Decisions, decisions
07-10-2012, 01:27 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Decisions, decisions
Okay, here's my situation. 91 is a regular cab 5 speed, 3.07 axles and 300K miles on it and it's showing its age and miles. 92 is an extended cab (which my wife and I prefer) worn out A518, 3.54 axles and 150K on it and is in otherwise decent shape. My preference would be to put the 5 speed in the 92 (my wife hates the idea but she ain't driving it, I am). Problem is it is a lot easier to sell a running driving truck than to try and part it out. So using the 91 as a donor is not an option for me.
So my remaining options are:
1. Heavy duty rebuild on the A518 and live with the power loss through the torque converter.
(I already know I need the 94-98 engine adapter and something to control lock up for 2 and 3)
2. Convert the A518 to lock up. Already have the A518. Easy no worry transfer case hook up.
3. Try to find another 47RH. Very hard to find in Alaska (shipping is $$$$$) and I'll always be worried about leaking between the tranny and transfer case .
Considering the 92 will have to take over the duties of being my work and towing truck, which of the options would give me the best strongest transmission for the job? Please give me pros and cons.
So my remaining options are:
1. Heavy duty rebuild on the A518 and live with the power loss through the torque converter.
(I already know I need the 94-98 engine adapter and something to control lock up for 2 and 3)
2. Convert the A518 to lock up. Already have the A518. Easy no worry transfer case hook up.
3. Try to find another 47RH. Very hard to find in Alaska (shipping is $$$$$) and I'll always be worried about leaking between the tranny and transfer case .
Considering the 92 will have to take over the duties of being my work and towing truck, which of the options would give me the best strongest transmission for the job? Please give me pros and cons.
07-10-2012, 03:29 PM
#2
since your in alaska and its hard and spendy to get a 47rh i'd just rebuild the 518 with a stout converter, you could convert it to lock up but will cost more also, and I think a heavy duty rebuild with a really good converter would be the way i would go UNLESS you have most of the parts to convert it over (valve body, input shaft and everything else) also you would need a 2nd gen starter.
07-17-2012, 11:22 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
I need a shopping list. What parts from what transmissions can I use to build a stout lock up auto for my 92. 47RHs just aren't available and wife says no to a manual.
07-18-2012, 03:29 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks! I really appreciate it. I can pic up auto cores fairly cheap around here. Manuals are outrageous.
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07-19-2012, 07:17 AM
#8
You will need, 2nd gen starter and adapter, torque converter, input shaft and reaction shaft, and valve body.
if you want the stronger case and beefier internals get the 47re and put re hard parts into your od using your outputshaft and case.
heres what JD730 said.
On the valve body I need to see if you can use our valve body parts and the re valve body and make your own rh valve body out of the two.......Here in a couple months i'll know for sure i hope lol.
if you want the stronger case and beefier internals get the 47re and put re hard parts into your od using your outputshaft and case.
heres what JD730 said.
There's a few ways to do it.
The cheapest way is the way 92 smokin blacky said. You change the input shaft and you with have to change the reaction shaft support (this is the part that sticks out of the front of the trans and the stator rides on inside the converter) or the whole front pump and the proper valve body of course and don't forget the proper engine bell housing adaptor and starter, though I'm thinking about drilling and tapping one bolt hole so I can use a 1st gen starter next time.
This method leave you with the less desirable not as strong in the rear band area A518.
The other way is to procure a 47RE, use the front section, switch the overdrive parts around using the A518 stuff, use the gears and such out of the RE and use the case and output shaft from the A518. Another thing you will have to do is switch the overdrive piston retainer to the correct style (this is the first part that goes on the trans, so you have to tear it down to a bare case, you need to be able to feed the governor signal through, make/buy a bushing for the connector or use the 10 pin connector and acquire a pig tail from the junk yard and use that for OD and lockup. And of course the proper valve body. By using the RE you get the stronger steel front planet.
The cheapest way is the way 92 smokin blacky said. You change the input shaft and you with have to change the reaction shaft support (this is the part that sticks out of the front of the trans and the stator rides on inside the converter) or the whole front pump and the proper valve body of course and don't forget the proper engine bell housing adaptor and starter, though I'm thinking about drilling and tapping one bolt hole so I can use a 1st gen starter next time.
This method leave you with the less desirable not as strong in the rear band area A518.
The other way is to procure a 47RE, use the front section, switch the overdrive parts around using the A518 stuff, use the gears and such out of the RE and use the case and output shaft from the A518. Another thing you will have to do is switch the overdrive piston retainer to the correct style (this is the first part that goes on the trans, so you have to tear it down to a bare case, you need to be able to feed the governor signal through, make/buy a bushing for the connector or use the 10 pin connector and acquire a pig tail from the junk yard and use that for OD and lockup. And of course the proper valve body. By using the RE you get the stronger steel front planet.
07-19-2012, 03:31 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
07-19-2012, 03:50 PM
#10
That part confused me on the starter because i thought the 2nd gen starters were longer since the adapter is thicker, maybe i'm wrong i haven't looked real close at the adapter i have.
07-22-2012, 11:30 AM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
I was wondering that too. Sense they use the same flex plate, the starter would be in the same relative place. The only reason the adapter is thicker is to accommodate the longer torque converter. So yes, mabey it is possible.
07-22-2012, 11:33 AM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Question?
If I'm using the 47RE front section, does it mater weather it is a 2wd or 4wd sense I'd be using the A518 OD case and output shaft.
If I'm using the 47RE front section, does it mater weather it is a 2wd or 4wd sense I'd be using the A518 OD case and output shaft.
07-23-2012, 01:35 PM
#13
front section doesn't matter, Just remember that the re has the big hole for the 10pin connector you'll have to deal with (which isn't a big deal) od sections are the only difference,
On the starter I forgot the ring gear is on the flex plate on the cummins i was thinking it was like most dodge stuff and its on the converter so.....a 1st gen should work as JD said.
On the starter I forgot the ring gear is on the flex plate on the cummins i was thinking it was like most dodge stuff and its on the converter so.....a 1st gen should work as JD said.
07-30-2012, 06:11 PM
#14
Registered User
Thread Starter
I made my decision. Drum roll,,,,,,,,,,, And the winner is,,,,,,, #1, a heavy duty rebuild on the A518. There is a shop out here that sells transmission parts and rebuilds torque converters. After some thinking and comparing parts, he said he can build me a very low stall (strong and tight) torque converter by using (and a little modifying) a stator from another TQ. The transmission itself is getting upgraded parts including steel planetariums. The guy that will be overhauling the trans works out of his garage (retired tranny guy) so labor cost is going to be fairly low. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
07-31-2012, 12:17 AM
#15
Registered User
The OD just started grinding on mine. Tranny guy says the whole thing needs to be gone through, as the metal from whatever started to shred is everywhere.
So I guess I'm doing the same thing to my 46RH.
So I guess I'm doing the same thing to my 46RH.