So I went and got all the goodies to change the tranny fluid/filter in my 1998 ram 1500 5.9, I get my filter out, go to put the new one in and turns out it only has holes for 2 of the 3 screws I pulled out . . .

Thing is the EXACT same size though but with a metal exoskeleton. . . just curious if its the wrong filter or if I'm supposed to use it with 2 screws?

 

I'm not sure about your specific situation but first thing I'd do is match the part number on the box with the part number it says online for you're exact year/engine/transmission.

 

This is the part. . . where the 3rd bolt was on the other filter there is an indentation in this one.

http://www.equipmax.net/baldwin/cgi_...empartid=96033

 

Is you're tranny an RE?
Judging from a few pics of 1998 RE vs RH tranny filters, the RH has three bolt holes and the RE has two...edit: although on napa's site every tranny has the same filter w/ 2 holes, So idk.

My best guess is you have the wrong filter. Verify what tranny you have and specify whether it's an RE or RH and if it's a 44, 46, 47, etc. when you buy one.

IDK hopefully someone else who's done it can help you out

 

He should have a 46RE in his truck.

 

Well if the part#s match and the bolts fit in and the filter fits on nice...I'd just throw it on.

 

I did my filter a lil while ago, 46RE, three holes in the filter

 

Wonder if it varies by brand of filter? I would be REAL hesitant to install a filter that didn't take all the same fasteners as the original.

 

Mine is a 2002 RE and it has 2 bolt holes. Maybe your trans was swapped for a newer unit at some point?

 

i had the same problem but if you look theres a dent IN YOUR FILTER FOR THE BOLT put the bolt in first then the filter. on mine the filter was to deep and wouldnt seat with the pan i returned it and flushed the old filter with gas to clean it out and replaced it