5-Speed Swap Info

[kodiak]

?

[twistedsymphony]

race car modifications are cool, but not all that helpful.

they have the financial backing to build custom 1 off parts that just aren't feasible for you and I to make use of.

they have no qualms just cutting a new hole in the floorboard to run the shifter and welding over the old one.

If I were building a race spec VX there is no way in hell I would use an MUA5 transmission... it's complete garbage for that application.

HOWEVER for someone like myself who is build a daily driver&weekend off-roader, the MUA5 is the cheapest/easiest/quickest/most OEM like path to getting a 5 speed, and it's more than up to the task for the kinds of things it will be used for.

I can tell you from that picture that neither the clutch nor the brake are ISUZU standard equipment... in all likely hood the transmission is a $12K racing trans with a custom/easily swappable bell housing and transfer case.

those guys rarely ever use off the shelf parts

[technocoy]

I think the most interesting thing about switching to a 5 speed (other than finally having a manual again, YAY!) would be whether or not we can pump the HP on that one vs the fairly weak one we have now.

That would allow SC owners to finally drop those pulley to get a higher PSI and really get some serious muscle going.

As much as I love my TOD I would seriously consider this if I could be back to shifting and get my HP up around 300. mmmm. yay.

[twistedsymphony]

I'd ask some 5-speed trooper owners...

the SC was made for those things as well, so if they're running higher HP through the same 5 speed/t-case then... there's your answer

[kpaske]

Great info, TS, thanks for sharing! I have often daydreamed about doing a complete drivetrain swap in my VX. We've discussed in some other threads the possibility of dropping in a turbo diesel / 5-speed combo from a Trooper, and if I only had the time and expertise I would have done this long ago (BTW if there are any volunteers out there, I could be open to the idea of paying/bartering/trading or whatever for some help! ). Have you considered anything along these lines?

[E-ZooZoo One]

I have a 1997 Rodeo w/ MUA5, and a 1999 VX…
The firewalls are 100% IDENTICAL – including the fact that the VX has a (plugged) pass-through for the clutch/master cylinder assembly, including the mounting holes… No drilling necessary.

I intend to swap the Rodeo’s MUA5 /w integrated T-case into my VX someday… and I think I’ll be able to live without TOD since I’ll be gaining a set of 3.07:1 ratio Tera Low Gears (already installed)

[twistedsymphony]

Great info, TS, thanks for sharing! I have often daydreamed about doing a complete drivetrain swap in my VX. We've discussed in some other threads the possibility of dropping in a turbo diesel / 5-speed combo from a Trooper, and if I only had the time and expertise I would have done this long ago (BTW if there are any volunteers out there, I could be open to the idea of paying/bartering/trading or whatever for some help! ). Have you considered anything along these lines?

baby steps... swapping out the most complex part of a vehicle is a LOT of work.

there are a ton of things to consider too
People obviously consider stuff like
-will it fit?
-will I have to have a custom drive shaft made
-will the gearing work?

but what about..
-will I have to fabricate custom engine and transmission mounts?
-will the factory radiator have enough cooling power
-will I have to make custom radiator hoses?
-will I have to make custom power steering hoses?
-will cruise control still work? what has to be done to preserve it?
-will A/C still work? what has to be done to preserve it?
-will the current fuel system support diesel or will I have to upgrade the pump, filter, regulator, and lines? Will the current lines even plug into the new engine?
- lots and lots of other tiny details

being that you're going from an isuzu to an isuzu you'll probably have an easier time over all, but moving to some engine from another make and model altogether, you're in for a LOT of work.

I'm in the early stages of swapping an LS1 into my Nissan 240sx and let me tell you there are a LOT of tiny details, little crap that you don't even think about like... hmm I need to use an adapter to hook up just about EVERY hose, the wiring harness is about 6" too short so I have to cut and lengthen EVERY wire on the harness. or the fact that while the motor fits the headers do no... oops there's another grand I wasn't planning on spending.


I looked at the MUA5 transmission because it's made to work with that motor, in a similar chassis. If Isuzu had built the VX in a 5-speed they probably would have chosen that transmission as well... is it the best transmission? no, there are lots of other transmissions I'd like to use first but it's the path of least resistance, you're probably not going to find a cheaper/easier 5 speed to swap in, and it's an upgrade from the auto trans that's in there now...

Anything is possible, it's just a matter of resources.

I'm planning on looking into this swap more seriously in the spring... hopefully my LS1 project will be done by then and the bank will have some spending money.

[Octamog]

Hi,

New guy here thinking about buying a vehicross and putting a 5sp in it.

What about the possibility of mating the TOD to an Aisin AR-5 (MA5) out of a 4WD Colorado/Canyon/H3?

Does the TOD "talk" to the TCM at all or just the ECM?



I think the bellhousing is the same as a 4L30, but I could be wrong.

more info here: Link

Edit: now looking at it, it appears the starter motor is in a different possition. I can't tell from the picture, but I wonder if the the bellhousing is part of the transmission case or if it is two pieces. Wikipedia claims the AR-5 came on some Troopers/Bighorn.

[Cris]

Just did alot of research on the subject and the trooper has two more switches 4wheeldrive and a TOD switch somone has the scamatic here on this site shows the difference between the two check it out, and yes it can be done. Manual drive needs the two switches cause its a manual,

[Greasemonkey]

I see no reason why a rodeo transmission wouldn't fit straight in - here in the UK we have the Frontera with the Isuzu V6 same as the JDM VX - having examined the whole transmission i have discovered that a donor manual V6 frontera transmission would bolt straight to the VX power unit - the frontera transmission is SOTF like the JDM VX so giving 4WD by button and low range as well
surely a US rodeo V6 is the same as a frontera and a rodeo ecu would fit the VX as a swop sorting out the auto transmission problems
the transmission comes with a 'dual mass' flywheel and handles speeds up to 130 mph easily
cheers
Steve