Automatic to manual conversion

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Dakota1358, Mar 28, 2015.

  1. Dakota1358

    Dakota1358 Medium Load Member

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    Wondering how difficult it is and what should be involved to swap out an automatic transmission and replace with a manual.

    I have a 2007 KW T600 with a Cummins ISX.Came with a ZF Meritor Freedomline auto trans.Recently the transmission suffered a internal problem and getting quotes of over 10K just for the transmission. Two pedal auto so I know I'd have to get a pedal and linkage set up and possibly new driveshaft but otherwise I'm at a loss.

    I like the auto but any problems with voltage,ABS or air cause it to not function.Looking long term so if it costs a little more than a new auto initially I would possibly save long term as I only have one shop local that has any knowledge on the auto and parts are hard to come by and expensive and take awhile to get. Just had clutch replaced 20k ago and clutch itself was $1800 and clutch release bearing was $1300 plus labor.

    So just wondering if anyone could shed some light on this and if its possible to replace the auto with a manual for under $15k
     
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  3. Exiled

    Exiled Light Load Member

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  4. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    I'd fit manual and forget the problem)
     
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  5. Dakota1358

    Dakota1358 Medium Load Member

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    Looks like thats whats going to happen.Just talked to the shop new auto transmission is $16k plus labor and other odds and ends so looking at about $22k total.They said they can swap a new manual in so getting an estimate now.
     
  6. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    I did one swap this year, fit manual to sweet Euro Cabover (Volvo FM with D12C)
     
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  7. KB3MMX

    KB3MMX Road Train Member

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    I'd love to go the opposite direction and put a iShift into my Volvo. I've got a 13spd currently..
    Pablo, have you ever converted manual to iShift?
     
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  8. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    I did VT2412 to geartronic conversion (installed shifing box, wired it, connected air lines).

    With I-shift- it was not conversion, it was tranny swap.

    Early I-shift was supplied with organic clutch, external clutch servo (the same, like ZF, but with different connector). I used I-shift from JYd.
     
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  9. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    Anyway ZF parts are cheaper. I-shift is the most expencive to fix transmission.
     
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  10. Dakota1358

    Dakota1358 Medium Load Member

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    ZF is cheaper in Europe I'm sure I don't know about the pricing on I-shift here in the US but ZF is not cheap.Had the clutch and bearing replaced about 4 months ago Clutch was $1800 part only and bearing was $1300 part only input shaft is $1300.To get a new transmission is a wait and is $15779 plus $4800 core charge.The one in my truck does have a little over a million miles on it so they do seem very dependable but when compared to the cost of a manual and the fact that there are very few shops that actually know what they are doing with the ZF autos its probably best to just change it over to a manual for me.

    I thought the auto was a good choice when I bought the truck and I must say the fuel mileage is rarely below 6.75 even when I haul heavy(rarely) but the long term expenses related to keeping it running smooth is no longer worth it to me.
     
  11. Exiled

    Exiled Light Load Member

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    Pablo : if I replace my eaton 10 speed clutch on a freightliner with zf manual from salvaged MAN F2000. Would it be relatively straight forward process!
     
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