Hey, I’m pretty savvy with working on cars and bikes. I have some pretty horrifying noises coming from under the vehicle. It sounds like something is empty but I checked everything under the hood. That lead me to information about the transfer case.

i bought a 2001 5.9 1500 Ram Laramie….After research, I think my transmission is the 46RE. Where is the drain plug located? I checked were the drive shaft meets the transmission and I didn’t see any plugs. From my understand, this is the 2WD…. Please Help.

 

From the factory, there is no drain plug in the 46RE transmission. You must put a large pan under the transmission pan and slowly unbolt the transmission pan to drain the fluid out of the pan/transmission. Once the fluid is drained, you can look up into the transmission to see if anything is amiss. Just FYI, 2WD trucks don't have a transfer case - they only exist on 4WD trucks and the transfer case is bolted to the back of the transmission. They also have a front driveshaft to turn the front differential in a 4WD truck. There is a drain plug at the rear of the transfer case.

You can download the factory service manual for your year truck via this link for more information - https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html

As an FYI, you can install an aftermarket transmission pan that has a drain plug on it. There are several available for the 46RE transmission via Amazon.com or you can add a drain plug to your existing transmission pan.

 

You don't have a transfer case on a 2wd. If your transmission is empty, you won't go anywhere. More than likely you either have an empty rear end, in which case there is (usually) a rubber plug on the back of the differential. Pop it out and fill with gear lube until it runs out. Then out the plug back. If you're hearing a rattle, you my have a bad universal joint on the driveshaft. Sometimes, but not always, you will hear a "clunk" going from drive to reverse and back. Other rattles can be front end parts like worn tie rod ends or sway bar end links. I've even found old muffler clamps rattling on the exhaust system.

 

Thanks. This was super useful! I will be checking the oil in the rear differential very soon.

 

Good deal. Thanks. I bought this used truck a few months ago and it’s finally time to workout all the kinks…🫠