It's a 2WD, now you got me thinking. Is it possible to use the tranny from a 4WD and just change out the tail shaft. I know I can do that with a TN tranny.

 

Oops, GM not TN tranny

 

To change the rear output shaft, you would have to disassemble the trans, might just as well rebuild it at that point.....

Any auto trans out of a v-8 ram of the appropriate years will work. They used the same trans behind the 5.2, and 5.9, regardless of weight rating. V-10, or Diesel autos won't work, different bellhousing bolt pattern. (mores the pity, much beefier transmissions....)

96-97 used a gear driven speed sensor in the trans, I think that changed in 98.... tone ring, and sensor.... keep that in mind as well. Or, restrict your search to 96-97 model years......

If you have the know how, time, and place.... rebuild what's in there now. Couple guys on here have done their own, and they weren't tranny mechanics. In fact, it was their first foray into transmissions....... There are LOTS of resources available for the DIYer. Something to consider.

 

Ok, sounds like we need to just look at a trans from a 96-97 ram to keep things simple. I've been reading A LOT of stuff on this forum, and I downloaded the FSM too. I've been tinkering on cars since I was 13, so that's about 30 years, but I've never rebuilt a transmission. I feel like I could do it, but time is the issue now. I'm in the military and am going TDY on Monday for 3 months. That's why we're trying to find a used one now, plus the fact that my friend is low on cash. We'll probably try to rebuild this one once I get back. He just needs to be able to drive in the mean time.

 

Thank you for your service. To both your friend, and your country.

 

Just doing my part...Thanks!!

 

Make sure you use only ATF+4 and none of the snake oil additives.

 

Yep, we already got the ATF+4 fluid and a new filter/gasket. Thanks!

 

Try this website.

http://www.car-part.com

Put in the year, make, model, and your zip code, and it searches for the part you request, in your area at various salvage yards, etc.

Good luck!

 

Thanks, I'll check out the car-part website.