i have been looking at a few dodge rams and like what i see, but it seems that a lot of the have rebuilt transmissions or need rebuilds. are there certain years, models, or engines where dodge made a junk transmission? whats the life span of these transmissions. i was looking at this 1998 ram 1500 5.9l with 89k miles.

 

I know the dodge rams are known for having not quite up to par transmissions,but mine didnt need a rebuild untill 237,xxx miles. I guess its mainly on how hard you beat on them as well.

 

the transmissions are weak and don't hold up in towing. all years 94-01. there's 2 kinds of rams.... those where the tranny has already been rebuilt, and those that will need it soon.... if they're serviced regularly and you keep the temp's down and do NOT tow in overdrive, then some last forever. rebuilds start around 1500. super-duper versions can climb to 2500-3000.

welcome to df and good luck with your truck. don't overpay.

 

get a manual tranny...nuff said

 

Heat is the #1 killer of automatic trannys, besides stupid things like neutral drops. Get the biggest tranny cooler they make and slap it on

 

i would like to get a bigger trans cooler for my truck any sugestions on how big and where to look at i have an 01 1500 auto.

 

Summit racing would be a good place to look or any other truck/performance website

 

NOT true. The transmission is no different than your engine when it comes to operating temperature. I do recommend getting a cooler, but ONLY one recommended for your weight of vehicle. It can be just as bad for a transmission to run cold as it is for it to run hot. Just like your engine, it needs to warm up to operating temperature.

I am also going to have to disagree on what was stated about heat and towing. The 46RH and 46RE transmissions are fairly stout units under loads. What kills them is cheap seals mixed with crappy machining from the factory. When you have them rebuilt, these manufacturing defects are corrected turning them into a VERY stout unit.

 

im running two tranny coolers and my tranny is running perfect temps, always, it only cost me three grand haha, now for my engine, anyone know a rough estimate of an engine rebuild

 

When they are rebuilt correctly Trust me, most shops are not concerned with fixing manufacturing defects, only making money.