LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Manual Transmission Conversion

I don't generally post to forums, but today I'll make an exception. I have recently completed my install of an NSG370 in my '06 CRD and I have a couple of questions for everyone: Is anyone interested in the process and parts needed for the swap? Does anyone need any of the associated parts associated with the automatic drivetrain? I am putting the transmission, front driveshaft, mounts, lines, torque converter, flexplat, flex hub, etc. up for sale. If nobody here needs any of the parts, they will go on ebay. I'm just trying to offset the cost a little, so I'm flexible on price. Everything is serviceable and can be used. Let me know what everyone thinks or DM me if you have a specific part that you need. Have a good one.

Where are you located? I kind of need a new transmission.

Illinois? Where abouts? I'm about 100 miles south of Chicago and wouldn't mine taking a look at it in person

Just curious, did you debate on using the (5spd) NV3500 vs the (6spd) NSG370 or was it just the NSG370 was what came along and you went with it? I would imagine for cheap gasser donors, the NV3500 is probably easier to find at a better price since it was in the 02-04 Liberty's and the NSG370 was in the 05-08, but 07 of course started a new body style that probably wouldn't help you with parts you would need for the swap?

Between the two transmissions, the NSG370 has a lower 1st gear which may not help the diesel, but it does have less gaps between all of the other the gears which probably helps keep the Diesel more in it's torque range without big jumps. The NV3500 does have an overall higher top gear, but it looks like you took care of that with the rear end change. I had a 98.5 24v Cummins with the 4500 5spd and that huge gap between 3rd & 4th gears got old using it around town. The NV5600 6spd had a much better spread and it was easier to keep the Diesel in it's torque band.

Too bad you didn't take some pics, that would have made a super great write-up. And despite being a bit weak, especially for a gde tuned crd, I think you won't have any issues if you don't go ninja with the jeep... I also prefer manual Trans all day long vs an auto.

Which torque converter is it? I may be interested in that.

I wonder if it would fit in the "if it fits it ships" boxes from the post office?

ChrisJ wrote:

Do you find its an improvement compared to an auto. Being given the choose in Europe for auto or man and having owned both crd's I am still not sure if its an improvement over the auto. The NSG 370 is not one of the best manuals. But having said that its nice to have all that torque at the wheels and having the choice when to change gear. Did you keep the 242 transfer box?

Author:	ChrisJ [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 12:48 am ]
Post subject:	Manual Transmission Conversion
I don't generally post to forums, but today I'll make an exception. I have recently completed my install of an NSG370 in my '06 CRD and I have a couple of questions for everyone: Is anyone interested in the process and parts needed for the swap? Does anyone need any of the associated parts associated with the automatic drivetrain? I am putting the transmission, front driveshaft, mounts, lines, torque converter, flexplat, flex hub, etc. up for sale. If nobody here needs any of the parts, they will go on ebay. I'm just trying to offset the cost a little, so I'm flexible on price. Everything is serviceable and can be used. Let me know what everyone thinks or DM me if you have a specific part that you need. Have a good one.

Author:	flash7210 [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 8:06 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Yes, post a how to if you can. Where are you located, US or Europe? Since none of the manual CRDs were sold in the US, I dont think the parts could be found around here.

Author:	LMWatBullRun [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 8:08 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
I am also very interested.

Author:	Mountainman [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:42 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
I know several people are interested in this. A how to would be much appreciated! Thanks for posting

Author:	jws84_02 [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 12:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
x4

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Author:	mass-hole [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
ChrisJ wrote: I don't generally post to forums, but today I'll make an exception. I have recently completed my install of an NSG370 in my '06 CRD and I have a couple of questions for everyone: Is anyone interested in the process and parts needed for the swap? Does anyone need any of the associated parts associated with the automatic drivetrain? I am putting the transmission, front driveshaft, mounts, lines, torque converter, flexplat, flex hub, etc. up for sale. If nobody here needs any of the parts, they will go on ebay. I'm just trying to offset the cost a little, so I'm flexible on price. Everything is serviceable and can be used. Let me know what everyone thinks or DM me if you have a specific part that you need. Have a good one. I would be interested in this but for the future when we get another car for her. My wife would kill me if I converted her daily driver to a 6 speed. I already straight piped, lifted and put an ARB on it so I am pushing my luck. She can't complain too much through cause shes still averaging 26mpg's and diesel is cheaper than 85 octane here.

Author:	Sir Sam [ Mon Oct 05, 2015 10:20 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Where are you located? I kind of need a new transmission.

Author:	ChrisJ [ Mon Oct 05, 2015 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Sir Sam wrote: Where are you located? I kind of need a new transmission. I'm in Illinois. And I thought you were the pioneer in this whole manual trans deal... Anyhow, the trans is in good shape, just dirty at the moment. It ran through the gears well and has about 100k, I tend to wimp around in things that I'm not good at rebuilding.

Author:	ChrisJ [ Mon Oct 05, 2015 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
To all of the interested parties, I'm in Illinois, not in Europe, and the parts are available. The swap can be relatively straight forward, but it's not all that cheap unless you get a donor 6-speed gasser at a great cost. The conversion requires the transmission, drive shafts, transmission mount/crossmember, brake booster mounting plate, rearend gears and interior bits, including the console and brake/clutch pedals. I didn't do it this way. I got a great deal on an NSG370, bought the DMF flywheel and clutch online, had my rear propshaft lengthened (the nsg is 3.5 inches shorter) and bought a front shaft for the 6-speed gas version, modified the transfer case shift bracket to mount to the t-case/transmission flange bolts, and bought the universal transmission mount for the NV3550 from Novak Adapters. I got the pedals and brake booster mounting plate from a salvage yard, but I still have the stock console. The stock center sits taller and interferes with the shifter, so I just modified it and made a boot to clean up the look. Keith and Matt at GDE have been handling the electronics, and that is just about sorted out. For gears, I decided to go with 2.94's, as it puts my cruising speed at 70mph at 1994rpm. I should have those installed this coming week, so that will be an update to be made. I'll have to keep out of 4WD for the time being, as nobody makes anything smaller than a 3.55 for the Dana 30a front diff, meaning a custom ring and pinion will need to be made. It took me 10 days of nights and weekends to complete everything. It's not hard, but there have been definite learning points. I'll try to get on here and do an extensive writeup soon, but I'm balls deep in finals this week and that, unfortunately, has to be priority. If anyone is already getting into one of these and has a question, just email me at christopher.j.kiel@gmail.com. Not sure if there are rules against putting up emails, but oh well, I guess.

Author:	jws84_02 [ Mon Oct 05, 2015 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Illinois? Where abouts? I'm about 100 miles south of Chicago and wouldn't mine taking a look at it in person

Author:	ChrisJ [ Mon Oct 05, 2015 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
jws84_02 wrote: Illinois? Where abouts? I'm about 100 miles south of Chicago and wouldn't mine taking a look at it in person I'm right across the river from St Louis.

Author:	BlueLghtning [ Wed Oct 07, 2015 11:41 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
That is so awesome. I've never owned a Liberty Diesel, but lately I've been seriously thinking of one and have been doing a lot of reading. I'm a long time manual driver and the auto was always something that held me back. I doubt I have the skills to pull off a swap, but hey I could dream. Just curious, did you debate on using the (5spd) NV3500 vs the (6spd) NSG370 or was it just the NSG370 was what came along and you went with it? I would imagine for cheap gasser donors, the NV3500 is probably easier to find at a better price since it was in the 02-04 Liberty's and the NSG370 was in the 05-08, but 07 of course started a new body style that probably wouldn't help you with parts you would need for the swap? Between the two transmissions, the NSG370 has a lower 1st gear which may not help the diesel, but it does have less gaps between all of the other the gears which probably helps keep the Diesel more in it's torque range without big jumps. The NV3500 does have an overall higher top gear, but it looks like you took care of that with the rear end change. I had a 98.5 24v Cummins with the 4500 5spd and that huge gap between 3rd & 4th gears got old using it around town. The NV5600 6spd had a much better spread and it was easier to keep the Diesel in it's torque band. Would love to see a video of you driving it!

Author:	thermorex [ Wed Oct 07, 2015 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Too bad you didn't take some pics, that would have made a super great write-up. And despite being a bit weak, especially for a gde tuned crd, I think you won't have any issues if you don't go ninja with the jeep... I also prefer manual Trans all day long vs an auto.

Author:	JieselDeep [ Thu Oct 08, 2015 3:24 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
Which torque converter is it? I may be interested in that.

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Author:	ChrisJ [ Thu Oct 08, 2015 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
BlueLghtning wrote: Just curious, did you debate on using the (5spd) NV3500 vs the (6spd) NSG370 or was it just the NSG370 was what came along and you went with it? I would imagine for cheap gasser donors, the NV3500 is probably easier to find at a better price since it was in the 02-04 Liberty's and the NSG370 was in the 05-08, but 07 of course started a new body style that probably wouldn't help you with parts you would need for the swap? Between the two transmissions, the NSG370 has a lower 1st gear which may not help the diesel, but it does have less gaps between all of the other the gears which probably helps keep the Diesel more in it's torque range without big jumps. The NV3500 does have an overall higher top gear, but it looks like you took care of that with the rear end change. I had a 98.5 24v Cummins with the 4500 5spd and that huge gap between 3rd & 4th gears got old using it around town. The NV5600 6spd had a much better spread and it was easier to keep the Diesel in it's torque band. I previously drove a wrangler with the 3550 in it, it was a great transmission, but I just wanted to give the NSG a try. Even though I had friends with NSG's, I had never actually driven one. It was a complete leap of faith. So far it has been treating me well, but I'll admit that it's wholly useless with the stock 3.73 rearend, especially with stock tires. I'm still waiting for my 2.94's to get dropped off, so that will be the upcoming test. Also, any NSG that bolts to a 3.7L engine will work for the swap. Mine actually came from a '07 Dodge Nitro. You really only need to be wary of any NSG variants that were used with the Wranglers, with either the 4.0, 3.8, or the pentastar. thermorex wrote: Too bad you didn't take some pics, that would have made a super great write-up. And despite being a bit weak, especially for a gde tuned crd, I think you won't have any issues if you don't go ninja with the jeep... I also prefer manual Trans all day long vs an auto. I did take SOME pitures, but not near enough to be useful. I do plan on doing a writeup, but I just need to find the time to sit down and collect my thoughts, I'm currently in college and flight school so time is of short supply. JieselDeep wrote: Which torque converter is it? I may be interested in that. It's just the stock converter, around 100k that I know of, the drivetrain was replaced at around 25k due to serious failure. I've put 25k on this thing myself and it has had zero issues, no slips or shudders. I'll let it go cheap, if you need a new one or a backup.

Author:	thermorex [ Thu Oct 08, 2015 11:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
JieselDeep wrote: Which torque converter is it? I may be interested in that. I have a stock torque converter collecting dust in my garage, you may have it for free. Replaced it with a Suncoast at about 90k. But I guess shipping will kill you, that sucker is heavy. Unless you wanna get it in person from Cleveland...

Author:	JieselDeep [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:13 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
I wonder if it would fit in the "if it fits it ships" boxes from the post office?

Author:	thermorex [ Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
JieselDeep wrote: I wonder if it would fit in the "if it fits it ships" boxes from the post office? Don't think so. It's pretty big and fat.

Author:	lacabrera [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
ChrisJ wrote: I don't generally post to forums, but today I'll make an exception. I have recently completed my install of an NSG370 in my '06 CRD and I have a couple of questions for everyone: Is anyone interested in the process and parts needed for the swap? Does anyone need any of the associated parts associated with the automatic drivetrain? I am putting the transmission, front driveshaft, mounts, lines, torque converter, flexplat, flex hub, etc. up for sale. If nobody here needs any of the parts, they will go on ebay. I'm just trying to offset the cost a little, so I'm flexible on price. Everything is serviceable and can be used. Let me know what everyone thinks or DM me if you have a specific part that you need. Have a good one. Do you find its an improvement compared to an auto. Being given the choose in Europe for auto or man and having owned both crd's I am still not sure if its an improvement over the auto. The NSG 370 is not one of the best manuals. But having said that its nice to have all that torque at the wheels and having the choice when to change gear. Did you keep the 242 transfer box?

Author:	ChrisJ [ Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Manual Transmission Conversion
lacabrera wrote: ChrisJ wrote: I don't generally post to forums, but today I'll make an exception. I have recently completed my install of an NSG370 in my '06 CRD and I have a couple of questions for everyone: Is anyone interested in the process and parts needed for the swap? Does anyone need any of the associated parts associated with the automatic drivetrain? I am putting the transmission, front driveshaft, mounts, lines, torque converter, flexplat, flex hub, etc. up for sale. If nobody here needs any of the parts, they will go on ebay. I'm just trying to offset the cost a little, so I'm flexible on price. Everything is serviceable and can be used. Let me know what everyone thinks or DM me if you have a specific part that you need. Have a good one. Do you find its an improvement compared to an auto. Being given the choose in Europe for auto or man and having owned both crd's I am still not sure if its an improvement over the auto. The NSG 370 is not one of the best manuals. But having said that its nice to have all that torque at the wheels and having the choice when to change gear. Did you keep the 242 transfer box? Based on your signature block, you are very aware of the pros and cons of my decision...you also own my final vision for this piece of crap car. I would like to put on the Renegade frontend after this is all buttoned up. On to your question, I don't feel that there is any improvement to be made or that one is better than the other. I simply prefer a manual gearbox. The NSG may not be the best choice for this car, but it will do for my purposes, it's a daily driver, not a rock crawling, mud bogging, race car. Yes, I kept the 242 transfer case, although the only reason was the fact that I'm cheap.