transmission swap from manual to auto?

[ramtorres]

I have a 2002 Ram 1500 Quad cab and am wondering if I can swap the manual trans to an auto? would I have to change the computer or just get an auto and drop it in. the reason I'm even thinking of doing this is I just found out I can't tow as much with my manual than if it had an automatic? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[BleedDodge]

I think that's bullshit.

[ramtorres]

Originally Posted by BleedDodge

I think that's bullshit.

According to the owners manual and other towing pages I've seen if the truck is a standard it is rated lower than an auto. We have a 2001 durango with the same 4.7 but auto and it pulls my 21' camper easier than my truck?

[jrmcx]

What is the weight of the Durango as opposed to the Quad cab? If your pulling 500 extra lbs. of Quad cab without tow weight I would think thats your answer. I've got a 2001 manual trans 1500. The 1500's came with NV3500 trans.. The 2500 came with NV4500, a stronger trans.. Did Dodge switch trans. manufacturers? Maybe different axle gear would solve your problem? I think it would be more practical, and dollar wise to trade for automatic trans truck than try to swap.

[fredjacksonsan]

Yeah, changing trans types is a big job, and alot more nowadays then just the mechanicals.