Automatic to Stick

[97ranger4x4]

Hey guys,

I have no reason to do this right now, as my automatic is fine. However I am at 120K miles. I would like the truck to get me till 180-200k but I dont think the transmission will hold. The engine and rest of the truck is in great shape. But just out of curiosity, if and when my automatic goes out, how hard would it be to replace it with a M5OD-R1? Is if financially worth it to go through the trouble of finding a rebuilt M5OD-R1 vs 5R55E? Also would anything need to be modified on my current truck with the exception of adding another peddle?

BTW i have a 97 ranger 4.0. It has the 5R55E in it now. My truck is also 4wd with an electric t-case.

I am assuming this would be a pretty easy swap especially for a transmission shop to do since it would be a direct switch out of a vehicle 92-00 correct?

Thanks alot,
Keith

 

[Bob Ayers]

The PCMs are different, so they would have to be swapped out too. Your best bet would be to buy a donor vehicle....

 

[Natedog]

The PCMs are different, so they would have to be swapped out too. Your best bet would be to buy a donor vehicle....

Why, if he's going to stick it would prolly be ok...just not going from stick to auto trans. It would prolly be better to have the correct one though from a performance point of view.

 

[MAKG]

An uncorrected auto computer in a vehicle with a stick will continuously light the check engine light as it tries to energize a torque converter clutch solenoid that isn't there.

 

[Will]

But it works fine. Mine's like that.

 

[MAKG]

It may "work," but now you have no diagnostics to warn you of emissions problems. At least until it gets bad enough to cause performance issues and/or plug the cat.

 

[ZSK]

An uncorrected auto computer in a vehicle with a stick will continuously light the check engine light as it tries to energize a torque converter clutch solenoid that isn't there.

So why not give it one? Is it possible to "trick" the computer into thinking the converter is locked up by energizing a solenoid and using the sensor?

I know that getting the correct computer would be better but it's just a though.

 

[Bob Ayers]

State inspections that check for OBD codes will be a real problem!! The PCM checks many other things in an auto tranny, beside the TC.

 

[97ranger4x4]

So basically I would want to replace it with just another 5R55E then. Like I said the transmission shifts fine and while 120k isnt that many miles, I tend to do more around town driving so that puts more strain on everything. I hope if I baby it enough it will hold solid for a few more years so I can purchase a new truck after I graduate Also does anyone have an idea of roughly what the cost would be to do the swap? Please factor in a new computer also because I dont like doing shady shortcuts.

 

[MAKG]

If the transmission is fine, there is no reason to think it's ready to die.

Transmissions simply do not have fixed lifetimes.

I think this is one of those "if it ain't broke don't fix it" moments.

WHEN your transmission takes a dump, THEN you go about changing it. Who knows, it might be 10 years....

As for fooling the computer electrically, it has to be possible and may be considerably simpler (e.g., jumpering a switch), but electrical modifications especially involving the PCM can be dangerous for those who aren't skilled in it. It's VERY easy to fry a brand new PCM if you short a power transistor to ground.

 

[97ranger4x4]

Thanks MAKG. I realize that trannys dont have a certain lifetime to them, but I am worried about the reliability of the transmission in the next few years to come, particularly because I will have no money. I also prefer a stick shift so that is why I was asking the question. I look forward to keeping this transmission healthy and strong.

On a side note, is there anything you reccomend to do to help the tranny live a longer life? It is all stock right now so I do not have a transmission cooler. I do little towing but it is all around town driving with summer temps in the 90s ususally in Sacramento. Does turning the OD going up steep hills such as the mountains help keep temps down? When I have a load does it help to shift the tranny 1,2,D myself or is better to just leave it in D with OD off?

I change my fluid/filter regularly about 40k miles.

Is an tranny flush worth it? I have 120k and have never done it while I have owned the truck since 55K.

I just run Mercon ATF, what about Lucas Tranny treatment? Is this good to put in or just a waste of money?

Thanks for your help,
Keith

 

[Natedog]

Don't use OD around town or up steep hills Leave it in Drive, shifting manually is not necessary. 90s in summer....more like 100s here in Sacto.... 90s is a good summer day here...lol.