Hello guys I currently have 98 2nd gen 2500 gas 5.9 SLT. Automatic trans.
I’ve came across a 99 2nd Gen 1500 SLT 5 speed trans. I do not know what trans is currently in the 1500 i know the trans in mine is a 46re.
My question for y’all is if the trans would work in my truck with just parts from that truck. Or if I would need to get into the insides of the trans to make it work on my truck or tune the computer etc... I’ve always wanted a 5 speed in my truck is why I ask. As we all know the power in these trucks is at higher rpms. An would love to have the ability to move up local hills a lot quicker an easier.

 

A few things here:
1: The power in these trucks are made at lower RPM (over 4k and you actually start to lose power)
2: that manual is a NV3500 and was not made to last behind a 360 (5.9L gas) or will bolt up and everything bur it won't last long due to the extra torque
3: the right trans for your truck is a NV4500 (gas not diesel as the bell housing is different) the only 360 to have a standard is the 2500 model in the Rams. So look for a 2500 manual 360
A simple way to tell is if it had a removable bell housing then it's a 4500
Also some can swap without a tune to the computer (will get a check engine light) others said it will not run without the tune (actually called a flash)
Hope this helps

 

Not made to last? Hahaha it will last just fine behind the 360 as we're talking a mere 30 torque difference. The idea is that the truck would get overloaded and worked heavy being in a 2500 thus the 360 was paired with a 4500. There are many swaps out there for the 3500 with the 360 and built 350s running just fine. (The GM version is the 3550). The trans was built as a strong driving trans, not a strong towing trans. It is pretty even between gearing and needs to start in 1st. The 4500 is a tow monster with iron case and granny gear. But it also craps its 5th gear notoriously. NV4500s are nearly impossible to find, too.

There are detailed swap threads with pedals, flash, where to cut the floor, etc. if you search google they may show up. It is a very common swap.

 

That 30 torque will grenade that trans ask me how I know

 

Yeah, okay. So for the past 20 years, I've been using my truck for 252,000 miles with the trans on the verge of "grenading"? And all the added power mods and heavy tires and hard towing was just what, a mere miracle I didn't 'grenade' in the middle of nowhere? The trans can definitely handle 30 more torque. If yours didn't, it was because of something else you did. We aren't driving around with barely capable vehicles. Sheesh.

 

I bought the transmission used it blew up. Had a shop rebuild it (wouldn't give me a warranty because even they said it will grenade itself). What do you know 2 weeks later was towing 2 cars on my trailer and bam transmission failed. Now I own a NV4500

 

I suspect the '2 cars on my trailer' may have had something to do with it...... The NV3500 NEVER came in anything heavier than a half ton truck, and two cars and a trailer would be WAY beyond most any half-ton trucks tow rating...... Not really surprised the trans didn't like it.

 

Point there but it still blew up the first time with normal driving. First I lost 1 then nothing. I want even heavy with the skinny pedal

 

My buddy has a 4500 in his truck. I’m pretty envious about it but I don’t tow much of anything so... I have a 46RE. I’m thinking about finding another 46RE from a junkyard and just rebuilding it.. just to say I did it But I know it has to be from another 98.

I have probably watched over 20 hours of video on rebuilding the 46RE and 48re? Honestly... as far as transmissions go it doesn’t look TERRIBLE. Still a pain in the *** but could be fun if you’re doing it at your own pace and not frantically trying to get it up because it’s your daily. Y’all ever re-build your own? Surprised you never did Mopar.

Good luck on your swap!!

 

I did 2 auto rebuilds in my life. The first one I had no guidance and set everything in order and reversed it. Second time I had a book and my father helping me (he never did one before that but is real good sy figuring stuff out). They aren't a pain to do, where I get lost is parts, by that I mean upgrading stuff I don't know enough to know what needs upgraded or what brand is the best.