5-speed Conversion

I have a 97 Dodge Dakota 4X4 extended cab with the 5.2 Liter Engine and 4-speed automatic trans. I am wanting to put a 5 speed manual trans in it. Has anyone done this, and if so what trans did you use and what was the outcome. I am going to be lifting this truck and replacing the engine in the future. If anyone can give me some valuable insight I would more than apprectiate it. Also if you have a rough or exact dollar figure that it cost you to do this....please, let me know.

One other question. I live in Missouri and I was thinking about replacing the 318 with a 360 crate engine from Chrysler. Will this pass the emission laws in Missouri? I am not as worried about info on the engine as I am on the Trans. That swap is in the more nearer future.

Thanks for your time

For the trans. swap, you should go with a NV-3500hd. It is way comes in some of the V8 Dakotas and the smaller Rams. You will need to change the PCM and some of the wiring, cut out a hole in your floorboard, get a new pedal setup, etc. Truthfully, I think it would be easier and cheaper to just find a 5-speed Dakota. Probably looking around $3000 or $4000 start to finish. Look for an older Dakota, like 92ish with 4WD and build that. It will probably be a lot cheaper

Hope this helps
Dan

The only problem with that is, is that there was not a 5 speed available in the V8 4X4 Dakotas was there? I had been told about using the PCM out of the Ram. The only new wiring I would have to run would be to the clutch, and transmission though correct? The only reason I want to do this to this truck is b/c I already own it and it will be paid for next month. Plus I like the Third Generation Dakota body style better. I do appreciate the advice though. If you know any more of the specifics to this swap, please email me at [email protected] Thanks for your help and am looking forward to more info if and when it becomes available to me. I will keep you all posted on my progress.