I'm doing some maintenance on my 1998 1500 Sport QC, 5.2L, 46re, and found this stuck to the magnet. Anybody have an idea what it is? I lost 2nd gear a couple of months ago, so was using the throttle to control the up-shift to 3rd, and thought it was worth taking a look inside before I took the truck in to the tran$mi$$ion $hop.

No metal shavings, no burned fluid, just slightly less than clear - but this has me wondering. This is only my 2nd post on the forum, so apologies if I started a thread I *shouldn't* have!

http://s884.photobucket.com/user/lwi...tml?sort=3&o=0

 

That's the band anchor, no wonder you don't have second gear. It goes between the end of the adjustment screw and the band. put it back on, adjust, and you'll have second again.
There's a strut on the other end of the band, make sure it's in place.

 

Awesome! Arde, thanks so much! Know where I can find a photo so I can stick it back where it belongs? Do I have to remove anything else besides the pan and filter?

 

I found something on another forum with a couple of photos, but I'm not so sure about how deep I have to go into my transmission - looks like I am going to be pulling my valve body and then some. Kinda out of my league here - guess I get to learn something new.

 

There's some photos here someplace, you'll have to do some searching to find them. Nope, don't have to remove anything else to put it back on. Just back off the adjustment screw near the front of the trans. on the drivers side after loosening the lock nut enough to get it back on. But like I said, make sure the strut on the other end of the band is in place.
You can download a factory service manual in the FAQ/DIY section.

 

Yeah, should have added you need to remove the valve body. It's all really simple and straight forward. If it's been like that for two months, that struts probably laying on top of the valve body. Make sure you use an lbs/inch torque wrench for the adjustment and reassembly.

 

Yep! Really tight quarters to reach the solenoid and the valve body throttle levers. Thanks - I found another thread about a shift kit that had some good photos. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-46rh-re.html

Just nervous about screwing something up! Probably good prep for doing the timing chain and the kegger fix/mod.