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Automatic to manual swap


1994SEV6
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OK. so, I don't want to make a novel out of this as I usually do, so here's what you need to know

 

My automatic took an official crap the other day. The previous owner had already replaced it, but I guess he wasn't savvy of the trans coolers, so now THIS transmission is bad. I don't want to mess around with a THIRD automatic transmission at 130k miles. (By the way, I know what you might be thinking, but the 2nd trans only had 48k miles on it. installed at 120k)

 

SO. with that being said, I want to go with a manual. This is for several reasons.

First of all, I can't even find a damn automatic. I just can't find one. I've been to the 3 local junkyards and I can't find any suitable autos. All the nissans are either 5speeds, or have like 300k+ on the clock. Not a likely donor.

 

Second, I just don't want to deal with the problems of the automatic. From what I understand, everything else is bulletproof on these trucks. The transmission is also, but only with a cooler. I would be perfectly fine sticking with the auto if it had the cooler and none of this happened.

 

Third, I REALLY do want a 5speed. Not gonna lie.

 

 

I've been on several forums and this seems to be the most promising.

 

What I need help with:

What EXACTLY do I need? Obviously, transmission. But what else? I've gotten the weirdest stuff. As far as I know, I need the transmission, transfer case, clutch pedal, pedal assembly, master cylinder, slave cylinder, the shift boots, fly wheel, pressure plates,

 

Am I missing anything?

Also, what tools do I need? The seller is pulling the transmission and transfer case for me. But he said anything else I want, I have to get myself. What tools do I need for this? I heard pretty much you can take a Nissan apart with a 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm socket and wrench. Anything else? Some person mentioned I also need 15mm, 17mm, and 19mm?

 

LAST and more important part

This is currently what is tripping me up

I read that the gear ratios for the rear differential are different between the auto and the 5speed. The auto is like 4.32 and the manual is like 4.62? I don't know exactly, but they are different.

So I thought "no big deal, I'll just buy the rear axle as well", but then someone said "you need the front differential too"

 

That's a whole 'nother bag of rats. I can deal with the transmission. The transfer case is no problem. The pedal, assembly, master/slave cylinder..etc <- that I can do. I can even do the rear diff, but I don't want to mess around with the front differential. Then I have to mess around with the CV axles and the front differential driveshaft.

 

 

What's the real truth? Come on Nissan experts, I need you here!!

 

Any help would be more than perfect.

Thanks in advance

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There's a couple people who completed an auto to manual swap... Dont remember of hand who (and ain't personally looking while on my phone) but a search should turn up some helpful info.

 

Otherwise when doing a swap of the sorts I suggest having a doner vechile for all those simple odds and ends you not remember until rverythings torn apart

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There's a couple people who completed an auto to manual swap... Dont remember of hand who (and ain't personally looking while on my phone) but a search should turn up some helpful info.

 

Otherwise when doing a swap of the sorts I suggest having a doner vechile for all those simple odds and ends you not remember until rverythings torn apart

 

Maybe it's because I'm new to this site, but the search function isn't doing a whole lot for me. When I searched "automatic to manual" I got results about hubs, automatic trans issues, a V8 swap..nothing about what I'm talking about.

 

I'm probably trying the wrong keywords or using the wrong settings?

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I don't see why you need to change either of your differentials. You just need them to be the same. Both auto and manual trucks came with either 4.3 or 4.6 gears, you can't tell by the type of transmission. You can tell by looking at the plate in the engine compartment (HG43 or HG46) but it is irrelevant. Unless you want to change the gear ratio, just change the transmission not the gears.

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I believe beastpath did the swap so when you search, enter that name in the author field. Yes, the search function isn't so great, but by playing with variables like quotes and tranny+swap and so forth will yield results.

No you don't have to change the gearing, I had a thread where people listed their vehicle with tranny and gear info and there was almost no rhyme or reason to the results.

Yes, a donor vehicle is highly recommended, but remember, old 5 speeds can have issues also. There is a TSB about 'overfilling' the trannys with 5.1 liters of gear oil so the rear bearing set is properly lubed in all conditions.

 

B

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Didn't mean it as a "search noob" type comment, just that I have no plans of attempting while on the mobile site. We all know the search engine around here is a bit 'off' :lol: it ain't you.

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just swap the tranny over you don't need to mess with the diff or the axle. To make your gauges accurate just swap the gears from the speedo sensor in the tail of your tranny. If its 4x4 its in the rear of the transfer case. Let me know if you have any other questions. I did this swap last summer.

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I help a buddy to his awhile back it not hard to do at all really but i would highly recommend finding a donor manual trans vehicle with a blown engine or crash so you can easily walk over to it and get the parts you need. But if none can be found to junkyard will work fine just alot of trips.

 

On a side note *** Make sure to keep all the bolts you take out at the junkyard since most hardware stores don't have the right thread pitch to buy if you forget bolts.***

 

Here's a link to his build thread it has everything you need and also has pics.

 

http://nissan4wheelers.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/931602833/m/52110051241/p/1

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standard craftsman mechanics set should have everything you need. You might also want a small cheater and two sets of wrenches to take off the driveline bolts.

 

PMing is cool but I want to make sure this info gets on the forum for the next guy.

Edited by ejin4499
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I've done the swap. You sound like you have everything you need, no special tools involved (except the clutch alignment tool which usually comes in the kit). Differentials have nothing to do with the transmission,don't worry about them. Feel free to ask me anything. Helpful hint: Fill with oil through the hole for your shifter, it's a lot easier then through the fill port.

P.S It's a heavy beast, get help. I did not have any, so you can do it by yourself, but I don't recommend it.

Edited by DOA
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I help a buddy to his awhile back it not hard to do at all really but i would highly recommend finding a donor manual trans vehicle with a blown engine or crash so you can easily walk over to it and get the parts you need. But if none can be found to junkyard will work fine just alot of trips.

 

On a side note *** Make sure to keep all the bolts you take out at the junkyard since most hardware stores don't have the right thread pitch to buy if you forget bolts.***

 

Here's a link to his build thread it has everything you need and also has pics.

 

http://nissan4wheelers.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/931602833/m/52110051241/p/1

 

yeah..that thread is more like "i did it, and here are some pictures" It's really good compared to anything else I've found, but it doesn't cover everything, which is why I'm here. On top of that, I applied for a membership a week ago so I could PM that guy. They do some stupid "a moderator has to approve you" thing, and I still haven't been approved.

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