Image source: revtek.com All the vehicles mentioned above use a full frame, making them ideal for towing. Although the 46RH is considered a heavy duty transmission, there are a few things you can do to this transmission to better prepare it for a life of towing. Let’s take a look at a few of them. Is the 46RH’s worst enemy.
Given the fact that towing than any other activity, you must take steps to keep the heat levels in check. Ideally you don’t want your transmission to go over 200 degrees. For every 20 degrees you go over this limit you risk cutting the lifespan of your transmission by a factor of two. The number one way to combat excessive transmission heat is to install an. You will want to purchase the biggest cooler that will fit your vehicle. It should be installed in a location that will get good airflow when the vehicle is in motion.
If that is not possible, consider purchasing a transmission cooler that comes equipped with its own built in electric fan. For maximum efficiency, you want to install the cooler in between the line that is coming out of the factory cooler and the return port on the transmission. Source: thespeedfreaks.net You can also keep heat in check by installing a deep sump aluminum transmission pan. A deep pan will usually add two to three quarts of transmission fluid to the transmission’s cooling and lubrication system.
The properties of aluminum are such that they dissipate heat much better than the stock stamped steel pan. Because an aluminum pan is much more rigid than the factory pan, it will help strengthen the transmission case. I recommend that you install a shift kit into your 46RH transmission.
This will benefit your transmission in a number of ways, especially when you are towing. First, a shift kit will include components and modifications that are designed to increase the internal line pressure. This will provide more clamping power and aid in preventing the bands and clutches from slipping. Second, it will give you more manual control over the transmission, and allow you to down shift at higher vehicle speeds. This will give you the ability to use engine breaking to slow your vehicle, and will result in reduced brake wear.
Third, a shift kit will help reduce the time it takes for the bands and clutches to fully apply, reducing both heat and excessive wear.
Description The 46RE, 47RE and 48RE family of transmissions by the Chrysler Group, are fitted behind a wide variety of engine sizes, including diesel, and across various vehicle lines. They are also available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. Beginning at the start of production for model year 2005, Dodge trucks equipped with the 5.9L diesel and 48RE transmission were equipped with an electronically controlled Transmission Throttle Valve Actuator (TTVA). This Actuator has replaced the previous Throttle Valve Cable and all associated linkage.
A push-in Transmission Range Sensor was implemented in model year 2002 to replace the screw-in Park/Neutral switch. The 46RE, 47RE and 48RE transmissions are all four speed fully automatic units with an electronic governor. They are equipped with a lock-up clutch in the torque converter. First through third gear ranges are provided by the clutches, bands, low-roller clutch, and planetary gearsets in the transmission. Fourth gear is provided by the overdrive unit (rear section) that contains an overdrive clutch, OD/direct clutch, overrun roller clutch, and planetary gear set.
These units contain a front (direct) clutch, rear (forward) clutch, and OD/direct clutch which serve as the input driving components. They also contain a kickdown (front) band, low/reverse (rear) band, overrun clutch, and the overdrive clutch which serve as the holding components.