Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap

offroad_ranger · #1 10-05-2015, 10:27 AM

Hey I just got my first ranger it's an 06 sport supercab wanting to swap the automatic to a manual transmission wondering how difficult it will be

Futurefd · #2 10-05-2015, 11:33 AM

can be done, will take some work. Many posts about that on here.
WIll prob have to swap out the computer along with getting all the stuff for the manual transmission.

offroad_ranger · #3 10-05-2015, 12:40 PM

Thank you this helped that's exactly what I needed to know. Could I reprogram ? Or would I have to swap the entire comp?

djfllmn · #4 10-05-2015, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad_ranger

Thank you this helped that's exactly what I needed to know. Could I reprogram ? Or would I have to swap the entire comp?

swap

offroad_ranger · #5 10-05-2015, 12:47 PM

Thank you

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Do you think if I found a ford ranger manual tranny at a local junk yard and pedal assembly it would work ? Or would I need to change out cross member and new bell housing ?

djfllmn · #6 10-05-2015, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad_ranger

Thank you ---------- Do you think if I found a ford ranger manual tranny at a local junk yard and pedal assembly it would work ? Or would I need to change out cross member and new bell housing ?

as long as it's the same engine. You would also have to have the PATS reprogrammed

offroad_ranger · #7 10-05-2015, 01:02 PM

What is the pats?

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I'm new to this I'm a senior I'm taking automotive tech I'm studying for the ASE test

Mike69 · #8 10-05-2015, 05:52 PM

Welcome to FRF.
P=Passive
A=Anti
T=Theft
S=System

offroad_ranger · #9 10-06-2015, 06:55 AM

And what would happen if I were to not reprogram my pats

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Say I were to get the manual transmission for my engine and the pedal assembly and clutch cable everything mechanical would it run and function without reprogramming the computer and pats can I leave the electrical system alone ? Or would the engine not crank

djfllmn · #10 10-06-2015, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad_ranger

And what would happen if I were to not reprogram my pats ---------- Say I were to get the manual transmission for my engine and the pedal assembly and clutch cable everything mechanical would it run and function without reprogramming the computer and pats can I leave the electrical system alone ? Or would the engine not crank

truck won't start

offroad_ranger · #11 10-06-2015, 06:56 AM

Ok thank you would I need to take the truck to have it reprogrammed or could I get tools myself and would I need to buy a new computer or just reprogram

djfllmn · #12 10-06-2015, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad_ranger

Ok thank you would I need to take the truck to have it reprogrammed or could I get tools myself and would I need to buy a new computer or just reprogram

ford dealer

Unless you have to spend several grand for their computer system

offroad_ranger · #13 10-06-2015, 07:02 AM

Thanks any idea on the cost for them to reprogram

Fordzilla80 · #14 10-06-2015, 09:48 AM

I remember another member on a different forum who did a manual swap on his truck having issues getting the dealer to reprogram his computer. Not sure why, but I assume he figured it out somehow since he was driving his truck for a long time.

Other people have had luck with simply "tuning out" the automatic functions from the computer via a custom tune from some of the companies that write performance tunes for vehicles. You can't just run the automatic computer without tweaking it because it has a rev limiter at 3,000 rpms, and it's terrible to drive like that. If you went this route, you would still be left with the automatic wiring harness, with all of the wrong connectors. You would need to splice wires to get your reverse lights to work, and maybe do something with the digital transmission range sensor on the side of the transmission. That usually has to be left in neutral and tied up to the frame so that the truck will start. Honestly, this way brings about a lot of rigging, and it's definitely not the option I wanted to do.

Also, Rangers of your year come standard with a clutch safety switch. It's a safety feature, and if you have state inspections and the inspector notices you don't have it, you may have an issue. Some trucks are wired for it so you can just plug it in, and other trucks like mine are not wired for it.

When I did my manual trans swap, I was able to find a computer, PATS module, ignition cylinder, engine/transmission wiring harness, and keys to a truck that was identical to mine with the same motor and the same year. All of the parts came from the same truck, so everything was programmed already. The wiring harness was so I could get rid of the automatic wiring and not have to worry about splicing anything. It was just a matter of unplugging all of the connectors, and then plugging the new harness in.

All I did was swap my original stuff out for the new stuff. However, this means that the vin number on the computer will not match the vin on the truck. If an inspection station checks the computer vin against the truck's vin, you may have an issue in that case as well. I live in Florida, so I didn't have to worry about it.

As for the mechanical stuff, the crossmember shouldn't be any different, and you can re-use your automatic transmission mount since it's the same as the manual. You also need the little plate that bolts to the floor because it has the opening for the shifter in it.

You also need a transmission from a 2001 or newer truck since the older trucks do not have the output shaft speed sensor in the transmission tailhousing that the 01+ manual computers require.

Whichever route you choose to go, it isn't as easy as the older trucks where you just swap in the pedal assembly and transmission and go. It's not incredibly hard, but I wouldn't do it unless you absolutely feel the need to have a manual transmission and want to keep the truck for a long time.

Coltonzweng · #15 12-01-2015, 01:44 AM

Ok guys so I have a 99 2 wheel drive worth the 4r44e I have a 94 Manuel trans laying around my auto went out so its time to swap what all will I need will I need a new computer and is is it hard to swap the petals and run the cluch line and will the cross member work and will the bell housing match up the trans is out of a 94 4.0 I have a 99 3.0