I have a 1997 ranger splash with a 4.0 5 spd automatic 4X4 and would like to swap the automatic to a manual. Has anyone done this swap, and know what is necessary to swap besides the obvious parts like: pedals, drive shafts, etc... I was wondering about the ECU, wire harness, transfer case, etc... Any and all info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance -Ed

 

The easiest way would be to have a doner truck for parts. As far as the ecu, the auto is computer controled where as the manual isn't, so I don't know how that would play out. Not to burst your bubble or anything, but unless you allready had a doner parts truck, it seems to me that you would a head to off your current ranger, and get a manual truck. It would be a lot less hassle and expense.

 

Well not really, I have my truck set up the way I want it, except for the manual trans. I have a 4" lift and 33's on it, a dana 35 up front with all new ball joints , u-jionts, and brakes, 4.10 gears and a track lock in the rear. I don't have any issues with the automatic transmission except that it has 116k on it and feels like it's slightly hurt. shifts have been getting sluggish and not so crisp. Fluid changes have been done every 30K since I bought the truck with 68K. My thought is with a manual it would be a little more dependable. I do some minor off roading with this truck and haul my sleds to the U.P. (300 miles one way) and really don't want to be stranded on the side of the road. -Ed

 

I see, never the less, a parts truck is the way to go and park them side by side, then just start swapping over. That way would even get the right steering colum with out the shifter on it. I perfer manuals myself, so I can understand wanting one. It's all the little stuff that would bug you if you tried to round up all the parts individually.