6.5 Auto to ZF 6 Man. Trans. Conversion?

[joed]

I'm contemplating a trans. swap on my 2000 6.5 1ton - I miss the 5-spd manual on my 98, felt it pulled better than the auto. The main drawback with it (the auto also) was the wider gear splits, hence my thinking of a ZF 6-spd manual that would offer more ratios.

I'm not sure if anyone has done this, but:

I understand the GM ZF 6 spd. manual trans. used with 8.1 and Dmax should bolt right up to the 6.5, bellhousing wise?

Does anyone know if the input shaft for the ZF is different than the NV4500 5-spd that was used with the 6.5?

I'm assuming I could use a clutch for the 6.5?

Would the ZF physically fit - I'm guessing it's smaller than an allison?

Would it bolt up to my BW 4401 transfer case or would I have to use a newer t.case from a Dmax/8.1?

Thanks in advance.

Joe.

[a5150nut]

I nosed around last year trying to do the same thing. I kept getting the comparison to "Hens Teeth". Never did quite figure that on out.

If you have lots of $$$$$$$$$$$ you can get a rebuilt and pay the price for the core. . . . . http://drivetrain.com has a lot of choices and parts as well as service and advice. Not many GM 6 speeds available. Don't know how much it would take to get a ford or dodge to work.

But if you find something, don't keep it a secret!

[trbankii]

Is the NV5600 a closer match than the ZF? Not sure they were ever offered in the GM vehicles.

[joed]

My limited research indicates the NV5600 won't work without a lot more adapting - the bellhousing is only set up for Dodge/Cummins as they were only offered with a Dodge.

Likewise, the Ford ZF has a different bellhousing than the GM - the bellhousing is integral to the trans body.

So it would seem the GM ZF would be easier, but I'm sure crossmembers and driveshafts would need to be changed.

This may be beyond my shadetree capablities...we'll see.

Thanks.

Joe.

[trbankii]

Ah. Somewhere I thought I had heard that the NV5600 bolt pattern was the same as the NV4500 so you could use a NV4500 bellhousing.

[a5150nut]

NV5600 will fit with modifications. IIRC, it's 3 inches longer. Two drive shafts to shorten, lenghthen, and one cross member to move. Then back to the original problem, hens teeth.

[joed]

Supposedly salvage yards have a couple ZFs and several NV5600s in my area. The NV's are pretty pricey -$2,200-2600.

I thought I also read that another problem with the NV is the input shaft being different for Dodge. I think even the NV4500s are different in GM versus Dodge.

Also, the ZF is supposed to be quite a bit lighter (weight wise) than the 5600.

[a5150nut]

Supposedly salvage yards have a couple ZFs and several NV5600s in my area. The NV's are pretty pricey -$2,200-2600.

I thought I also read that another problem with the NV is the input shaft being different for Dodge. I think even the NV4500s are different in GM versus Dodge.

Also, the ZF is supposed to be quite a bit lighter (weight wise) than the 5600.

You can change the input shaft. IIRC, mine was about $83.00. The rest of the parts are the same, sept out put shaft.

[motown]

i'm new to the 6.5 so i'm not sure but with a gas motor the computer is different also when ordering an aftermarket computer they ask man. or auto trans just something to think about