I drive an automatic I want to drive a manual - Whatever the answer is it's way down the road so any answers besides buy a new truck would be ...

Whatever the answer is it's way down the road so any answers besides buy a new truck would be appreciated. I drive the 5.3 LMG (active fuel management). Is there a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission to couple with the 5.3? and do I need to kiss my active fuel management goodbye? What about the 4wd? Remote start? I honestly don't know if this is pertinent, but an on-the-column is not what I'm looking for. Please don't judge my inexperience. I'm only 22 and I've labored to excruciating ends for my truck.

With all the electronics and computer controls in todays vehicles, I think you would find the job to be time and cost prohibitive (if even possible!) - it is not a simple matter of installing the clutch mechanicals under the dash, new linkage, and bolting up a tranny and appropriate bell housing to the engine, like in old days...

You'd need an appropriate computer to match up the tranny with your engine and run everything right.

I don't know what kind of emissions inspections you have in KY, but it would probably cause major headaches with your annual(?) inspections.

All that aside, I must agree that I seriously miss my manual tranny. I do not like automatics - especially the 4L60E in my Sierra.

I like manuals as well, but the 6 speed in the new trucks is so smooth and seamless, and seems to always be in the perfect RPM/torque range, I could not imagine needing or wanting anything else.
As integrated as these trucks are, I am not sure this is even possible, as Jepics was saying. Perhaps one of our resident mechanics will jump in here...

The best way is to find a Donner truck, One that has been totaled with good trans. Start pulling it all apart steering column pedals and computer and wiring. Plan at least 1 week of 40 hrs plus to finish. Good luck

I used to love manual transmission but with stop and go traffic these days, forget about it. You used to get better fuel mileage with them but today the automatics are just as good.

I have to agree with katkar503... Find yourself a totalled donner truck, then start the transplant.
Like mentioned earlier. With all the associated electronics, it will be good to have that example beside your trk to copy.
Good luck in your project. Keep us posted on your progress