New guy with tranny questions for 1998 and 2000 overdrive automatic.

[Kelly B.A.]

Hello,new guy with project  questions.I was advised to ask here I have a 1998 3500 ram van (5.9 auto overdrive) that I got to do an install in a 1973 Dodge Challenger. I also have a 2000 3500 with same setup.I was under the impression I had the same 518 that guys have been shaving the case for e-body install.I was tearing down the 1998  when I found that the trannys do not look the same(1st thing I saw was the speed sensor? vs the speedo cable).So what am I in for?And what tranny do I have. More info on my 1973 Challenger project 5.9 auto overdrive post in members restoration projects area. Sorry the photos are from my cell,and the sun comming through the window does not help.Mabe the man-upstairs was trying to tell me something.Anyone shed any more light on this?
Thanks,Brad.

[tactransman]

You have the computer shifted 46RE ('96 and up) not the 518 ('90 to '95). It requires a computer to develop governor pressure to shift. It is not the kind recommended for an E body transplant. (more work and money required for the transplant)

[Kelly B.A.]

Is mine harder to fit in(cutting crossmember) or is it all the computer stuff the issue?

[tactransman]

'puter stuff is the issue.

[dodge freak 2]

Really nice of Mopar to make the stuff so user friendly.

Its like the same name but not the same company as before, Mopars were so easy to work with...take like T stat gaskets, same gasket decade after decade..seems like once it was changed in the late 70's Mopar started its downhill slide...

Sorry for getting off topic   

[Kelly B.A.]

If this trans fits (shaving the case) and the computer crap is the issue,and I was hell bent on doing this,it could happen then?I will have to do more homework,before I make any moves. I have the running,driving,shifting,98 van so if I saved all the right stuff it should work.I might have to get a factory manual(on the van),for wires and things.Thanks for the help,any more info on this project?(like run away)

[tactransman]

Just an FYI.Mopar HAD to go to computer shifted in '96 and OBD2 (Feds said so)

[dodge freak 2]

It seems like the GM overdrive trans are easier to work with, computers can be replaced with a switch...or are there just more parts for them since more people have Chevy's

[tactransman]

The computer for the GM 4L60-E cannot be replaced with a switch. The GM 4L60-E has even more computer controlled components then the 46RE.

[dodge freak 2]

I was thinking of the 700 and 200 GM overdrive trans.

True today everything is run by computers. Those 6 speed auto trans sound nice until you see how complex it be to use. 

[Kelly B.A.]

Not having any luck with finding info on the 46re swap.If I get this going,down the road are my engine mods limited(to stock 5.9) due to computer contol of the tranny? Could a stock 383 or 440 work with it?
I know about the GM-tranny swap but,I do not want to go down that route.(I think it would be cooler to keep it in the family)

[tactransman]

The 46RE only comes in the small block bellhousing. You can get an adapter bellhousing,and you cut the stock bell from the case,but it isn't simple or cheap. There is a thread on that on here as well.

[Kelly B.A.]

Some places sell an adapter plate for the bellhouseing and new flex plate to convert some trans/eng combos,is this way "wrong" in any way?
I doubt I would convert to a BB on this project,just so I know.
I just want to get this 5.9 and 46re in and running.
I know this is kinda off topic,but with the 5.9 stock and the OD what gear 3.91? Is 4.10 too much,if I want to cruise at 65-75mph on 4hr trips? I feel with the small block and the 5.9 being stock that rear gear will make a larger change then with my previous BB engs.Then again Mabe 3.55?
I have time on that I guess,just thought I would get some advise.

[tactransman]

Here is the thread on the BB bellhousing.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=25669.0

Edit: I see it is a 47RE so talk to ntstlgl1970 about the computer set up. 

[dodge freak 2]

Well I don't get this "in the family" talk. Mopar--the old Mopar died off long ago, the name is the same but nothing else--from the ground up just about-different engineers designing products to different bosses to different ways of thinking.

So I would look to the easiest way of going about it, if you need an adapter plate than all trans makes are open, IMO

Its too bad I feel there is not a aftermarket auto trans like Richman has for standard trans...OD, no computer--pick of lock up or non lock up converters.

I would buy it if price was right. My ignition-engine parts, the rear end gears, brake pads are all aftermarket so why not the trans too?