I want to replace the LA series engine and 3 speed transmission in my 1983 Dodge van with a Magnum V8 and 4 speed from a 90‘s era truck or van. I think I want an A618 or 46RH or 47RH transmission, however I think I could get a 46RE or 47RE transmission and an electronic transmission controller. How do I identify a transmission? Does it have the alpha numeric designation somewhere on the case?
Look up crysler transmissiom the. Shape. Of the pan will be besiside the transmission.
The transmission you want is a 46RE. But you are looking at some MAJOR work for this conversion. Aside from transmission mounts to get the drive-shaft angle right, you're going to have to make your own wiring harness. You would have to get the wiring harness and computer out of the donor vehicle the the engine and trans come out of, and back date the harness to fit your lights, horns, dash and gauges, firewall electrical connector, any power seats, windows, etc. Unless you are an expert in vehicle wiring and fabrication, and various small things that may not fit like radiator hoses and such, I would not even attempt it. I'm a former Chrysler and ASE Master Technician, and I wouldn't even try it. You'll have more time and money invested than a 30 year old vehicle is worth! If you do attempt it, Best of Luck to you!
the E versions have big, multi connectors. (dozen-ish wires) the H has 4in one and 2 in other.(4wires to solenoids) on one side flange will be stamped the id and part numbers.(in dots) some may still have alum tag. a trans part catalog, will list different version/aplication. (my local guy is nat.wide co.) you need A518 (new designation of 727 case, which all newer trucks use and will have lock-up function torque converter) 4 is 4speed (overdrive) '5'6'7'or'8' is rated torque capacity of clutches (v6 v8 v10 6dsl) 4cyl +dsl bell-hsg diff. 'H' is hydraulic control -shift- (valve body) 'E' is solenoid/electronic box -shift points- (Valve body) H, is early/simpler, engage overdrive and lock-up by switch's on dash (lite-up type pref) E, now can get aftermkt trans control box (like for chevy 4L60 hotrod) - ive not tried the electro route, how or well it is, im not aware. get all the wire, harness, ecu/ecm, lines, etc, everything from donor engine, and fit into your van, easier, and less to sort/fab. -ppl do it, not unheard of, get somewhat familiar of how diff ones go together -there is prob vendor doing some kind of aftmkt version by now, but get the serv book, and get a feel of how it works. *buy the super servo. -aftermkt basic is too soft alum. slips sideways in bore. ****fyi to all, the low-reverse servo tilts sideways in bore, then appears as 'bigtime' trans broken trouble, is just that disc leaking off pressure. either in oem highmiles or recent rebuilt unit. -servo piston is soft and thin, rounds off. --ford plastic ones are prob having the same issue, (ie,Dsl HD) tho im not ford tech.
