I may have a chance to get a 1996 Ram pickup that needs a transmission. I assume the automatic transmissions in these are computer controlled, is that right? I was wondering about putting in an older non-computerized 3 speed automatic; would that fit and match with the stock 318 that's in it? I want a non-computerized transmission because down the road I'm wanting to put a non-computerized 318 with carb in it. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

You wanna stick with the 4 speed.... otherwise, you will get crap for fuel economy. Unless it is just going to be a toy......

The 46RE that's in there, is basically just a 727 with and overdrive slapped on it. So, conceivably, a 727 should work, but, you will have to do something about driveshaft length.... if it is 4x4, what will complicate matters some as well.

Why do you want to take a step backward in technology??

 

My last two vehicles have been EFI and have given me nothing but headaches. Currently I have one that just dies. Had it towed into shop and it worked for them--they couldn't figure it out either.

I don't have the money to stay in new vehicles, so I have to buy used. When you buy used, you get someone else's problem. At least the old stuff I can usually fix, even on the side of the road. The truck I have now has been towed four times in two years for different things. When the computer or a sensor malfunctions, it REALLY screws up. Yeah I can pull the codes, but for two months I've been working on fixing a problem the computer has with a throttle sensor. My first car was an old Chevy 6 cylinder 3 speed, and I never took it to a shop--I fixed everything that broke on it, not that it was that bad.

Sorry for the long answer, I don't mean to rant. I've just had it with computers in cars.

 

No worries. I find your reasoning completely understandable.

You could use an older (94 or 95) 46RH, and it would bolt right in. Not having the computer would just lose O/D. Would be a direct bolt in. No modifications required. And if you were feeling really froggy.... you would wire TCC and O/D to toggle switches......

 

Thanks for the help. I just found out the truck I'm interested in has the 360--I was wanting a 318. I have seen 318s with transmisson for sale relatively cheap. Do you know if the motor mounts are the same for the 318?

 

Motor mounts are same, pretty much everything is interchangable. Transmission is the just the torque converter is weighted different because the 318 is internally and the 360 weighted on the flywheel.

 

Thanks for the help guys.