I'm currently saving up for a BTS. I got to thinkin and thought i would post on here to get you guys opinion.

how hard would it be to convert my current auto to a 6spd?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?

 

Well... if you are looking for speed, people will say stay auto. The ZF6 can be shifted pretty darn fast for a truck trans, but you will lose some boost when shifting. As far as teh manual conversion, you will need a floor pan, the trans, the transfer case (or at least input; manual is larger), computer (you can cut some wires on the range selector temporarily but it is a cheap compromise), and wire harness. You can get away without a wire harness, but your 4x4 lights won't work, your EBPV may not work properly, and additionally, your backup lights won't work. Also, don't forget the cooler lines for the trans (the zf6 uses a cooler too), and new clutch plus flywheel, and you will need to measure the dowels coming off the rear of the engine as well as the depth of the bellhousing bores to make sure they will work. One more thing you will need is the slave cylinder assembly and clutch pedal box. If you want the full key lockout funcitonality you will also need the manual steering column. If you use the auto column, your key has no safety to prevent locking the steering cloumn if you accidently turn the key off while driving. In short, if you don't have a donor truck and some time, it will probably time wise and possibly cost will be more than the BTS.

 

For advantages for the auto, you get faster acceleration, and a near bulletproof trans. Disadvantages, it is still a 4 speed auto and is controlled by the computer. If you get a southbend clutch you can push higher power output, and you can choose your gears. Oh, and you get low gear plus 5 forward speeds. Total of 6 forward speeds so you gain 2 additional ratios.

 

Man, thanks alot for the info. I knew it would be ajob, but didnt know it would be that big. doesnt sound like its worth it.

As far as the BTS goes, can i have them install a southbend when they rebuild my auto?

 

Southbend clutch is for the 6-speed manual.

 

Brian uses a PI Stallion torque converter which is a very good and efficient converter. I would prefer to have a manual...sometime soon I will do it; next year or so.

 

ok. thanks. i misunderstood.