Hi Fellas,

I have a 2001 1500 5.9L 4x4 46RE transmission that isn't kicking into 4th gear. I just replaced the solenoid and governor and 3-4 accumulator spring on the valve body but here's my problem. It wasn't locking into park before I did this repair work and upon trying to get everything back together I discovered what I believe to be a broken overdrive clutch snap ring. Can anyone confirm what I'm seeing here? I haven't attempted to jam everything together and test drive it yet. Better pictures to follow as I have a snake cam on the way.

Broken snap ring? OD unit housing

 

That snap ring is a common failure point. I do believe the spring it holds in place is pretty fierce though, so, need a press to replace it.

 

Do you believe there is any chance I could potentially get a a skinny long pair of needle nose pliers and push it back and it temporarily fall back into place or even potentially attempt to rip it out? What would you guys advise? I'm also aware it is held together by an 800lbs spring and you need a press to open it up and work on it. I was hoping I could maybe get luck for the time being and tinker with it and maybe ride it for a bit?

 

Nope. Notta chance. You won't be able to exert enough force to push it back in there. Best option is to drop the o/d unit, for a much easier repair.

 

*deleted because it posted twice by mistake*

 

I appreciate the advice. Here's an update. I was able to pull the piece out that was obstructing the parking lever and got it to move into position correctly but also identified the other piece above it as well. I highly doubt it'll engage into over drive but I was going to put everything back together and see how it functioned. Worst come to worst, I'll turn OD off for now until I can repair or replace the OD unit. Thoughts?

Also are 46RE OD units interchangeable between 2wd and 4wd? I'm aware the housings are different and are not compatible but was wondering if I could extract the gear assembly out of a 2wd unit and put in in the 4wd housing?

 

Remove the OD unit and get a new snap ring, Take it to a trans shop or someone who has a press and replace it.
This is for a rebuild but it will show the spring and how to change it.

 

2 and 4 wheel drive o/d units are not interchangeable. The case is different, as is the output shaft.