good idea.
I prefer an auto for offroad any day over a manual.
For ease of the swap i would do as COCHEV said. The TH400 swap will be the easiest and cheapest swap. Floor shifter is the way to go for simplicity.
TH400 is a very strong trans and will work fine for you. You
If you go with the 700R4 route you will pick up maybe a few MPG because it has overdrive. It has a lower first gear too. But is a weaker trans than a 400. You will have to lengthen the drive line and install the electronics for the torque converter lock up.
You can usually get a nice 400 and torque converter for a lot cheaper than a 700r4. all the parts for the conversion can usually be found in a wrecking yard. They are a common trans.
Look at your radiator. . If it has plugs on the side tank it is already plumbed with a trans cooler. Of coarse an after market cooler is always a good idea.
People around here are split pretty evenly (auto vs. manual)
As you already noticed, for every person looking to ditch a manual there is somebody willing to trade you their auto slushbox for it.
Each has pros and cons, so go with what you like and build it as strong as you can afford...
As you already noticed, for every person looking to ditch a manual there is somebody willing to trade you their auto slushbox for it.
Each has pros and cons, so go with what you like and build it as strong as you can afford...
