Yup, TOD works just fine, as does 4-lo (and low it is in first gear!) and his TOD on/off switch for some RWD VX fun! No idea if he ever got the Cruise working 'cause I never use it anyway and haven't driven the truck in a few months.
Sorry about never getting that wiring diagram posted. I found it, but my scanner isn't working for some reason. I can take some pictures of it if you think it might be helpful but it sounds like you are getting it worked out fine on your own.
Plus I'm a little busy with my own project. Finally got my garage cleaned out and started working on pulling my Dragon VX's blown engine and swapping in the 02 Axiom motor. Planning to do a write up on it when I'm done.
Another nice thing about the manual swap is getting a better crawl ratio because the AR5 has a lower first gear than our auto.
Stock VX crawl ratio: 2.86 (1st) x 2.48 (T-case) x 4.30 (axles)= 30.5
Manual VX crawl ratio: 3.75 (1st) x 2.48 (T-case) x 4.30 (axles)=39.9
Sounds like the difference is noticable???
No worries, its not posted... until NOW :
Aisin AR5 Transmission
1st:3.75
2nd:2.26
3rd:1.37
4th:1.00
5th:0.73
R:3.67
4L30E
1st: 2.86
2nd: 1.62
3rd: 1.00
4th: 0.72
Rev.: 2.00
To answer your question, the OD is about the same but think about all the extra power you'll have going in reverse!
Yup, its got a super low first gear. I haven't wheeled much in a stock VX, but I can tell you I was going down a really steep hill at about 3-4 MPH just letting it cruise down in 1st. Going uphill it pulls really well too.
I'll see what I can do today and put them up in my gallery.