Well after 2 years of being without a ram i'm back. I Just picked up a 97 ram 4x4 sport with a busted trans and i need yalls help. Can someone please help clear up some confusion im having with year compatibility, and yes i have already searched. I know 94 and 95 use the 46rh trans and 96-01 use the 46re. I keep hearing i can only use a transmission from a 97 but i dont know why that is, unless there is a difference in the transmission wiring harnesses. It seam like any 46re trans should work theoretically. So my question is do i have to have a trans from a 97? thanks for yalls help and just for fun here are some pictures of the old dodge.

 

Welcome back!

There are wiring differences between model years, even when they were all the same basic tranny, 1996-2001. The only transmission thats guaranteed to work without some custom wiring is one from the same model year.