Looks like a great platform for boost then. Even running mild boost, it will REALLY wake up the motor.

 

That's what I was thinking.

Now if only I could get a modern 5 or 8 speed transmission jammed in there . Although the 46re might not be that awful if I get in there and tune the shifting patterns a bit. Since I put a shift kit in it it's not a slow shifter, it's just got a weird/annoying shift schedule.

 

I looked into doing just that.... (replacing the 46RE with something with more gears....) It is definitely doable, but, cost prohibitive. Couple thousand dollars just for the controller, then you need to buy the trans..... Really doesn't matter what trans you try and use either...... Manual swap is MUCH cheaper/easier..... but, due to health problems, a manual trans is a no-go for me.

 

I thought about doing a Hemi swap since I could get a complete engine/trans/pcm combo and could use HPTuners to run it with the stock PCM. I have seen someone else do this, and they reported that it was actually a fairly easy swap...but they did it in a 2wd truck, and I'm doubtful that the 545rfe would bolt to my transfer case AND keep it the correct distance away from the front axle so the driveshaft could be retained. Once you start paying for custom driveshafts all bets are off.

Plus, you have to use the Dakota gauge cluster to interface with the PCM...and I just don't like the look of that cluster haha.

The 46re always just feels so...sluggish. Also can't handle towing in overdrive, which means wicked high rpms on the freeway when pulling a trailer, not a fan of that. That, and it's very inefficient and sucks a lot of power, or at least appears to based on dyno results I've seen.

 

Didn't they use the same T-case in some of the newer trucks? Or did that change too??? On a quick search, I can't come up with anyone showing dimensions of the various transmissions.....

 

Looks like my truck would have an NV231HD. A 2005 ram 1500 according to rock auto would have an NV243 or NV 244. Need to do more looking on dimensions and bolt patterns between the two. Obviously the newer ones are electronically (or vacuum) operated. I like my manual T case engagement.

 

Yeah. Me too.... The lever on the floor ALWAYS works, and I have never had one fail. The same can't be said for the electronic shift fellers..... I never thought that was a good idea.....

 

I'm almost done with my Hemi swap. My 241 bolted right up to it.

 

Some 1500 came with a manual shift transfer case my 04 did
Except for the vacuum lol. My Dad's 06 1500 won't engage 4wd if you are moving (even though it's suppose to). You have to give it gas AND it will bang into 4wd and you have to stop to get out of 4wd

 

Wait, so you're saying a hemi with a 545rfe bolted up in place of the 5.9 and 46re without the need for custom driveshafts or an adapter between trans and transfer case?

A hemi swap would be WAY cheaper than a supercharger and I'd get the better transmission to go with it.