Bad end to a bad year, my trans started slipping and holding in gear on the way to a NYE party, fluid is up to level and just started to smell burnt.

likely no quick/cheap fix, but if you know any let me know...

its my DD 2000 5.9 gas Ram 2500 4x4 ~140k mi

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Some questions for those in the know: (I will be doing swap myself, I would not try to get into the guts of an auto trans myself)

...Funds are very low, suggestions welcome, should I try to afford to get it rebuilt or (looks like I may need to gamble with a salvage yard trans) if a used one, at least the yards give an exchange warranty

-Can I use trans out of 1500 as direct swap?

-Will all years 46re's have have same sensor plug-ins etc. ...

-Is the 46re in 2500s a HD/stronger unit?

-Does it have to be out of a 4x4 truck?
Will a 46re out of a 2wd swap into 4x4 (case the same??) just swap tail housing/shaft?
.. If 2wd trans will work, how much work (special tools etc. to swap tail shaft/housing?

- can I use a 47re from a V-10 or diesel? I think I read the answer is no (??)

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its my daily driver and it will tow a Jeep once in a while
*the label on side of trans is as follows if it matters:
52118 156 495234 1 A5 B2 08/06/99 20.07
VIN: 1B7KF23Z3YJ 134xxx (8800LBS GVWR)

 

What I learned so far here:


-Only use ATF+4 trans fluid

-Don't use the torque converter from old/bad trans (metal shavings etc. can not be flushed out)

-Check valve at radiator trans cooler is a potential problem and gets blocked

-Check valve not needed

-Stock in Radiator cooler may flake off crap inside and cause blockage

-Flush all fluid lines with brake clean and medium pressure air

-That I will likely bypass the factory cooler and check valve and just install a external cooler in front of rad. (bypassing in radiator cooler may not be best for trucks in colder climates)

Edit: mine has a good size factory trans cooler in addition to the in-radiator one between behind A/C condensor, had to look close with flash light..

 

check valve is not needed. i removed mine 2 or 3 years ago.

if you can blow high pressure air through the transmission cooler section of the radiator, then its fine to reuse it. flush the cooler lines also. put a rag or something over the end or you'll have a big mess.

no, you can't use a 47re.

before doing anything drastic, you might try doing a transmission fluid and filter change and remove the check valve. it'll cost you about $50 but you might get lucky. on the other hand you might also find some broken parts in the pan.

 

dhvaughan Thanks,
I may do a fluid change and check flow of the lines/cooler/check valve first (not to sure what to look for under the pan other then obvious broken parts)

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-IF i need to replace, whole trans. anyone know if the 2WD version will work and whats involved? (its easer and cheaper to find used 2WD)

-1/2 ton 1500 trans work in a 2500 with V8?

 

i think? the 2500/5.9 still uses the same crappy 46re as the 1500/5.9 and 5.2
the 2500/v10 and diesel uses the 47re, which won't fit yours.

i don't know that much about transmissions, but i think i remember past member/expert montec saying that the changeover from 2wd to 4wd was fairly involved, so check into it before committing.

 

A 46re is the same no matter what it is installed in whether it is a 1500 or 2500... A 2wd and 4wd are going to be different so you can't not use a 2wd directly in place of a 4wd... That being said... What scares you about rebuilding the transmission itself? I am more then certain that if you take your time and setup a decent area to rebuild the transmission you will find it is easier then you ever thought. Let alone the cost savings to yourself, If you can get the transmission out of the truck, you have done the hard part of the rebuild... Get a complete rebuild kit, and a new TC, and a good manual. Flush the lines and the cooler, keep a clean work area and you will find the transmission rebuild is the easiest part of the job.

A quick search on ebay and I just found this auction "350267862824". Its a genuine Mopar Complete rebuild Kit for your transmission. Get the correct Bands and a new TC.

Before you go thinking that the gremlins will escape from the transmission if you start opening it up....At least purchase a manual like the one in this auction and read through it.. "360189886674 on eBay" Its step by step and detailed. I have a copy here.. You can certainly do the rebuild if you are skilled enough to remove the transmission yourself.

 

96Ram-VMB, Thanks for the info and building my confidence, (but i've been know for taking things apart and regretting it) I have not yet researched whats involved in diy rebuild, do you happen to know if special pullers or tools are needed? I now a good assortment of quality snap ring pliers is a given

good to know on the 2WD version, if it is even do able, I bet you have to pull whole thing apart anyway to change tail shaft, why not just rebuild at that point!


you got me considering a diy rebuild, although the idea does strike a bit of fear in me, if I can find someone with some trans experience to back me up in the process...

now, with digital camera to document positioning/order of parts and being a little wiser I may do it...


...still weighing options (depending on cost of rebuild parts, I may have no choice but salvage)
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wonder if theres a bunch of cash for clunkers 4x4 rams avail? last time I checked the 4wd rams were far and few between

 

Having the right tools makes things easier... There are some tools that would be nice to have while working on your transmission...Slide hammers for pulling the pump would be helpful, but with a couple bolts threaded into the pump you can carefully pull it out with some creativity. The hardest part will be assembling the direct clutch pack.. If you have the money to buy the spring compressor and have access to a small press, it will be easy, but I know a few people who have had nothing more then two c-clamps and patience and assembled the clutch pack. The last thing you will find difficult is installing the pistons. They make installers for this, however I don't own any, and we have been successful by seating the piston as best we could and working the lip of the seal into the bore with a feeler gauge.

Take lots of pictures, you will be glad you did... Another thing that I find nice is having a long table next to the area you are rebuilding in, that way as you disassemble the transmission you can lay out the parts in order that they come. Keep everything clean, and orderly and you will have no problem... My guess at your total cost if you do it will be less then 600 including parts and the manual.

Replace the TC... If you have friction material or metal in your fluid now, you will never be able to clean the TC well enough in order to reuse it... You may not have an issue right away if you re-use it, but it will surely shorten the life of the rebuild, and the saving in the short term will end up costing you down the road with another rebuild kit.

 

Here is a link to a manual for the 42re.. Similar to what you will be doing, It will give you and Idea of what to expect to see as you go..... I would still recommend getting the ATSG manual for your transmission.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/4791235/93...nsmission-42RE

Here is another Link I found while searching... It has some pictures of a 48RE tear down....

http://web.archive.org/web/200703220...eardown_2.html

Where are you located at?

 

edit: $600 range in parts for diy rebuild is doable, is a new torque converter really new? Or are they cut open and rebuilt?
I may also get that Sonnax Sure Cure kit after I check into it more

I'm in the Phoenix/Mesa Arizona area, Fountain Hills

been looking at this screen for ~6 hrs now on this forum "cross eyed"! very helpful and with out the attitude I'm used to with my Jeep/rock crawling addiction on Pirate 4x4, I'll start again tomorrow and monday looking on line and calling
Thanks again for your time