A518 Overdrive Questions

[tactransman]

I'll weigh some stuff, that 518 weight is wrong, much much heavier than a 727.

 

[ShelbyDogg]

I can lift a 727.     When I pulled the 518 in the junk yard, I couldn't lift it into the wheelbarrow without my nuts exploding. (insert smiley with exploding balls here)

I had to ask for help.
I have all 3 but I don't think my bathroom scale will survive.

[ragtopdodge]

Going junkyard hunting.

What type of cars/trucks came w/the 518?  I'll be probably just need a lockup for a mild 340 build.

[ntstlgl1970]

Pickups and full size vans with a V8 and overdrive, let me see if I can get an actual list....92 and up I think have the updated output shaft support oiling and more clutch plates. Also I think 96 is when they changed over to the electronic governor which is harder to adapt over vs. the mechanical governor style. Easiest way to tell the difference is the wiring harness. The ones with the electronic governor have a fairly large harness connector that goes through the case (near to where the shift shaft exits) with maybe 10 wires in a 1" round or rectangular connector depending on the model year. TAC would know for sure the prime years to look for.

Oh yeah, if it's in a van, make sure it is a 518, they still offered the 3 speed with the V8's in some models. If you look at it and say gawd dam*, that's a big tranny - then it's the 518 

[PlumCrazyChris]

I think you nailed it, those sound about right.   I've seen plenty of them in vans, nobody seems to look for them there. 

Good luck.

[ntstlgl1970]

Just checked AAIA (Aftermarket parts database) Here is a list of the A518 applications, AAIA doesn't show a 46RH (A518=46R "H"=hydraulic control) after 93, so I think these would be the ideal candidates (unless you wanted a non-lock up version-I'd ask TAC about those). Just for reference:
A518 is the model designation (Same pan configuration as a 727)
46RH better identifies the trans though both ID's are used, you can technically have a A518/46RE.

If you are calling around I would specify you are looking for a 46RH.

4=Number of forward gears
6=Relative torque capacity (higher is better)
R=RWD
H=Hydraulic Control

46RE is all the same except for how the trans is controlled
E=Electronic Control

[PlumCrazyChris]

Does that table list the motors for those applications?

[ntstlgl1970]

Unfortunately no (but we are working on something at work that may end up with an engine to trans database), but if it has the 727 shape pan, it is an A518/46RH or RE. A 360 should just about always have the A518. A 318 can have either a A518 or an A500.

[ragtopdodge]

stupid question:  how can you tell a gas v. diesel 518 (46rh)?  Or does it not matter?

And why not use a 47RH?  Is that even BIGGER than a 46RH?  Or are the dimensions the same?

[ntstlgl1970]

4x4 uses a different output shaft, extension/overdrive housing. You want the 2wd only.
A518 is the same as a 46RH or RE
The A518 part is an engineering part number and/or description, the two designations are somewhat interchangeable.

[tactransman]

47RH/E is a diesel/V-10 only,(different bellhousing shape)
A518/46RH is '90-'95
'96 was the first year for the 46/7RE
lock up's will have three wires on the OD connector


Non lock up's only two.
 

[PlumCrazyChris]

Rob,here is the hole that needs to be there.
The other pics are the updated bearing,bigger is better.

I was hoping that you could repost the photos on page 11 of this thread for this upgrade. 

Thanks,
Chris

[tactransman]

I was hoping that you could repost the photos on page 11 of this thread for this upgrade.

Thanks,
Chris

It is fixed Chris 'ole buddy! 

[PlumCrazyChris]

I went a little different way with my build.  I ended up with a 03 5.7 hemi instead of the pedestrian TBI 318.   So now I'm concerned that the tranny may not hold up too well behind the hemi with a cam. 

I decided to paint the car while I had the motor out, so I have the car stripped to a thousand pieces, and my body/paint shops backed out on me.  So Its sitting at a friends place and I need to find a decent paint shop near Austin Tx,  anyone have any suggestions that put me in the poorhouse?

I don't suppose you can tell via a pressure check if there is enough fluid getting to the OD bearings can ya?  How far do I need to tear down the trans to check to see if it has that hole drilled in the tailshaft?   

Thanks Terry,
Chris

[tactransman]

Chris,all you have to do is pull the OD housing off (leave the "guts" inside of it). You will have the intermediate shaft sticking out of the main case then.