Feesability of ditching the autoshift?

I am looking at trucks, thinking about getting back into the business.

I found a nice black W9, has a 86 studio, 550 CAT, and is in nice shape other than having the #### autoshift. I really really like the truck, just really really hate the trans, and the truck is selling about 5-10 grand less than similarly equipped trucks, I believe due to the autoshift.

The truck has 830K on it, so I know the transmission is going to be due for some work, I am wondering if it wouldnt just be worth the while to buy a brand spankin new 18 speed and slap it in there and ditch the autoshift.

I was wondering if anyone has done this, and if it will cause the computer to go wacky, or if the autoshift has its own TCM?

I know you would have to cut a hole in the floor for the stick, but it looks to me like it is pretty straight forward other than that because the truck already has a clutch.

 

I cant understand you, what do you want? swap auto with manual tranny, ore get the manual and convert it to autoshift with your parts? yep, it is possible, but you need additional splitter solenoid, TCU reprogramming. about TCU, it is located in cab, but there is one more unit - it is mounted on transmission and connected to cab ECU with propriate CAN.

If you wanna swap tranny with manual, you need to change engine ECM programming (VSS, range beheviour valve) and add range beheviour valve to save range unit if you accidently downshift to low range at high speed

 

I might understand if it is the 2 pedal auto (never have been fond of them), but the 3 pedal autos are not bad. You can always select MANUAL and tell it when to shift. It will shift better than 90% of drivers. Gears will wear less due to the smoother shifting. Heck, you can even skip shift the autos when in manual if you want, and in manual mode, it will hold gear just fine on downhill. Guess after 30 years working a lever, I don't see any real downside to a 3 pedal auto.

 

My '04 9400i had a 2nd Gen autoshift with the 3 pedal assembly. It worked flawlessly in manual mode and was great for going up over any mountain range as it never missed a gear and always shifted fine. Came in especially handy running liquid tanks...

But to answer the question of the OP... yes, if it is a 3 pedal autoshift, all you have to do is remove the XY controller, all wiring and install a stick into the top slot of the trans along with the proper brackets ect ect. prob about $2500 worth of stuff and don't forget to have the ECM recalibrated for the new downgrade becasue most trucks wont start w/o the autoshift being in neutral ect ect.

 

To bad it isn't a newer KW (it isn't, is it?)

I love how they have incorporated the autoshift into the coffee cup holder. It is just like a console shifter in a car, out of the way. With there new design when you turn your body to get out of the seat and into the bunk there is no gearshift in the way.

Autoshift is nice in 2 circumstances, mountains, and slow moving city traffic. We all know how much shifting you will do when traffic stops, then starts, and goes on like that for 2 or 3 hours or more.

I ran through the mountains here in BC with a 13 speed for years, than I got the chance to take a trip with a new test truck with a automatic, and it was nice ride. I could sit back and relax, just enjoy the drive. Shifting in the mountains is just a pain in the but because it is so repetitive.

 

Eaton Autoshift is really the cheappest auto on market. ZF is more expencive, but more smooth, it is widly used in the USA and all over the EU (DAF, MAN, RVI and other). I-shift shares TCU with ZF(other software and really ECU is made by Wabco), but inside this is Volvo tranny. I like first gen. actros EPS (up to 2001), but TCU was in cabin and too many wires to every solenoid and sensor are pain to fix, but fortunatly system was reliable, from 2002 with MP2 they installed TCU on transmission and early units were easily be damaged with heat and vibrarion, later the problem was solved. Now it is good unit.

New gen ZF transmissions got new TCU (with BGA mounted processor and flash memory, but TCU is reliable enought), and coaxial clutch actuator. the problem is that when bearing goes bad and throws balls ore pressure plate "looses" pices actuator will bu ruined. so more $$$ to fix.

Alisson is the other approach, and IMO it is better for buses... smooth like a car, but... you understand

 

To clarify I want an 18 double over manual, the truck is an 03 and currently has a 3 pedal auto.

I have driven automatics before, and I just don't like them. It might make me a bit weird, but I actually enjoy shifting gears. It gives me something to do.

 

Yeah, I can understand. I guess doing the shifting game since the late 60's has taken a toll on me with all the new technology that is available now. I don't want anything but an automatic in my personal vehicles and I am rapidly moving in that direction for any future truck purchase. I got to fiddle with a few of the early autoshifts, and wasn't sold on them. But that was almost 2 decades ago. The way they are now, they seem like a solid deal. No matter how good I am at shifting, I have bad moments. The autoshift never cops an attitude because of a bad shipper or time delaying traffic. It just shifts and does it as smooth or smoother than I ever could. I admit, I would use the manual overide pretty often in the beginning just to "feel" like I was in total control, but more than likely I would gradually begin to let the tranny do it's own thing.

Basically, the autoshift would provide less wear and tear on the drivetrain, and most importantly, me!

 

Ok, what engine do you have?

if you simply swap tranny, you need to rewire VSS, install and wire range biheviour valve and reprogram ECM.

 

The truck has a Cummins ISX 530, but it does have 830K on it, I am considering swapping it for a rebuilt CAT 6NZ