I have always had a manual on all of my 2nd gen cummins trucks, mainly due to the obvious reason's we all know with dodge transmissions, to include failure, reliability, strength, and PRICE (auto), especially when you add any power to it.

So now I am trying to do a crash course on auto transmission in 2nd gens cause I am clueless on everything/anything with them. Man this is making me feel so dumb...

Gonna be trying to learn about lockup, torque converter stall, billet this and billet that, what auto parts, auto computers or tuners?, etc...

I am so so so tempted to put a nv4500 in this build, just for the availability and strength! Please reference 24v 1500 Cummins Thread check it out in the cummins swap section)

1999 Ram 1500 Shortbed 2wd Cummins Inspiration Video of what I'm going for

But I think Ill regret it in the end since this will be a play truck obviously. (Keep in mind I plan to try and keep power around or below 600hp) Ill just be spinning the tires irregardless in this light truck... NO -

I have rebuilt my NV5600 before (for my truck in sig) but I think rebuilding an auto would be way out of my league even with my extensive mechanic background with JD.

So Ill list just a few questions/thoughts to start with for the well versed auto guys.

1- Should I still go for an auto over a simple nv4500?

2- Could I rebuild an auto? (this could expand into another big discussion via what parts/brand etc.)

3- Who/where would you choose to send a core to and have them rebuild it for you? $$Suncoast - ATS$ Transmission - ETC

Edited March 3Mar 3 by Stanley

PCM that has the proper software for automatic Cummins. Basically you need the entire under hood wiring harness. This should have the transmission connectors. Make sure the ECM is ready for that PCM so it might be worth sending the two off to Auto Computer Specialist and let them flash them both. I've done one auto to manual swap which was easy.

Personal Note. Sorry for being MIA I've been working hard here in the yard trying to get everything clean up after the landslide.

Little update:

Luckily! I found a 2000 running 2wd cummins truck for 2k. Gonna part out but keep engine and trans. Ill post on my main thread some other details I'm getting out of this deal.

So I'm gonna use all the wiring from this truck since it had an auto and lots of upgraded options I didn't have initially - posted in main build thread.

Ill have wiring, pcm, ecu at my disposal, wiring is coming out, I just got the transmission pulled yesterday.

Couple of things:

I want to get rid of heat exchanger

I want to have a stand alone cooler system- new lines- new cooler and fan. I've seen some setups just doing a quick google search but I am unsure of what I need exactly. Do you simply just mount the cooler and fan on frame (under bed in front of wheel as Ive seen) then route new lines straight to the transmission? Or route new lines to a new cooler in original location. Keep in mind this just a play truck with no towing.

*Ill also need to figure out/learn if Ill need the "ant eater trans controller" from fire punk

*Trans purchase is still up for debate from Firepunk or Randy's

Check out my main build thread for more updates and well... Questions.