1996 V8 5.9l

I am looking for people that have rebuilt their trans and use their truck for towing.

It's time for a rebuild I have gone down a rabbit hole of researching. I purchased the truck two years ago and have been replacing and fixing little things here and there. I have been towing my travel trailer which is about 6500-7000 lbs. The transmission has a subtle whine more so when I let off the throttle and coasting. It also has issues shifting into hi gear and just recently started to stall (only a couple times) when i would put it into the drive. Research tells me the torque converter is locking up. I have replaced the oil and filter 3 times since I have owned it in efforts this may help and it has, but still not right. I replaced the solenoids, the speed sensor and removed the one way valve drain back valve.

All of these mods have helped, but because I use it to tow, it's still not right.

I am using this truck to tow my travel trailer which is about 6500-7000 lbs.

Before I continue, I will upgrade and upgrade engine parts but nothing crazy. This is what I will do the engine and already did: aluminum radiator, JBA shorty headers, hi-flow 3" cat, exhaust, Harland Sharp 1.7:1 roller rockers or towing cam, k&N drop in air filter

I am in the process of finding parts for this build so far this is what I will use for the build:

Accumulator Piston Kit

MRK DELUXE KIT

Torque Converter
Transmission Heavy Duty 4.2 Ratio Band Lever (Not sure if. this is necessary )

Not sure if I need theseAlto Red Eagle Friction Clutches Kolene Steels

not sure if any these below would be necessary:

Sonnax-ziptransmission

Superior Shift Kit

JR Shift Kit
Again I use this truck to tow a 6500-7000 trailer

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I had my 46RE transmission rebuilt a few years ago for towing and it has done quite well since the rebuild. I had a local transmission rebuilder perform the rebuild for me and discussed some thoughts I had with him on how to beef up this transmission, since it is essentially a Chrysler 727 transmission with overdrive and electronic solenoids added to it to work with the PCM.

The rebuilder added clutches to the direct drum and overdrive for greater holding power and improved internal oiling capabilities. He removed the plastic pistons and used the billet pistons that you have noted in your upcoming build. As an FYI, some of the hard parts from the 47RE/48RE can be used in the 46RE, such as the planetary gears, etc. For the torque converter, please talk with Precision of New Hampton, IA about their RV converters with the billet back (5444HDRV). They provided me one with a stahl speed just a bit lower than stock to put a bit more load on the engine for better towing. I also installed a deep cast aluminum transmission pan for better cooling, along with a transmission cooler (not sure if your truck is a 1500/2500/3500?, as some came with transmission coolers). You will need the Sonnax kit, plus one shift kit. I used the shift kit from TransGo. We also used JPZ clutches in lieu of Alto Reds. Also, opted for the thicker, heavy duty band struts to minimize possible breakage. Lastly, please ensure that you use all new solenoids/electronics as part of the rebuild (make sure that they match for your year truck), too. Hope you find this information helpful..

 

I contacted "Precision of New Hampton, IA" they no longer sell to the public, but the thanks for the tips.
Much appreciated

 

In the Monte C's trans corner thread, on like page 6, I think, he has a parts list there for a member that wanted to rebuild his trans for towing. Wouldn't be a bad place to start. Keep in mind, some of those are duplicates, depending on the year of your trans.

That said, rumor has it, 47 or 48R? parts will fit inside the 46 case..... Six pinion planetaries and such. That would be rather stout.

 

Yes, they absolutely do fit in the 46RE...

 

Interesting. I was not aware of that change of doing business... I wonder why, unless they started having bad experiences with individuals, etc..

 

Here is my post on parts. Get a low stall torque converter.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...build-kit.html
Sonnax Zip Kit, they don't make the Sure Cure Kit any more, from an email I sent and received from the company. Have you watched the "Yes you can" transmission rebuild on You Tube?
I used the 4.2 ratio in mine. Have you changed the gears in the axle/s yet?

 

Just curious, Do you turn OFF the overdrive while towing?

 

When towing heavy loads, I do. If I'm towing an empty trailer, I sometimes leave it on since my OD unit was beefed up a bit along with the extra capacity fluid and cooler.

 

My truck has the 47RE, (V-10...) when I went and got my John Deere, I left it in overdrive. The trailer and tractor together were probably around 1200 pounds..... The truck barely noticed it was there.