Hi all. I have a 97 Dakota with a 3.9ltr. Auto 2x4. (42RE I believe). Can I use a 97 Ram 1500 5.9 ltr 46RE trans? Direct swap? TIA

 

The 42RE case is a touch shorte than the 46RE case. It will physically fit but the driveshaft may or may not be a touch too long.

 

Thanks. I just got the old one out and noticed the shift linkage is different. I can swap the linkage but the bracket for the shift cable wont line up. Any ideas?

 

Might need the cable mount for a 46RE since the case is different. IIRC it just clips on the cable but it's been a long time since i touched a factory cable setup.

 

Update: Transmission swap is complete. Incase anyone else wants to do a swap on this old truck here is some notes.
Use the trans shield and trans to engine brackets from the 46re. Use the 42re flex plate and the 46re torque convertor. Also the 46re bracket for the kickdown spring. The shift linkage is the main issue. This bracket (Chrysler Part # 52107845AC) will fit the trans but the hole for the cable is too big. Either cut the hole from the old bracket and weld it to the new bracket or weld a piece of metal and drill the hole. Adjust your shift cable. The trans is the same length as far as I can tell.