My trans is going out its a 44re. Can I use the newer ones from a 2002 54rf I think they are. Or should a just swap In a nv3500 or 4500 stick shift in my Durango. With all parts coming from a Kota or ram

 

First, let me ask....what tells you it's going out? Is it slipping, or shifting strange? Noises, etc.??

Secondly, you should probably glance through this thread: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...bad-stuff.html

Is there some reason you don't want to use the same tranny you have? I'm asking because I'm not that familiar with these later model Dodge transmissions as I am the older ones.

Personally, if I were going to the trouble to swap transmissions, I wouldn't bother with another automatic, I'd go to a manual like you mentioned, if you can do the work yourself.

 

+1 on why do think its going out. Secondly the 45rfe was in the durango (545rfe with a different tcm) that had the 4.7l engine. It won't bolt up to a 5.2/5.9 cause it is completely different, unless someone make a conversion kit which quit frankly I don't think would be worth the time, IMO. If you want a heavier duty transmission get a 46re, it should bolt right up as long as it came from durango.Or have yours rebuilt with heavier bands and an upgrade torque converter with a shift kit. Hope this helps.

 

You have a 44RE and that is not the same as a 45RFE or 545RFE. They will not even bolt up nor will the electrical hook up, they are completely different.

As for the manuals, they should line up but it has not been done yet to my knowledge, well at least not here. I would ensure the manual is taken from the same year and motor and take a close look at the transfer case and you might want to grab the drive line.