i bought a truck and it doesnt have any of its gears or reverse. i bought it pretty cheep knowing it have to be rebuilt or replaced but i was told that transmissions dont normally loose every gear and reverse. is this a sign of a bigger issue? and what would that issue be? dont want to rebuild it or replace it if its just going to kill all the gears again.

1998 dodge ram 1500 regular cab 4x4, 5.9l engine, 46RE transmission

 

It does happen, more than likely oil pump went south. But gear shift linkage may have issues, low fluid level or sticking manual valve in valve body. Even a broken driveshaft u-joint.

Does it have proper fluid level, gearshift undamaged? And driveline intact?


If 4wd maybe the problem is in the transfer case.

 

Could be the transfer case. Also make sure TC is not in neutral.

 

You got me while I was editing!

 

i checked the fluid and level was good so i dopped the pan and the fluid was really dirty with all kinds of particles in the bottom of it. as i was under it could notice the front seal was leaking pretty bad.

 

Have to rebuild the trans then or get a megaviper. http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dodge.htm

 

thats what i figured. do you know of anywhere i can get the service manuals for a 98 ram and instruction on the trans rebuild?

 

From the faq section here. Grab the 01 manual. It will be pretty much the same thing. There is also J415's trans thread, with links to a couple good walkthru's for rebuilding your trans.

 

thanks i found a good rebuild one and the manual hopefully it wont take too long to rebuild it and get the truck back on the road.

 

Can be done in a weekend. Need a tranny jack and a press.