I have 97 Ram 1500 4x4, 5.9l. (Extended Cab & Long Bed... just in case it makes any difference.)

My transmission (supposed to be a 46re if I understand correctly) went out and I found another one on Craigslist for a good price that I couldn't pass up. I was told that it as well was a 46re, and that it came from a 98 Ram 1500 5.9 4x4, short bed) and that it'd swap right out.

I removed the old transmission and quickly noticed a difference. Below is a pic of them side by side... with the dirty one as the one I just pulled. It still has the transfer case attached.

The tail of the "new" one is several inches longer, and I also noticed that one of the connectors is different. Is there any way to confirm that either tranny is a 46re, or are not all 46re trannies created equal? Or is there maybe at least a way to find out what the "new" tranny actually came out of? I heard there was way to figure it out with the serial number on the side, but I got lost on that trail. Thanks for any help...

 

Is the bolt pattern the same?

 

Yes sir... they sure look like it.

 

I don't know a whole lot about the auto's other than they suck... Maybe someone else will be able to point you in the right direction.

 

Ok, thanks Wombat...

 

I'm thinking you have one out of a 2wd. I just quickly looked around, so not 100% sure. One of the 2wd guys should take a peak underneath.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-46re-awd.html



edit: Might want to see if this is an impact based on year.

http://ramchargercentral.com/parts-c...compatability/

Another reference: http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/Ramspecs.htm

 

Thanks... but I think I found the issue... or at least part of it.

I figured out how to calculate the date out of the PK#, and have found that the new tranny was built in 1994, which I'm thinking means that it's a 46rh.

I checked the date on the current transmission and it shows to be made in 97, so at least the right one was in there.

I guess it's time to go post a 46rh to Craigslist...

 

I still thought they were the same length though... I was thinking that it might be a 2wd too, but didn't want to mislead.

 

that looks like the 46 rh 2wd with the extention housing

 

2wd extension housing tapers down toward the end. Both of those are 4wd.