2nd gen transmissions--are they that bad?
#21
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My 02's tranny blew and I had to replace it. Luckily I extended the warranty and it was a hundred bucks at the dealer. I had a 99 and the tranny in it always made really strange noises when going into reverse. ALWAYS get the extended warranty! Arent they offering lifetime powertrain warranties nowadays??
#23
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I feel the Dodge tranny is no better or worse than anything else out there. One only has to read forums from other brands and find Dodge is not the lone ranger of tranny death. My tranny guy sees plenty of other brands in his shop.
I'd say the design is a bit flawed, since Mopar put 4 gears in a space that used to hold 3, but I've destroyed my share of torqueflites too. I even killed the supposedly bulletproof TH400.
When you start adding extra loading to a tranny, or any driveline part and do nothing to increase its life, nor be more intensive in its maintenance you should expect early faliure.
I'd say the design is a bit flawed, since Mopar put 4 gears in a space that used to hold 3, but I've destroyed my share of torqueflites too. I even killed the supposedly bulletproof TH400.
When you start adding extra loading to a tranny, or any driveline part and do nothing to increase its life, nor be more intensive in its maintenance you should expect early faliure.
Last edited by dsertdog56; 01-12-2009 at 09:18 PM.
#25
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And here I just completely disagree. My family owns six ford vehicles, all of which have over 100,000 miles on them, and they shift seamlessly.
In regards to the 46re, I think people get too caught up into saying it sucks. In my situation, my transmission died at 106,000 miles. It was killed because the previous owner had 35" tires on the truck, probably didn't service the truck regularly, and did not have a deep dish pan.
I am anxious to see how the 46re holds up in my truck now that I have the opportunity to start fresh with it. I will service it every 25,000 miles, and I know how to take care of a vehicle properly. Failure of a transmission, depends on what the variables are. Does the tire size coordinate accordingly with the gearing of the truck? Does the owner service the transmission in a timely manner? Does the owner invest in a cooler, or a bigger pan? And finally, how does the driver drive the truck. These are only 5 basic variables that can dictate the life of a transmission.
I just think it's ignorant when people talk about how Fords or Dodges are "NOTORIOUS" for breaking down. It's a silly accusation. I'm sure one could prove that one transmission is more prone to failure than others, but that doesn't mean they ALL suck. I see 94-01 rams driving around all the time...they can't be that bad.
In regards to the 46re, I think people get too caught up into saying it sucks. In my situation, my transmission died at 106,000 miles. It was killed because the previous owner had 35" tires on the truck, probably didn't service the truck regularly, and did not have a deep dish pan.
I am anxious to see how the 46re holds up in my truck now that I have the opportunity to start fresh with it. I will service it every 25,000 miles, and I know how to take care of a vehicle properly. Failure of a transmission, depends on what the variables are. Does the tire size coordinate accordingly with the gearing of the truck? Does the owner service the transmission in a timely manner? Does the owner invest in a cooler, or a bigger pan? And finally, how does the driver drive the truck. These are only 5 basic variables that can dictate the life of a transmission.
I just think it's ignorant when people talk about how Fords or Dodges are "NOTORIOUS" for breaking down. It's a silly accusation. I'm sure one could prove that one transmission is more prone to failure than others, but that doesn't mean they ALL suck. I see 94-01 rams driving around all the time...they can't be that bad.
#26
#27
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No congrats in order yet. I still have to hook up the cooling lines and drive shafts before I can make sure it works good. Overall the rebuild went well and I am feeling pretty good about it.
#28
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I've learned that when it comes to automatic transmissions, one can never be too clean, and the parts cannot have too much oil on them.
Where did you buy said manual? There are a lot of places out there that advertise rebuild kits. It's hard to tell what all is needed.
Where did you buy said manual? There are a lot of places out there that advertise rebuild kits. It's hard to tell what all is needed.
The kit was $105
The manual was $25
The shift kit (TFOD JR) was $20
then the reverse drum (new) and rear support (used, no scoring) were $86 total.
My trans was rebuilt by the dealer three years ago (app. 36K) and my bands looked great and had a lot of material left so I didn't change them out, just the clutches (frictions...whatever) and steels.
#29
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This is an identical manual to the one that I bought. If this link doesn't work then I got to it from the Dodge Ram FAQ section and in it there is a spot titles 46RE Manual.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/228727/Dod...Service-Manual
http://www.scribd.com/doc/228727/Dod...Service-Manual
#30
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That is what i'm assuming. Most of the trucks I see with the cracked dashes are the Michigan trucks. My truck is an El Burrito truck and has been a really great truck. I have minimal rust issues(only surface on rockers), solid dash, tranny went out at 130,000 miles.......BlaBla. And my truck was an abused, smoked-in, work truck before I bought it.