First time poster, long time lurker! Thanks for the help so far. :-) I've got an 03 Grande (1GRFE, 4sp Auto, just about to hit 300k km).
Whilst I had the transfer case off recently to replace leaking actuator seals, decided to change gearbox fluid again. It's only about 50k km since it was done last, (the gearbox was tortured by a previous owner, the first fluid change was horrifically black!) and I was really surprised at the amount of shiney bits stuck on the magnets. It's starting to look like the driveline whine wasn't actually caused by low oil in the transfer case, but an issue in the gearbox... *sadface*
Anyway, to cut to the point, I'm trying to work out how much work it would be to fit a newer 5 speed box instead of the 4 speed from factory? I'm reasonably certain they will mechanically be a bolt in replacement, that isn't the part that worries me!
Potential differences that come to mind:
1) Different control signals from ECU due to extra gear - can I replace the ECU with a 5 speed compatible version from a newer 1GRFE with minimal issues?
1a) Are there aftermarket ECU's for the 1GRFE that may solve this issue by providing relevant signals to the new box?
2) Different wiring looms from ECU to gearbox? - It appears that there aren't *many* wires different between them, from photos - possibly just a couple extra sensors and solenoids?
3) Different shift selector? Surely this is a bolt in replacement from a donor 5 speed vehicle? Possibly extra wires in the loom?
4) Dash indicator - not sure that I am too concerned about this one...
5) Diff ratios - an easy fix, and a great excuse to add a rear locker at the same time!
6) What else have I forgotten that will be a PITA?
After all that, my question is - does anyone have any experience with any of these and can shed some light on these musings? I know it won't be an easy job, but I need to at least contemplate it if I'm already going to be replacing a gearbox!
Thanks,
Tristan
Whilst I had the transfer case off recently to replace leaking actuator seals, decided to change gearbox fluid again. It's only about 50k km since it was done last, (the gearbox was tortured by a previous owner, the first fluid change was horrifically black!) and I was really surprised at the amount of shiney bits stuck on the magnets. It's starting to look like the driveline whine wasn't actually caused by low oil in the transfer case, but an issue in the gearbox... *sadface*
Anyway, to cut to the point, I'm trying to work out how much work it would be to fit a newer 5 speed box instead of the 4 speed from factory? I'm reasonably certain they will mechanically be a bolt in replacement, that isn't the part that worries me!
Potential differences that come to mind:
1) Different control signals from ECU due to extra gear - can I replace the ECU with a 5 speed compatible version from a newer 1GRFE with minimal issues?
1a) Are there aftermarket ECU's for the 1GRFE that may solve this issue by providing relevant signals to the new box?
2) Different wiring looms from ECU to gearbox? - It appears that there aren't *many* wires different between them, from photos - possibly just a couple extra sensors and solenoids?
3) Different shift selector? Surely this is a bolt in replacement from a donor 5 speed vehicle? Possibly extra wires in the loom?
4) Dash indicator - not sure that I am too concerned about this one...
5) Diff ratios - an easy fix, and a great excuse to add a rear locker at the same time!
6) What else have I forgotten that will be a PITA?
After all that, my question is - does anyone have any experience with any of these and can shed some light on these musings? I know it won't be an easy job, but I need to at least contemplate it if I'm already going to be replacing a gearbox!
Thanks,
Tristan