8 speed swap

[Ryno1500]

I think what he's saying is that you can use the stock dial shifter or swap it to a console shifter from a challenger/charger if you'd like to. I'm still convinced this is possible with a few lucky trips to some pick n pulls to get everything you need.

Did occur to me that there would also need to be the wiring for the dial/console shifter ran as well. I haven't seen anything that shows it's stock. I'm going to pull my radio bezel out far enough that I can look back there and see if I have those connectors or not. That would be a bit of tough pill to swallow if you had to pull the dash off to run the hook ups

From what I’m seeing, there’s a jumper cable that connects to the wiring harness behind the dash. Pretty sure it’s already there for my truck, since it’s a 4x4.

 

[NOV87]

Lot of good info here! Question: where do you guys mount the dial shifter? I have 4×4 switch in that spot and column shifter, not the floor one. 2014 4wd Express.

 

[Ryno1500]

Lot of good info here! Question: where do you guys mount the dial shifter? I have 4×4 switch in that spot and column shifter, not the floor one. 2014 4wd Express.

You will pull your center bezel and replace the transfer case dial with a combo switch.

 

[NOV87]

Oh, the combo shifter has both, go figure
Now, I know. Thank you!

 

[t0ymach1n3]

I've got a friend that currently has a 13 and has managed to move the shifter to the console. So it could be possible to maybe reroute that switch?

I know my weekends will be spent at pick n pulls and online to shrink my list of parts needed to get this done! I am really excited at the prospect of an all OEM 8 speed swap.

 

[Ryno1500]

I've got a friend that currently has a 13 and has managed to move the shifter to the console. So it could be possible to maybe reroute that switch?

I know my weekends will be spent at pick n pulls and online to shrink my list of parts needed to get this done! I am really excited at the prospect of an all OEM 8 speed swap.

Nice! I'm still debating, do I dive in or pull the trigger on a new truck.

 

[t0ymach1n3]

I did for a bit before deciding for the swap. My truck is paid for, I would end up paying about the same amount to do the swap and power upgrades as I would for a new or decent used truck. The biggest for me is Ram doesn't make the RCSB anymore. I just couldn't bring myself to do it lol

 

[TheEnder]

You might be the first with the 4.7 to do the swap!

It made the 5.7 much more competent; and the 4.7

Man, that's a lot of Xs.

I'm happy people are using it, that's why I posted it. No credit needed.

Hey again,

I checked my PCM connectors today and the connectors on mine are brown. I read up somewhere (excuse me if i'm quoting the wrong person) that if you have brown connectors your vehicle is already equipped with what's needed to handle the 8spd?

 

[Ryno1500]

Hey again,

I checked my PCM connectors today and the connectors on mine are brown. I read up somewhere (excuse me if i'm quoting the wrong person) that if you have brown connectors your vehicle is already equipped with what's needed to handle the 8spd?

That’s the story I’m hearing. I have the white connectors, so I have to do a ECU swap and have someone tell me how to reprogram the vin.

 

[emjohn4]

Hey again,

I checked my PCM connectors today and the connectors on mine are brown. I read up somewhere (excuse me if i'm quoting the wrong person) that if you have brown connectors your vehicle is already equipped with what's needed to handle the 8spd?

Since I don't have a 2014+, I can only use some background experience to speculate and make some assumptions.

If you pull the dash console, and can find an 8-pin connector that is unused near where the rotary shifter is located; that likely means your dash harness is ready. Then, if you are able to go under the truck, and find a large round connector near the transmission taped to a wiring harness, you're PCM harness is likely ready.

If you don't have those connectors, then I would assume (key word....assume), that you would need to source the right harnesses, and then just plug them into the brown connector on your PCM.

Then, I assume (another key word...assume), you would need to use HP Tuners to activate the 8HP70 option in your PCM and deactivate the 65RFE option. Its a simple dropdown selection - I could show you what it looks like in a 2012 if you want via screenshot. I'd assume (key word again) that it would be the same in a 2014.

Sorry I can't help more, the whole 2014+ Brown/White plug is beyond my experience.

 

[t0ymach1n3]

Hey again,

I checked my PCM connectors today and the connectors on mine are brown. I read up somewhere (excuse me if i'm quoting the wrong person) that if you have brown connectors your vehicle is already equipped with what's needed to handle the 8spd?

That's what i'm gathering as well. The brown connector came with 8 speed optioned trucks.

 

[NOV87]

This is what I have. Is this "brown"?
Sorry, I might be color blind

pcm ram 1500 at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

 

[t0ymach1n3]

This is what I have. Is this "brown"?
Sorry, I might be color blind

pcm ram 1500 at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

That's the 6 speed ECM. The brown one(8 speed) looks like this. Wasn't too difficult to find one (Got mine last night on eBay for around $100 shipped). The wiring harness for the engine/trans.... that's a different story lol

 

[Ryno1500]

I just looked at my wiring, I only have the transfer case plug, so I would have to change the jumper wiring. Though, I may take the easy way out and take my dad’s 2018 Big Horn and then sell this one.

 

[RAMTRPR]

I have ordered most of the parts for my 8spd swap, but had a question on the cooler lines. Is it easier to cut and make your own from the current trans cooler or buy the 8spd truck lines to try and hook up to the trans?

Also I am a 4wd 2009 so I think my Transfer case is a NV243. I was told I may have to switch to a BW 44-45 to get my 3wd to work. Any help on that?

BTW thanks for the parts list and all the info in this thread.

 

[emjohn4]

I'd suspect, but not guarantee, the bolt pattern on the NV243 is the same as the BW 44-45. You could do an interchange search for the 54RFE gearbox for a 4x4; and if it interchanges from 2009 to 2012+; then you should be OK.

BW 44-44 to BW 44-45 Swap

BTW, When i google search the part# in your label pic above, that part# shows to be the NV246. I dont know whats going on with BW and New Venture Gear, but i iget the impression that the 44-44 and the nv246 were the same transfer case. If so, then id bet that the NV243 and the BW44-45 are...

www.ramforum.com

Most seem to think it is easier to cut your transmission lines from the RFE trans and patch them to the 8HP70. I think it was easier...but YMMV and all that.

 

[jmihalchik]

I have ordered most of the parts for my 8spd swap, but had a question on the cooler lines. Is it easier to cut and make your own from the current trans cooler or buy the 8spd truck lines to try and hook up to the trans?

Also I am a 4wd 2009 so I think my Transfer case is a NV243. I was told I may have to switch to a BW 44-45 to get my 3wd to work. Any help on that?

BTW thanks for the parts list and all the info in this thread.

if you were to swap the lines complete you would also need a new AC condenser that the trans cooler is built in with the condenser.... all the lines as well as the oil heater that attaches to the side of the trans.... This would leave the cooling ports open (not a big deal).... i have no cooling issues at all, in fact usually too cold (hence why ram put a heater on this trans for the pickups)... if you were to swap it would really just make the setup look more OEM.

 

[RAMTRPR]

Yeah my cooler now is built into the AC condenser. I am going to have my lines cut and flared then add lines back to the trans. Hopefully I don't have too cold issues. Don't ever drive the truck crazy when its cold and I'm in California so it never gets "really" cold.

 

[Wild one]

Yeah my cooler now is built into the AC condenser. I am going to have my lines cut and flared then add lines back to the trans. Hopefully I don't have too cold issues. Don't ever drive the truck crazy when its cold and I'm in California so it never gets "really" cold.

You could plumb one of these into the lines,if you think it runs too cold.CrazyKid is doing one of these,but i'm not sure if he's got it installed yet or not

Compact High-Flow Transmission & Engine Oil Cooler Thermostat

Performs the critical function of bypassing the cooler until the oil has reached its minimum operating temperature. Designed for controlling fluid temperatures in transmissions, transaxles, transfer cases, differentials, and power steering systems. May be used for for controlling engine oil...

www.improvedracing.com

 

[smoothee]

You could plumb one of these into the lines,if you think it runs too cold.CrazyKid is doing one of these,but i'm not sure if he's got it installed yet or not

Compact High-Flow Transmission & Engine Oil Cooler Thermostat

Performs the critical function of bypassing the cooler until the oil has reached its minimum operating temperature. Designed for controlling fluid temperatures in transmissions, transaxles, transfer cases, differentials, and power steering systems. May be used for for controlling engine oil...

www.improvedracing.com

I think that's the route I'm going to go too, not sure on the 145 or 165 yet though