Transmission Conversion: Upgrading Dodge Vehicles for Heightened Performance

If you or someone you know drives a Dodge heavy-duty pickup truck and is interested in enhancing the vehicle’s performance, look no further. While this can be done in many ways, one of our favorites is through converting your transmission. A transmission conversion is when you change your car's transmission to a stronger one that suits your needs. There are many pieces of information to consider when converting a factory dodge transmission, and we look forward to sharing those with you.

What Are the Different Types of Dodge Transmissions?

No matter it's model or year, Dodge offers various compatible transmissions for your vehicle, each with unique characteristics and benefits. In determining which best suits your particular needs, it's important to understand some of their functions.

Transmission types include:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic transmissions create a smooth, comfortable driving experience. They are very convenient and commonly used in Dodge Ram vehicles for everyday purposes.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions provide optimal vehicle engagement and control, making them the preferred transmission among driving enthusiasts. Manually shifting the gears makes for more precise and controllable speed and acceleration. These characteristics make manual transmissions ideal for carrying heavy loads and driving off-road.

Automated Manual Transmission

Automated manual transmissions are the best of both worlds. They shift gears using computer-controlled actuators, offering both convenience and control. They offer drivers access to manual control abilities without a clutch pedal while also providing convenient automatic shifting.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

CVT transmissions utilize belts and pulleys and offer access to countless gear ratios, leading to higher fuel efficiency and all-around smoother driving. They work by constantly adjusting the gear ratio to the given circumstance, maximizing efficiency and performance at every speed.

Choosing the right transmission for your vehicle requires understanding and contemplating the various qualities and benefits of each transmission type. Doing this is important, as your goals and desires for your vehicle are unique.

What are the Benefits of Transmission Conversions?

Updating your Dodge's transmission can improve many functions, including the following:

Performance

Transmission conversions can improve a vehicle's performance in many ways, including its ability to accelerate quickly, tow heavy loads, and offer maximum drive power. Upgrading your transmission can greatly enhance your driving experience and improve your vehicle's performance.

A more powerful transmission provides increased power and smoother shifting. Additionally, having more gear options allows for greater control and versatility while driving. Overall, changing to a superior transmission can completely transform your time behind the wheel.

Efficiency

Transmission conversions often maximize gear ratios and minimize power lost while shifting gears, significantly improving fuel efficiency. They also greatly reduce a vehicle’s financial costs, particularly for folks who drive a lot and carry heavy tow loads.

Durability

Opting for a newer, more robust transmission offers improved durability and strength, especially for vehicles put under significant stress by activities like off-roading, hauling, or towing. To top it off, the overall lifespan of your Dodge will increase.

What Are Some Important Considerations When Doing an Automatic to Manual Conversion?

Switching from automatic to manual transmission can be challenging. It's crucial to understand the difficulties before making the switch. Because of this, you need someone with immense mechanical expertise and experience to do the conversion. Many aspects should be thought through when assessing how challenging a conversion could be, including the following:

Make and Model

The make and model of a vehicle significantly contribute to how difficult the conversion will be. Some vehicles require significant alterations to make the transition possible, while others are already set up for a successful and convenient conversion.

Compatibility

You must ensure your new transmission and your vehicle’s existing engine can support one another. The transmission needs to be able to work with the engine’s functions while also fitting properly into its frame and connecting properly to its drivetrain.

Parts Accessibility

To have a smooth and successful conversion, choose a transmission whose particular parts are available and accessible. To save time, energy, and money, ensure you have the correct conversion kit for your vehicle. Additionally, check if the conversion parts you require are readily available.

Electronics and Wiring

Automatic transmissions in newer vehicles are usually accompanied by complex electronic systems that will need to be modified before a manual transmission conversion. These modifications are important, as they ensure the safety and proper operation of the vehicle, but they can also be complicated and require the expertise of a professional.

Adjustments

In this type of conversion, modifications and adjustments often need to be made. These changes could look a variety of ways, including changing the shifter linkage, floorplan, pedals, or clutch of the vehicle. Custom fabrication may also be needed for the manual transmission to be properly installed.

We can't predict if your conversion will be hard, but we suggest you research and plan, seeking advice from experts. Doing so will lead to a successful, trusty manual transmission conversion.

What Are the Steps to Having a Successful Dodge Transmission Conversions?

Here's a basic guide to help you begin the transmission conversion process for your vehicle, considering its model, year, and state.

Research and Plan

First, you need to determine which transmission you want to use in your conversion, collecting all the information needed to ensure compatibility and assess potential adjustments.

Get Tools and Parts

Get together everything you need for the conversion. These things include your new transmission, a wiring harness, a torque converter, and a transmission cooling system.

Prepare

Start by detaching the vehicle’s battery and removing any transmission fluid. Then, take the old transmission, electrical converter, and cooling system out of the vehicle.

Install

Next, properly position your new transmission, fixing it to the engine. Follow by installing additional elements, including the cooling mechanism and electrical converter, and joining wiring and hosing where needed.

Refill and Test

From here, all that’s left is to fill the transmission with whatever fluid it needs and take the vehicle for a test run. If anything isn’t functioning how you want it to, whether it's controls, linkage, or anything else, make any adjustments needed.

Transmission conversions can be exciting, allowing you to access new levels of efficiency, durability, and power. By familiarizing yourself with the different transmission options and assessing which best fits your needs, you’re sure to complete a successful conversion.

If you’re one of the many people who need a new transmission for your Dodge heavy-duty pickup contact us today for more details.