Forums
Forum Tools
|
 |
00:13:10 - 12/20/2024
V8 Dakotas
| From | Message |
gotte
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/15/2002
18:28:45
|
 Subject: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey! Was just wondering if any ones ever done a coversion on a 94 dakota, my trans just doesn't seem to want to hold up under the ponies. Is there a heavier duty trans that will bolt up and work, other than the A 500? Really need some help here, love my truck and wanna fix it right this time. Thanks ,, gotte
|
slow2dak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/16/2002
11:04:37
|  RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
what motors in you truck? other than the A500 you could use an A518 or switch to a 46RE.
|
Gen II Geoff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/17/2002
22:15:29
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
I think that you would need a different PCM to run the 46-RE.
I put a 318 in my 95 dak and had to replace the trans within a month of the swap. I originaly kept the A-500 (42-RH) but I knew it wasn't going to hold up. I had a 46 RH built up and put it in with a friend's help in about 4 hours. It took so long because I also installed a trans cooler and broke one of the OE cooler lines while removing it. This transmission is better in every way than the a-500 which I also had built up and would never consider going back.
Everything bolted right up for me except for the trans cooler lines which I had to replace anyways. One of them would have fit, but it was cracked so I replaced both. The dipstick tube is bent differently, but I believe the tube from the 42 rh will read the correct level if you decide to mount it to something other than the bell housing.
Hope this helps
Gen II Geoff
|
gotte
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/21/2002
22:23:41
|  RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey, do I understand you correctly? An RH 46 will bolt up in my 91 dakota 5.2? There are several junkyards in my area, most with some knowledgable people, but not one person could tell me if another tranny would bolt up and/or work. Can you or anyone else confirm this? I just know, if I keep the RH42 "A500" Im probably gonna have more probs in the future, especially if I go through the motor w/ my secret recipe. Thanks, gotte
|
Gen II Geoff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/22/2002
02:31:12
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm not sure when they switched from the pre-mags to the magnum engines. But, The 46-rh bolted up to my 1995 318 with no problem. I had to get a different torque converter, and cooling lines but those were the only two problems I ran into. I would also suggest installing a trans cooler while you're at it. You should get a new dipstick tube also, but the one from the 42-rh should read correctly allthough it will not bolt up to the bellhousing.
I haven't regretted putting the 46-rh in my truck yet, and I beat the crap out of it every time I drive. I've had it for 6 months which is longer than a 42-rh has ever lasted me, and it still chirps the tires on the 1-2 shift every time.
Hope this helps,
Geoff
|
gotte
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/23/2002
20:40:35
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
when you did this swap, did you go fuel injected or carburator? Isn't the trans,- computer controlled? Did the electrical plug match? Any computer mods? If you could touch upon these things it would help me out, "I need lots"
Thanks
|
91DakotaFreak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/24/2002
00:43:36
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
they swapped from pre mag to mag in 1992 yhr 91 was the odd ball GenII
|
Gen II Geoff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/24/2002
14:01:47
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
The only part of the transmission that is electronically controlled is the o/d solenoid. I had to use the speed sensor from my 42rh and I believe there was one other sensor on there, but I don't remember what. Either way, All I changed is the speed sensor. and all of the connectors worked on the new transmission. Whatever PCM you have now, should work with the new transmission. I ran both the 42 and 46 rh on my same pcm and there were no problems
I do not remember for which years, but chrysler did put out a TSB because there was a bad compression fitting on the rearward cooler line on the trans. You may want to check with your dealer to see if that applies. Anyways, all it involves is removing the quick disconnect fitting from the trans and screwing in a threaded fitting.
The 46-rh is quite a bit heavier than the 42 rh and it is bigger around, but the bellhousing is the same and the length was also. Someone told me that there are two different lengths of tailshafts for the trans, but I have only seen one so I can't verify this concern. I would measure before you pull out your 42 just so you don't have any unexpected downtimes.
I pulled the 42 out by myself, but I had to get some bigger friends to help put the 46 in. I don't know what the weight difference is, but I couldn't get it on the jack by myself. I'm a scrawney 18 year old computer nerd though, so it may be easier for you. Either way it's good to have a friend there just in case.
I really don't remember if I changed the torque converter or not but somebody else on here should be able to help with that. Even if it's not necessary, I wish I would have put a higher stall converter in when I did the trans.
Like I said before, get a distick tube for the v8/46-rh, An auxillary trans cooler would be recomented, and check on the tsb for the cooler line fittings
Let me know if you need any more info.
Geoff
|
Gen II Geoff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/24/2002
14:12:01
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
Oh yeah, Gotte,
I have a 1995 Dakota and live in the part of Wisconsin where emissions are strictly enforced so I had to go with fuel injection. Even if it wasn't required I would have anyways just for fuel economy reasons. When driving from school to home on the weekends I got about 12 mpg with the six and I get about 15-16 with the v8.
My 318 came from a 96 ram I got the computer and wiring from a similar truck. I've done a little work to the engine including, Kieth Black aluminum pistons 9.5:1 compression, street strip cam, 1.6:1 roller rockers, self ported and polished tb, open air filter, relocated IAT sensor, high flow cat and muffler.
It's pretty quiet, but sounds really freaking mean when I stomp on it with the catco cat and TFX split rear exhaust. I wish it were louder, but what can ya do?
Any way about it, putting the 46-rh was the best thing I've done for my truck.
Geoff
|
gotte
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/24/2002
19:32:30
|  RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
Man! I really apreciate the info, its hard to come by this stuff on Chrysler products. I know all the ins and outs on GM/chevy, but a pure idiot when it comes to my dodge. Its kinda wierd, I can adjust my front band and it'll work for a few weeks, then start its crap again, adjust, ok for another few weeks. I adjusted it so many times, Ive had to lengthen the aduster screw a bit,,, hey, its been gettin me by "at least for awhile". But thats the strange thing, after adjusting the front band, it'll drive like new, but just for a few days, oh, and in the morning it wants to stay in low until it warms up. Then it'll shift and go fine. Am I missin something here?
|
Gen II Geoff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/24/2002
21:45:22
| RE: A 500 trans conversion?
IP: Logged
Message:
No problem Gotte. When I did my engine swap the guys here helped me out with all kinds of information, and am happy to return the favor. Another good source of information is the newsgroup alt.autos.dodge.trucks.
Just beware when you go there, don't ever ask their opinion's about the K&N air filters. You'll get flamed like there's no tomorrow.
It is a very knowledgable group of people and between aadt and this forum, there is somebody that can answer every one of your questions.
I was in a hurry to do my engine swap because I had one week off of work and school over last christmas that I had to get it done. Some times, I'd post questions at 11:00 or so at night and there would be some good replies before I got up the next morn.
geoff
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
|
