i have a '97 ram 1500, 5.9 v8, my first dodge. i was told it has a 46re. the trans is finished (too much to explain). anyway i have available a '00 and '01 both from ram 1500s. will either one of these interchange with my original or would i have to make changes to some of the internal electronics? is there any advantage to putting a newer model trans vs. replacing it with the same as the original?
second, if i rebuild my trans. is there a low priced, good quality rebuild kit available or should i invest in a more expensive kit?

 

The 00 and newer transmissions would need to electronics swapped out, along with a retainer for the governor stuff. If your truck is a 4x4, you need a trans out of a 96-97, as the newer ones have no provision for the t-case shifter to mount.

 

so, a 1998-99 would work without any change in the electronics? and what about the rebuild kits: are there any low-priced good quality ones or should u be prepared to pay for a more expensive high quality rebuild kit?

 

I'm into my performance build. I paid $650 for the kit. Just a regular rebuild kit with steels and frictions I've seen under $150 from the different resellers. You'll need access to a shop press. Check out eBay too. Use 46re transmission rebuild kit in the search line. The BIG question is what type of damage you find on teardown.

I've been using this site for my rebuild. This is the first in the series.

 

Here are pictures of what I used for the 2 springs inside. Just a regular steering wheel puller and the other for an "Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compressor". (Use in search for your favorite auction house) If you are working on something like this, have your own 12 or 20 ton press.