Transmission Identification

[Cudajason]

Hey guys...

One of the mods that I want to do to my cuda is to install an overdrive transmission.  I want to go with an early 46RH 2pin non-lockup (which I have read are available in 1988 Thru 1992).

I recently found a 91 dodge ram at a local wreakers, is there any way to confirm that the trans in the truck is a 46RH overdrive trans.  Did all 91 trucks come with an overdrive trans? The gear shifter on the column does not indicate overdrive, jus the usual 1 2 D pattern.

Any help would be appreciated.

Jason

[MoparDave]

Not from what I see.
listed in the parts book
A727-998-999
A500(904 style pan)  A518 (727 style Pan) which are the over drive trans.

[Cudajason]

Not from what I see.
listed in the parts book
A727-998-999
A500(904 style pan)  A518 (727 style Pan) which are the over drive trans.

Crap.

Thanks for looking at that @MoparDave

I guess the only way to confirm which trans it is would be to get underneath and look at it.

[1 Wild R/T]

Yes you can tell them apart fairly easily....  Pan shape will tell you if you have a 727/518/618 or a 904/999/500....   The 727/518/618 has a kickout on the passenger side for the dipstick... 

Next a 500/518/618 has an overdrive section hanging off the back so where as a 727/904/999 gets narrow at the rear the O/D makes the 500/518/618 quite bulky...

And to determine if it's a lock up convertor or not check for a two wire vs three wire connector on the drivers side behind the shift shaft location...

[Cudajason]

Yes you can tell them apart fairly easily....  Pan shape will tell you if you have a 727/518/618 or a 904/999/500....   The 727/518/618 has a kickout on the passenger side for the dipstick... 

Next a 500/518/618 has an overdrive section hanging off the back so where as a 727/904/999 gets narrow at the rear the O/D makes the 500/518/618 quite bulky...

And to determine if it's a lock up convertor or not check for a two wire vs three wire connector on the drivers side behind the shift shaft location...

Thanks man that is very helpful! 

now does any one now if the gear selector on that era of trucks or vans would indicate OD?

Jason

[1 Wild R/T]

I've pulled 518's out of vans with no O/D showing on the shifter.....  Gonna be doing one this weekend.... Roller 360, 308 heads, 518 non-Lock-up... 55K miles... Old wheelchair van.... Free....  Gonna make a nice swap for a buddies Challenger....

[RUNCHARGER]

My 92 had an OD switch on the dash, not sure about 91.

[1 Wild R/T]

I agree, normally an O/D switch on the dash, but no O/D on the shifter & I've stripped a few old City of Turlock vans with no switch but still had the 518...

BTW I never have understood why everyone wants the two wire non-lockup over the three wire lockup unit...  With a lockup you can get a loose convertor but when you lock it the stall is all gone so the trans runs cooler & the vehicle mileage improves......

[MoparLeo]

Here is an old link I had.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2006/07/Chrysler-A-518-Overdrive-Transmission/1301453.html
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=84774.0

[Cudajason]

Thanks fellas, great info here.

I agree, normally an O/D switch on the dash, but no O/D on the shifter & I've stripped a few old City of Turlock vans with no switch but still had the 518...

BTW I never have understood why everyone wants the two wire non-lockup over the three wire lockup unit...  With a lockup you can get a loose convertor but when you lock it the stall is all gone so the trans runs cooler & the vehicle mileage improves......

From what I understand the non-lock up trans alow for a greater selection of torque converters, or the use of your existing one.  For me that would be great as I have a 727 lock up  and the torque converter selection is slim.  Goignt he non lock up rout would allow me to upgrade my torque converter to match my engine combo.

I've pulled 518's out of vans with no O/D showing on the shifter.....  Gonna be doing one this weekend.... Roller 360, 308 heads, 518 non-Lock-up... 55K miles... Old wheelchair van.... Free....  Gonna make a nice swap for a buddies Challenger....

Free...Free, how come I never find those deals!  Have fun!

Here is an old link I had.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2006/07/Chrysler-A-518-Overdrive-Transmission/1301453.html
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=84774.0

Thanks @MoparLeo the first link I have not seen, very helpful.  The second I am intimately familiar with!

I guess I need to take a trip back to the wrecking yard and see if I can figure out what transmission is in that truck.  Not much room under the truck but I can figure something out.

This place only wants $125 bucks for the trans, which is the cheapest I have seen!

Jason

[1 Wild R/T]

BTW I never have understood why everyone wants the two wire non-lockup over the three wire lockup unit...  With a lockup you can get a loose convertor but when you lock it the stall is all gone so the trans runs cooler & the vehicle mileage improves......

From what I understand the non-lock up trans alow for a greater selection of torque converters, or the use of your existing one.  For me that would be great as I have a 727 lock up  and the torque converter selection is slim.
[/quote]

FWIW Summit shows convertors from 1000 rpm stall up to 3200....   If you want more call any convertor manufacturer.... I've seen a 4500 claimed stall with L/U...

[Cudajason]

BTW I never have understood why everyone wants the two wire non-lockup over the three wire lockup unit...  With a lockup you can get a loose convertor but when you lock it the stall is all gone so the trans runs cooler & the vehicle mileage improves......

From what I understand the non-lock up trans alow for a greater selection of torque converters, or the use of your existing one.  For me that would be great as I have a 727 lock up  and the torque converter selection is slim.

FWIW Summit shows convertors from 1000 rpm stall up to 3200....   If you want more call any convertor manufacturer.... I've seen a 4500 claimed stall with L/U...
[/quote]

I stand corrected.  Not the first time my understanding was incorrect!   

[1 Wild R/T]

[

FWIW Summit shows convertors from 1000 rpm stall up to 3200....   If you want more call any convertor manufacturer.... I've seen a 4500 claimed stall with L/U...

I stand corrected.  Not the first time my understanding was incorrect!   

Your not the only one....And with all the wrong info out there'll slow to change... For whatever reason here in Moparland guys resist technology & spread the word that technology is bad... I'll admit Chryslers first attempts at lock up convertors were poorly executed, the control was all hydraulic & created shuddering issues... but having it electrically controlled eliminated the issues....
Guys with GM & Ford products have enjoyed the improvements in mileage & drivability for many years.. We should try to catch up...