Hi all,

I have come to the realization that I need to have my tranny overhauled. I have a 2000 Dakota 5.9L engine. I believe this is the 46RE transmission. I am wondering if I should put a shift kit in it while I have it apart.

Driving habits - I am not an aggressive driver, however, I live in an extremely hilly area (in the Appalachian mountains in NC). Beautiful place, but hard on transmissions, brakes, and tires.

For discussion:
Will the right shift kit extend the life of my transmission?
What shift kits (and configurations) do you use?
How hard does your dakota shift with the shift kit?

Thanks in advance...

 

Below area couple I have found on eBay. I searched for Transgo because I heard some good things about them. The first (35$) claims to reduce slippage, drainback, and lube issues. The second (140$) claims to allow you to have complete control over gear selection. I assume that you can switch between automatic and manual modes on the fly because it says you "retain the automatic shift."

1 - Transgo SK TFOD-JR shift kit for the 500, 518, 618, 32, 42, 44, 46, 47 RE & RH Model transmissions from 1988-2003
2 - Transgo TFOD-HD2 shift kit for all Torqueflite four speed overdrive automatic transmissions from 1988-2004

 

No response ... does that mean that shift kits are useless now that we do everything electronically? How about for repairing an older valve body?

 

Hi Tj

Shift kits are sometimes okay, The problem with shift kits is you may have a very different shifting pattern that you are not used too. On the old valve body, it can be overhaul as well. As long the pistons are not sticking in the bores. All i can tell you, it your choice because you are going to be driving the truck. If this is what you want, then do it.

 

i have used transgo kits. they are very good. but use the medium stiffness. in NO way do the full race stiffness for a street truck. it will rip the rear end out in 20-40 k miles. a shift kit is NOT a fix for a trans that needs overhauled. but putting one on a newly rebuilt trans, is a good idea. just my experience.

 

Master Tech,

It's my understanding that old 727 components go straight into all 3 4xRE transmissions- if he has to replace any hard parts (not normal), would it be advisable to use 727 internals in lieu of 46RE internals, or was I given bad info?

(Would have been nice to know that when I grenaded everything between the front pump and yoke, the drum cracked and chunked, and those fines and chunks went everywhere)

 

Sounds like you all are saying that it would not necessarily help to extend the life of my rebuilt transmission.

 

an external fluid filter. the 2210 should fit chrysler trans. i have one. i have had it only a few mo,
1. go to auto-zone. get 2210, its called a power steering filter, but it is for transs to. it is for 3/8 tubing. by (magna-fine) be sure to use high pressure hose.
2. for other sizes wix 58964 5/16 tube size
3. history note a factory exteral filter was used on chrysler cars, early 60s. when i say chrysler i mean new yorker cars. dont know about dodges or plymouths
4. dont forget to use a add on trans cooler. my truck came with a factory extra cooler.