Hey all, I limped my 94' dakota with 3.9 and 4x4 automatic home the other day at a blazing 25 mph.The transmission finally gave out completely after she got me home,can't beat that. My question is what transmissions can I put back in there,you know like 92' thru 98' or something like that, and can I use a 2x4 trans and just bolt on the transfer case ? Are these transmissions prone to problems and therefore I should just get this one rebuilt.I had a guy quote me about 1,000.00 to rebuild if I pull it and put it back in.That seems like alot to me but my wife says I should get out alot more.
thank you steve

 

You cannot use a 2wd tranny, the output shaft is different and the mounting holes for the transfer case are not there. Any 42rh or 46rh from a '92-'95 will work. Post '95 transmissions were listed as the 42re and 46re, meaning they were electronically controlled, not hydraulic and you're computer will not control them. If you can find a 46rh, they were designed to handle the 5.2 and 5.9 V8, and are "beefier" than the 42rh.

Just out of curiosity, where do you live? I'm selling a 46rh out of my '95.

 

I heard from several people that the only trans that will work in a '92/'93 are the '92 and '93 transmissions.

 

Did they give you a reason? I'm just curious.

 

I am up near cleveland


thanks for the info

 

does that mean that the 92'-93' can work in the 94' and the 94' won't work in the 92'-93' ?

 

I have not heard of any differences between the 1992/1993 and 1994/1995. That being said, I'm also not saying they "are" the same.
You are also not limited to just the Dakota. The Ram and Jeeps also had the 42/46RH's.

I would recommend against using a used transmission, or using a used one that hasn't been recently rebuilt. When doing the swap, you will see it's a little bit of a hassle to have to do again because you wanted to save a few bucks.
The 42RH, which you have, isn't exactly known for being strong.

 

It just hit me what the difference is between the '92-'93 transmission and the '94-'95 transmission. The earlier ones had a cable driven speedometer output, while the newer ones have an electric speedometer sensor.

I would say after finding that out that they are not easily swappable, but the sensor is located in the overdrive unit, so if your overdrive unit is in good condition, and you find a '92-'93 tranny and feel like swapping them, then it should work (but don't hold me to it).

 

lol, and who do you have to thank for that info to just all of a sudden 'hit' you??? lol :P

 

LOL, yeah yeah you're right... Thanks!

But in my defense, I did the research, you just gave me the idea :P