Transmission Swap

RaiderLS73 · July 31, 2008

I have a 2001 Silverado 4x4 extended cab with the 4.8L. It has 148k miles and my automatic transmission is slipping and will soon need to be rebuilt or replaced. I recently came across a 5-speed tranny out of a fullsize 1500 GM truck, and I was wondering if anyone knew exactly how to install all of the parts I need to swap out an automatic and install a 5-speed, any help at all would be great, thanks.

99silverado1500 · July 31, 2008

I think cluster, steering column, and some electronics. Id just swap in another auto, much easier.

RaiderLS73 · July 31, 2008

I will swap in another one but I have really wanted a standard, and I found a decent one for dirt cheap, I just do not know what exactly I have to do to get it in.

sillyazz · July 31, 2008

Not worth it. Would have to change and entirley too much stuff, unless you have a thick wallet.

Draenor · July 31, 2008

ECM, Bellhousing, Clutch, pedals, slave cylinder, tubes, hoses,wiring, and Stick shift. Plus if necessary the drive shaft. Since I do not know the gearing ratios, possible gear swap to match the tranny.

RaiderLS73 · July 31, 2008

well i thank you for your input, i did not realize how much work would go into it.

FREAKENHYE · August 1, 2008

I would do a 6 speed auto install, All youll need all youll ever need.

VMax2007 · August 1, 2008

I would do a 6 speed auto install, All youll need all youll ever need.

That's probably what everyone said when the 4 spds replaced the 2 and 3 spds.

6 speeds are over-rated and unnecessary in a truck. They are ok for squeezing out a few mpgs on the freeway, but that's it. You can tune a 4 spd to perform nearly as well. I know, I did it.

FREAKENHYE · August 1, 2008

I would do a 6 speed auto install, All youll need all youll ever need.

That's probably what everyone said when the 4 spds replaced the 2 and 3 spds.

6 speeds are over-rated and unnecessary in a truck. They are ok for squeezing out a few mpgs on the freeway, but that's it. You can tune a 4 spd to perform nearly as well. I know, I did it.

I think you can sqeez more then just a little. The gearing on the first 3 speeds will let you get 3.42 gears if not 3.23s and still be able to tow like it had 4.10s

Yet combined with lets say 3.23's and the overdrive gears. MPG on highway would increase about 10%.

Remember first gear on the 6 speed 6l90e is at 4.02 and second is at 2.36 if im not mistaken.

svensk · August 1, 2008

The first gear on the 6-speeds is what their all about. I'd take one.

VMax2007 · August 1, 2008

The first gear on the 6-speeds is what their all about. I'd take one.

Ultimately, it comes down to final drive ratio. What's the final drive ratio of each in 1st gear? Not sure what rear end comes with the 6 speeds, but compare that to a 4spd with 4.10's.

svensk · August 1, 2008

I'd rather have the OD in my 4spd though. I rarely ever downshift on the highway.

FREAKENHYE · August 1, 2008

The first gear on the 6-speeds is what their all about. I'd take one.

Ultimately, it comes down to final drive ratio. What's the final drive ratio of each in 1st gear? Not sure what rear end comes with the 6 speeds, but compare that to a 4spd with 4.10's.

a 6 speed with 3.23's will feel like a it has a 4.10s in the back.

but at the end your saving about 400rpms at 65 mph because you have 3.23s instead of 4.10s.

The 4 speed and the 6 speed have the same Finale OD if im not mistaken.

VMax2007 · August 2, 2008

The first gear on the 6-speeds is what their all about. I'd take one.

Ultimately, it comes down to final drive ratio. What's the final drive ratio of each in 1st gear? Not sure what rear end comes with the 6 speeds, but compare that to a 4spd with 4.10's.

a 6 speed with 3.23's will feel like a it has a 4.10s in the back.

but at the end your saving about 400rpms at 65 mph because you have 3.23s instead of 4.10s.

The 4 speed and the 6 speed have the same Finale OD if im not mistaken.

I don't think so. But if they do, then the RPMs would be identical at equal speeds. Speed/RPM ratio is determined by the final drive ratio.

FREAKENHYE · August 2, 2008

The first gear on the 6-speeds is what their all about. I'd take one.

Ultimately, it comes down to final drive ratio. What's the final drive ratio of each in 1st gear? Not sure what rear end comes with the 6 speeds, but compare that to a 4spd with 4.10's.

a 6 speed with 3.23's will feel like a it has a 4.10s in the back.

but at the end your saving about 400rpms at 65 mph because you have 3.23s instead of 4.10s.

The 4 speed and the 6 speed have the same Finale OD if im not mistaken.

I don't think so. But if they do, then the RPMs would be identical at equal speeds. Speed/RPM ratio is determined by the final drive ratio.

I think im not explaining it correctly.

Having a 6 speed with 4.10s is useless no traction. because of first gear on the the 6 speed and it would make it feel like 5.10s, but droping the rear end gears to 3.23s on the 6 speed it still would feel like its 4.10s in the back, but at the same time your rpm at cruising speed would be less then lets say a 4 speed with 4.10s in the back.

The only thing the 6 speed allows you to do is get 3.23s in the back and make it feel like 410s because of its first gear.