Forum Discussion

West_Beachhouse's avatar
West_Beachhouse
Explorer
Nov 01, 2017

Manual transmission conversion to Automatic Transmission

Thank you for your feedback.
We have a 2004 Dodge Diesel Quad cab Cummins 5 speed manual transmission. 100K miles. In great condition. DH has customized the truck, lots of compliments. Due to health issues we are looking into converting to automatic transmission. DH would like to have an Allison transmission installed.

My question, are you aware if this is possible? Several diesel shops in our area have stated the computer system in the Dodge is not computer savey with the Allison. Your thoughts.

West Beachhouse
Tow Vehicles
  • BarryG20's avatar
    BarryG20
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    As mentioned not as easy as it sounds however if you are wanting to seriously check into it take a look at some of the dodge CTD forums such as turbodieselregister.com dieseltruckresource.com or cumminsforum.com. You will find threads about swapping out manuals to automatics with some searching. You will find it easier to swap in a dodge auto than an allison but it can be done.
  • Flan's avatar
    Flan
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    Another tough part is finding a shop willing to work on it once it's converted.
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    Been there, done this with a friends car. Lots of work for sure or lots of cash if you don't turn wrenches. On an old truck like my 69 it's pretty easy for the most part and straight forward. With the newer trucks, it's a lot of time and results don't always impress in the end. Being that he has this current truck with a standard, should not be hard to sell. I would for sure sell and then buy the one that fits for your situation if you don't have a donor truck and don't want to turn wrenches.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    That truck will bring top dollar the way it is if it's a short bed and 4WD.
    Then you can go buy whatever truck you want. Maybe a Class A would be a better choice if health issues are rearing their ugly head.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    Too complicated, and too expensive. Unless you got the bucks. Don't watch these TV shows where these guys swap motors and trannys in between commercials and never get dirty.

    Get another truck. My 2 cents.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2017
    I might be wrong but I believe you would almost need a donor truck for all the parts it would require. Computer, wiring harness, shift linkage, brake pedal, transmission coolor, transmission cooler lines, flywheel, torque converter, transmission, drive shaft, transmission support bracket, steering column with shifter, ect.

    Like others have said would be cheaper and easier to trade trucks.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    The diesel shops are correct. You will need a stand alone computer.

    With enough money and time almost anything can be done. IMHO this project is not economically feasible.
  • PDX_Zs's avatar
    PDX_Zs
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    You are getting good advice.

    This falls under the category of: time, skill, or money.

    Anything is possible with the right combination of the above, but very generally speaking, these sorts of swaps are cost prohibitive on modern vehicles.

    Your best bet is to sell or trade for an auto trans. You can swap the bolt.ons over to the new truck. But, most assuredly. a trans swap is not going to happen.

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