[So heres the story Jonny:]
I did a filter change and flush 'n fill in September, and found more metal pieces (whole pieces, not shavings) in the pan. (My grandpa said they look like thrust washers).
It's getting worse at taking off (don't give it too much gas, it'll shudder), and sometimes doesn't want to shift nicely from 1-2.
I'm seriously thinking about seeing how far I can push it 'till she doesn't want to go any more, but I plan on taking a trip to Illinois when I get back. When I'm home on leave would be a greattime to replace the tranny. Not trying to push it past that would be a great idea, since with my luck, it would break on my way back to Arkasas.

I'd like to see if I can put a 46RE (V8 transmission) behind my V6 with little or no modification to anything (the reason being: its a stronger transmission, and maybe some day I'd like to shove a V8 in her; but since OneBadKota is running a 360 with the V6 transmission, I guess there is hope for the one I have).
From what I know right now, it's probably be best to get my tranny rebuilt.

Any ideas, suggestions (obviously, my transmission is toast!), or advice? (Including, parts to put in it, etc.)

Whatever I decide to go with, before I take this one out, I'm going to give her hell!

 

wow, that sucks. my tranny in the 88 was starting to shudder and shift wierd.


I would just rebuild the tranny and get some better parts for it and a shift kit. you can buy alreadyrebuilt tranny'stoo.

or nows the perfect time to make it a 5 speed

 

Yea. The more I think about it, the more it looks like I'll just have mine rebuilt.
My grandpas friend had the transmission in his Chrysler sedan go out, and had it rebuilt. I'll probably have it done by the same guy, since his shop seemed to have done a good job (besides, hes a Mopar fan, always a good sign! )

I'd love to swap a manual in (believe me, there are times I'd love to have a manual), but I kinda like the convienance of a automatic.
When I replace/have the transmission rebuilt, I will be adding an auxillary cooler with input and output temp sensors, to keep an eye on things.

Question for those that know: about how long did it take you to remove/reinstall your transmission? I read a post quite some time ago, and that person said it took them the better part of the day to remove the transmission. And how long can I expect the transmission to be in the shop, provided they don't have to really wait on parts? Thanks! (I will make a how-to whenever take her out)

 

Hey DodgeRules...I have takn alot of Dodge transmissions in and out. But here is the thing. WHen I did it it was at the shop I worked at where we had a lift and a trans jack and all the works so it was easy. We could remove and replace one in about 3-4 hours. However, if you are going to be doing it in your garage or wherever, it will take longer. It isnt that hard, just time consuming. But here is another big deal. It will definitely cost more, but it is worth it. If you have a "professional" shop do the trans for you, they can get a reman directly from chrysler. The transmissions used to have a 3yr/30,000mi waranty on them. However, I am now under the undersanding that they now have a 80,000mi warranty on them both parts and labor. (I believe the warranty is also good for 5yrs now if not longer.) To get the trans and have it put in it will prolly run you in the neighborhood of 3-4K. Def. more money but also very worht it. I also know first hand that they stand behind their waranty well. A good example is one trans I was installing into a 98 Dodge Ram. We received the reman from Chrysler, removed the toasted one and installed the reman. Once I started the truck all the fluid ran out of the reman trans. Come to find out the front seal was never installed when the reman was assembled. We called Chrysler, they sent another trans, and even paid my boss the extra labor to R&R it again. The only thing extra it cost the customer was the fact that he was without his truck for another day. But he was thrilled that he wouldnt have to pay for the second one. If you can afford it, I would recommend going that route.

 

V8DAKOTAV8, thanks for the info. Yea, I'd have the money. But all options are on the table, as I still need to contact differant shops regarding prices, time, etc.
It sucks being deployed and trying to get things done [:@]

 

The more you drive it like it is you can damage major parts. Ihad the same deal and drove it then the planetary gear went out, not good.

 

dodgerules, i know how that is. (not first hand) my uncle is a marine and he is oversea's for the 4th time i believe. i went to my aunts house for thanksgiving so she would have someone to spend it with. good luck and stay safe. you have a proud supporter of all military right here.

STAY STRONG!!
GOD BLESS!!

 

I have been wondering the same thing about the 46re, dont think the stock 42re is going to hold up too long behind the 318!

 

Well, thanks to the parts manuals that a poster in the Gen 3 Dakota room provided links to (I uploaded them to my site, look in the Gen 1 FAQs); I found out that:
1996 4x4 rear driveshaft: same part # for 3.9/5.2L [42RE/46RE]
Also uses same part # for 1995/1996 4x4 crossmember support for transmission.

Obviously, I can gather that the 46RE should in fact pretty much be "plug 'n play", since, according to the parts manual, the driveshaft is the same length, and the crossmember is the same!!

When I get back from my deployment, I will just double-check in the service manual on the wiring diagrams, to see if there are any differances on the wiring to the 42RE/46RE transmissions that would prevent such installation, and I should be able to order my 46RE. As usual, I will let you all know what I find out when I find it out.
Happy day for me!


Oh, and Bad96_3.9, according to the parts manual, your driveshaft is the same part number for both engines/transmissions and transmission crossmember is same for both engines/transmissions. So looks good for you too!

 

Well when I got mine rebuilt at 180,000it cost:

Transmission Parts-$608.15
Torq. Converter--- $160.00
Trans mount-------$39.00
Labor to Rebuild----$658.00

Plus the transfer case seals, front axle seals and crank sensorthank god I didn't pay for it the guy who had the dakotait before me did.[sm=laughat.gif]

good luck man definetly would take the tranny out and take it in to the shop save ya some money there.