Can anyone offer some advice to a DIY mechanic with limited tranny knowledge? I’ve just installed a newly rebuilt A518 46RH into my 1990 Dodge Ram B250. Removing
the stock A500 tranny which I wrecked towing in OD. I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to tow in OD! 😩

Only issue I had during install was that the control link arms for shifting and kick down didn’t seem to line up again. The bracket on the tranny that receives the pivot rod for the control arm (poor description) was set at a different height so we used the bracket off the A500. Things are lining up better but I’m wondering if I need to get hold of linkage arms from a van that was originally built with the A518 from factory?

Anyway, first road test highlighted not enough fluid, it wasn’t holding in 1st (rolling backwards) and slipping/jumping between 1st and
2nd. Another litre of fluid and this was instantly fixed. Sorted! Job well done! Not yet!

After driving for around 30mins, I’ll try and explain what happens.

It won’t engage 1st or reverse without applying some rpm. Rolling backwards like before. It doesn’t feel/sound like slipping though. It’s like some sort of lag. Once you’re on the move, all seems to OK.

Oh! Meant to say, setting the filler tube was a little tricky as the bracket on the A518 was set at a different height to the A500. So we’re not 100% on the correct oil level. We’ve added another litre of oil (so we reckon it’s got between 9-10 quarts now). Runs perfectly when cold, then this issue returns.

Can anyone offer any advice?

 

Check fluid level with engine warm, trans in neutral. Checking in park will give you an artificially high reading.

 

Thanks. All fluid level checks have been done as you describe.

 

@HeyYou!
Any other ideas?

Thanks
J

 

Who rebuilt the trans?

I suspect you may still be a bit low on fluid..... I think it holds 12 quarts or more...... Can you score the correct dipstick/tube, and the brackets for various linkages, and swap 'em out?

 

Thanks. Supplied by FVAutomotive (North Carolina). Who still haven’t replied to my emails asking for help.

Really.... 12 quarts? I thought it was 9-10? That could be the answer. I’ve asked my parts guy to try and source me new linkages for a A518 a couple of weeks ago. Not heard back yet.

 

HeyYou, I checked online. Can’t see 12 quarts mentioned, seems to be talk of around 8-9 quarts from dry or 4 quarts for a filter change.

We’ve disconnected the kickdown in case it was set wrong and causing an issue through the gears. Made no difference at all.

When coasting in drive there’s some friction almost like very slight intermittent braking. Same in neutral but really subtle.

 

Think ya need to right dipstick to get the correct level. I see a discrepancy between the 46RH, and RE models..... information isn't easy to come by for fluid capacity.... But, it seems right around 12 for the RH, but, closer to 15 or so for the RE...... (for an empty trans.)

 

My question would be, Did you have a 44RH transmission before and installed a 46RH? Those are two different transmission. Or do you have a 46RE transmission. The RH transmission could have a sticking governor.