8 speed swap

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jmihalchik

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Figured I would throw together a brief list of info for swapping in the 8hp70 in early 4th gens… I couldn’t find a lot of this out there so some was trial by fire and then leaning on others (thanks to Alex LaBrash), as they were the biggest help. The process would be similar in earlier models but part numbers and custom work may have to change up.

8 Speed Parts List:

8hp70 Transmission -
Used - $500-$900

Torque Converter -
Comes with JY Trans - $0

Torque Converter Bolts x6 - $1.10 (6509361AA)

Flex Plate (Flywheel) - $43 (4752574AB)
Flex Plate Bolt Spacer -$5 (4736613AA)
Crankshaft Pilot Sleeve - $14 (4736283AA)
Trans Mount Bracket - $72 (68147349AB)

Trans Mount Bracket Bolts x4 - $2 (6102400AA) - (M10x1.5x30)

Trans Mount - $70 (68147348AB)

Trans Mount Nuts x3 - $5 (6502979) - (M10x1.5)

Drive Shaft - Size Depends on Cab - $75-150 Used

Drive Shaft Bolts Trans Side and Diff $5 Each (6506497AA) (8 in total, can reuse old diff bolts)

Drive Shaft Carrier Crossmember - $300 (68055090AB)

Drive Shaft Carrier Bracket to Xmember - $6 (52105587AD)

Drive Shaft Carrier Bolts x 4 - $5 (6101060)
Driveshaft Carrier Nuts x 6 - $3 (6504728)

Transmission Vent Hose - $16 (4627854AB)

Dial Shifter or Console Shifter - Dial (Part# Varies on 2wd/4wd) - $300 New ($50 Used)

Engine to Trans Bolts (Pass Thru Block and Thread into Trans)x2 - $2.55 (6101985) (M10x1.5x45)

Engine/Converter dust Shield (Bottom 2 bolts, thread into Trans) x2 - $2.55 (6101985) (M10x1.5x45)

Sound German Automotive wiring/tcm and Recalibration - $1250

Fluid - Walmart.com Best Cost Option for Mopar Fluid - 6qts deal x2 ($110 Each - 12qts total)

Lines:
3/4-16 Tap - (8an)
2 - 8an ORB to 6an Fittings
2 - 90 Degree 6an to Hose Barb Fittings
5 Ft - 3/8 ID Transmission Hose
4 - Hose Clamps
Cut Factory lines near block and flared the end with flare tool for a raised lip

Misc:
Wire to Run Brake Feed to SGA Harness.

File to File Down tab on Can Bus Line on SGA Harness (purple connector) to Fit Can BUS C Star Connector (under steering wheel area, star connector with yellow wires)

Bolts/Screws to Mount SGA Computer and OBD Port Connector (I went under drivers seat)

Zip Ties - To Clean up Wiring

Grommet if you pass Harness Thru Cab (I Used 1.5" ID (1 3/4 Inch Cut Out) From Amazon, This same grommet can plug the shifter cable hole in firewall as well, if you opt for no neutral cable. (will need 1 3/4 hole saw for this grommet)

Solder / Crimpers For SGA Harness Install
Add a fuse (micro fuse) I tapped into fuse 99 (climate control) - make sure power remains constant in accessory, run, AND crank - goes to yellow wire in sga harness)


Reused 6 Speed:
Transmission Crossmember - No Modifying was needed
Engine to Trans bolts (Bolts that pass thru trans and go into block (top 4 bolts)

Flex Plate Bolts
Trans Mount Nuts
Starter and Bolts
Trans lines and Cooler (after modifying)
Cable Brackets (frame)

Optional Items:
PPE Trans Pan
Performance Converter
Transmission Tune
Trans Heater
Trans Oem Lines

Trans Oem Coolant Lines (won’t be able to use valve)

Rear Main Seal (add RTV to List if Doing Seal)
Neutral Cable - $51 (68211076AG)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Trans - $8 (68149025AB)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Trans Bolts x2 - $6 (6510721AA) - (M8x1.5x18)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Frame (Reuse 6 speed Bracket - 68080743AA)
Neutral Cable Bracket to Starter Bolt and Plastic Clip (Reuse 6 Speed)
Steering Column Shroud - $36 (1GE44DX9AC)

Tips:

1.) sga harness only needs brake input, power, ground, accessory power, can bus(purple connector, and shifter wires …. Using the can bus reduces the need to use a lot of the wires (kit can be used in non can bus vehicles, these would need the other wires)

2.) the driveshaft carrier crossmember I used is the oem one and I welded it in…. You could use a piece of square tubing (1x4) just measure your frame rails for length. If you can’t weld you could riv nut some angle iron into the side of the frame to bolt the angle iron to frame then the angle Iron to your crossmember.

the recalibration sga does made my dash work like stock, trans temp reads out, no cel lights, and P,R,N, D all are in sync with dial shifter.

4.) the factory 8hp70 tcm is in the trans, you will have two ports on the sga harness for diag/tuning….. the obd port is for tuning the oem tcm, the 3 wire gm style connector is for adjusting the new tcm from sga.

5.) the flywheel is bolted to the crank , welds facing toward rear of vehicle, DONT NOT FORGET TO INSERT THE CRANK PIOLT BUSHING.

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Fast69Mopar

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What about the crankshaft tone ring ? I think after 2012 its different ?

Im looking to swap a 8 speed in mine next year and appreciate this writeup.

Cheers
The crankshaft tone ring is inside the crankcase, not on the outside. Up to 2012 and some very early 2013's utilize the 32 tooth setup. Most 2013 and newer utilize the 58 tooth setup.
 

HemiLonestar

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Russell really has made it easy for you guys. He's confident that the early 4th gen setup will also work for the later 3rd gens. Early 3rd gens not so much lol.
 

RamminMopar

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How soon might there be a 3rd gen swap available?
 
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jmihalchik

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SGA's kit will work, you may not get the can bus features i get... so you may have more wiring to incorporate.... Reverse lights, speedo, Rpm, Tps, Trans Temp information.

The Trans stands alone as the TCM is internal in the transmission.... It just needs data from the BCM/PCM.... Mine gets it from the Can Bus , yours may have to get from other inputs.
 

Wild one

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What about the crankshaft tone ring ? I think after 2012 its different ?

Im looking to swap a 8 speed in mine next year and appreciate this writeup.

Cheers
Dylan had a low milege used 8 speed he was trying to sell awhile ago Ian,not sure if he sold it our not though,but you could check with him.
 

1SLwLS1

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I have a similar list building and this filled in some gaps, so thank you!

On the pilot sleeve - is that something specific for the 09-12 early 4th gens or needed for all 4th gen swaps? Looking at some diagrams, I see there is only (1) PN listed (instead of one for each transmission model) but it does say for the 8HP70 so I am wondering do the 65RFE's not have a pilot sleeve and the 8HP70 requires one or do the 65RFE's have one and need to swap to this one?
 

StickyLifter

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What about for the folks with 2014s with the brown plug ECU? Does that mean that we only need the brake release lever and the trans harness in addition to the rest of the driveline hardware? What about the harness underneath the dash that connects to the rotary knob? Is that already in place or will I need that too?
 

Fast69Mopar

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What about for the folks with 2014s with the brown plug ECU? Does that mean that we only need the brake release lever and the trans harness in addition to the rest of the driveline hardware? What about the harness underneath the dash that connects to the rotary knob? Is that already in place or will I need that too?
I have seen a few of the 2014 trucks that came with the 65RFE trans but still had the wiring in place for the rotary shifter. Best bet is to take a look and see what you have.
 

StickyLifter

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Excellent. I will create a thread when I have everything detailing what I did and what parts were needed. I don't think it's going to be too bad, and I get to practice hacking the CAN bus to get my trailer brake controller working.

Truck is gonna be a BEAST with that 4.71 first gear, all the Sonnax goodies, and a 2500 converter. Really wish the GPZ clutches and billet E clutch drum weren't so crazy expensive.
 
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jmihalchik

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The wiring from SGA has the shifter wiring. You tap into the cam bus for the inputs, only the brake input you need to manually get.
 

emjohn4

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Ok - you guys talked me into this. I contacted SGA a couple days ago with questions, and will order the kit today for my '12 5.7 65RFE.

I'll source the parts over the next couple months, and probally won't start the work until March / April time when I can drive they toy car (post winter) while I'm working on the truck.

Perhaps it is just a weekend swap and after I get the pieces in I'll start it earlier. Anyone know if I need a rear driveshaft for the 4x4 scenario? Understand for the 2wd a driveshaft is needed.

But - step one is underway, buying the SGA kit!

Step two is transmission, three is remaining pieces.
 

BADHEMI1

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So with the SGA kit you can still use aftermarket trans tunes?? I thought SGA said you have to use the stock tune only?
 

DILLIGAF

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So with the SGA kit you can still use aftermarket trans tunes?? I thought SGA said you have to use the stock tune only?

Get HP Tuners if you plan to do this :headbang:

Im almost saved up for the SGA kit but looks like I will loose my job since im not a science experiment and refusing to get the jab. what a ****** up world we live in now.
 

StickyLifter

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The wiring from SGA has the shifter wiring. You tap into the cam bus for the inputs, only the brake input you need to manually get.
I spoke with the guy at SGA and he stated that if I had an ECU with brown plugs I shouldn't need his computer and harness stuff, my factory 2014 ECU will run either transmission. I've seen the drop down box in HP Tuners that lets you change it. I'm concerned about getting the CAN bus to recognize the transmission and allow the truck to start. I think this works the same way my factory brake controller does, and hopefully the dealer or a local shop can enable the trans in my ECU or BCM or whatever computer is needing it. Supposedly it has to be allowed for my specific VIN's list of equipment.

I've got a 2017 8HP70 with 54K miles on it headed to my shop right now. We'll see what happens.
 

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