Just overhauled a 46RE in a 99 1500 4x4. This isn't the first one I've done, I actually know these transmissions quite well.

However, reverse is almost non existent. It slips terribly. It goes through all the other gears flawlessly, no slippage or issues whatsoever. After a little troubleshooting, I determined the problem has to be in the rear band or servo assembly, because I have no engine braking in manual low either.

Unfortunately, the rear servo air tests fine and the band seems to be doing it's job. I cannot find an issue anywhere in the circuit, I even tore the valve body back down again to look for an issue.

The only test I have not conducted is a pressure test on the servo because I do not have a set of gauges.

Does anyone have any ideas of something I may be overlooking? It can't be an issue with the direct clutch or front clutch because I have no issues with the forward drive ranges.

The transmission was built stock/heavy duty with Alto replacement clutches/steels (extras where I could put them), Kevlar front and rear bands, Fairbanks shift kit, new converter, and a new direct clutch snap ring. There was no issue with reverse before the overhaul.

Right now it's looking like I will have to take a loss on the job and bring it to a local transmission shop. The customer is home on leave from the Navy and has to report back in Connecticut in two days.

 

Is the band clamping? The actuator link is prone to falling off and laying on top of VB.

 

Im having the same problem but with problems in third also did you figure it out?

 

I had same issue pulled it and tore it down 4 times trying to find the problem, what it ended up being was the new direct od steel plates was .015 thinner than the factory steels . Factory measured .065 the new one measured .050 I installed the old steels and works great. Hope this helps

 

I have seen then sold my truck, but I figured out when i bought a replacement drum since the band had worn a deep grove into the old one that the used drum was not rebuilt like they said and after pulling it apart found they left 1 of the seals out of it and it didn't have and fluid pressure to engage the drum and spin the gears.

 

I'm having the same issue 😕 I just replaced the ecu in my 5.2 dodge 1500 4x4 bc it wasn't sending the correct voltage to my transmission and it would slip really bad going into 4th gear now it runs flawless except in reverse ive never had a problem with reverse at all...have you learned anything from the issue you have dealt with?

 

11 year old thread!
Test pressure and see if you have enough pressure at the rear servo. If so then i would take a look inside to see if it's a mechanical issue.
https://atracom.blob.core.windows.ne...0/2000_154.pdf