May be buying my first dodge tomorrow. It's a 97 sport 4x4 with the 318. According to bulkpart.com it's a A518 (46RE / H) transmission. I've read a lot about the Dodge tranny woes, but I know 3 people with sports similar to this one and one has 275K miles on it with no issues, the other two are well over 150K.

Was their a certain trans that was problematic? Was it the 46RE / 46H or another model?

Anything I should look for specifically on the test drive other than the normal tranny inspection?

Thanks in advance.

 

That truck will have a 46RE and both trannies you mentioned are at least some of the ones with the problems. Have those other people owned the truck since new? The trannies may have already been rebuilt. I thought my tranny was original in my 1994 and when I went to rebuild it I found upgraded planitaries which was a nice suprise but meant it had been rebuilt. Just do the normal tranny inspection when you look at it.

 

the transmissions in these trucks are weak, prone to failure from heat and towing. the good news is that some hold up fine, and if rebuilt with good parts and know how, they can be very durable.

when you test drive it - drive it hard for 10-15 miles. oftentimes, problems don't show up until everything gets good and hot. if it doesn't shift properly, shudders, or vibrates, or shakes, then plan on a $1500 transmission.

also check the bed and bumper. if its got a gooseneck ball, or a hole where one would go - run away.

 

Is the 46re a reliable tranny? I'll answer that question with another question. Do Catholic priest make good baby sitters? HELL NO!

 

you can rebuild a transmission, but not a catholic priest. they remain as chester the molester.

 

It really all depends on how the transmission was maintained.

 

Not sure if they owned them since new, but I know my friend Tommy (with the 275K) has had it for many many years.

I may continue with the test drive but approach with extreme caution!

Thanks for all the info guys!