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Transmission Impossible (E4OD to ZF 5 Speed Swap)

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Old May 24, 2011 | 02:25 PM
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Talking Transmission Impossible (E4OD to ZF 5 Speed Swap)

It's getting about time for me to buy a transmission, and I was wondering how much I should be paying for a used transmission or a rebuilt transmission. As many of you already know, I have an E4OD in my truck, but I'm going to swap it to a ZF 5 speed. So, I'm interested in purchasing a ZF manual transmission, not an automatic.

The prices that I'm running into are anywhere from $600-$1000 for used and $1400-$2000 for rebuilt. Does that sound about right?

I think I'm just going to get a used transmission. I probably won't be able to find one close to home, so if I can't, how much will it cost to ship, and what is the best method of shipping it? A road trip will most likely be out of the question, given today's fuel prices.

This thread will become my installation thread for my auto to manual swap when I do get a transmission, God willing.

Thank you everyone on this site for your help, advice, and guidance so far.
 
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Old May 24, 2011 | 10:39 PM
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Fifty views and nothing but crickets...
 
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Old May 24, 2011 | 11:16 PM
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HAHA, I'll give you a bump but I have a auto so can't help. Sorry
 
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Old May 24, 2011 | 11:19 PM
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No big deal. It's the thought that counts. Also, anybody who has done an auto to manual transmission swap, or really any similar transmission work is welcome to give advice, concerns, or comments in this thread.

I'm really just looking to get a conversation started, as I'm gearing up to do this thing.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 12:15 AM
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Did you do a search, I swear that there was a thread going about it recently.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 08:15 AM
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I'm readin' to learn since my E40D is shifting hard from 2nd to 3rd...and I would also like to swap to a manual. From what I've read and heard...a new AUTO transmission is more like $2000-3000 and an "AUTO transmission to last the test of time and power...$3000-5000" to have a built up one.. so if you are looking at a rebuilt MANUAL one.. you may get a new AUTO one for close to the same price, but if you are deadset on the manual..ive read very little about them...so Im no help right now ^_^
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 09:37 AM
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IIRC you almost have to find a donor truck. Or track down all the parts from various locations. That can be daunting. It needs to be a psd donor with an manual obviously. And you'll need ot swamp out the PCM.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 09:56 AM
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I've been looking for a parts truck, but have had such little luck that I'm probably just going to have to get all of the parts. What all will I need besides the transmission? Obviously you need the clutch pedal, the linkages for the clutch pedal, the master and slave clutch cylinders, the shift ****, and driveshaft work because the manual is not as long as the E4OD. What else is needed?

I really doubt that I'm going to be able to find a parts truck anytime soon, and I'm getting real tired of affording the insurance and registration on a truck that barely runs. Maybe I'm getting too impatient, but I'm looking to just throw the transmission in there, and then install the rest of the parts as I get/find them.

And I am dead set on a manual. I want to choose what gear it's in from now on. I'm tired of the computer making the decisions. I guess I'm just tired of the automatic in general. Cost of the automatic versus cost of the manual has nothing to do with it for me.

Thanks for the comments so far.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 10:10 AM
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Do the auto and manual have the same transfer case?
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 02:05 PM
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From what I read, the manuals and automatics utilize the same transfer case. Someone who knows more will be along shortly to confirm or deny this, I'll bet.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 03:22 PM
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Yup, T-case's are the same. I sell alot of parts for these trucks, and as we speak I'm shipping the complete lot of parts for a E4OD to 5-speed swap to a guy in So. California that is doing exactly what you want to do. If you would like more detailed info, PM me, I'm sure we could work something out!
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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I just noticed, I think I'm only about 120 miles from you....
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 04:17 PM
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PM sent, plgebbia.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 04:23 PM
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Hey i am also looking for info on the same swap. I have a 93 donor truck, the exact same as my 95 psd. Redone1 said that you need the psd donor why? It would be sweet if my 93 would work cause it has everything i need. Sorry i dont have any input I too am looking for answers, Thanks, Chad.
 
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Old May 25, 2011 | 04:29 PM
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I don't mind, Oldsmoky, looking for a discussion on the issue as much as anything.
 
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