How to tell which model of transmission in '96 Van?

You've got a 46RH

Thanks! BTW, of the information I provided, what determined the model? Is that the only transmission used with the 360 engine in that year? Would the 318, for example, always be one particular trans also? Just curious.

In 1996, Rams had either a 42RH, 46RH, or 47RH. The 42RH was only used behind V6's - the 46RH went behind either V8, while the 47RH was used behind the V10 or Cummins. A 318/2WD might not have had a 46RH (I remember something being "different" about 2WD 318's), but the 360 in any config was always mated with a 46RH).

And, now that I think about it some more, I believe 1996 was the year they switched to the electronic governor, so you would actually have a 46RE, rather than a 46RH (which has a hydraulic/mechanical governor). The two transmissions are almost identical - just a different method of controlling governor pressure, which controls shift points.

Of course, the switch may have also come mid-model-year, so there might be some early 96's with 4xRH's, and later '96s with 4xRE's. To tell, look on the left side of the transmission, just above the pan, and just behind the shift lever/linkage. If you see a round black, 8-pin electrical connector, it's a RE transmission - otherwise, it's an RH. Regardless, band adjustment will be the same.

OK, I purchased the ATSG (Automatic Transmission Service Group, Miami, Fla) "techtran" manual on the 42/46/47RH transmissions. In the adjustment section on page 57, they list the following specs: Front band - tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns, torque locking nut to 35 ft-lb (all models). Rear band - tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns (42RH) or 2 turns (46/47RH), torque locking nut to 35 ft-lb.

But a separate source,

says otherwise: Front band - tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, back off 2-1/2 turns (all 1994) or 2-7/8 turns (1995/96 46RH), torque locking nut to 30 ft-lb (all models). Rear band - tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns (42RH) or 2 turns (46/47RH), torque locking nut to 25 ft-lb.

So, the two sources agree on the rear band adjustment (with the exception of locknut torque), but vary quite a bit on the front adjustment specs. For my transmission (46RH), ATSG says back off 2 turns, while dodgeram.org says 2-1/2 turns if it's installed in a '94, or 2-7/8 turns if it's a '95 or '96.

Since I have a '96, I'm faced with two choices, 2 turns or 2-7/8 turns. Anyone know what Chrysler says, or should I just split the difference?

If I the front band adjustment is off, can I tell by driving symptoms whether to tighten or loosen it?

thanks,

Martin

My Mopar service manuals call for 2-7/8

If it's too loose, you'll have trouble with the 1-2 upshift (it will feel like a slip). If it's too tight, you can have premature front band wear. But, the difference between 2-7/8 turns and 2-1/2 turns makes almost no difference (not enough to notice).

Thanks! And, just to be sure I'm thinking correctly, tightening the adjusting screw does also tighten the band on it's drum, for both front and rear?

I've been assuming that the initial setting of 72 in-lb clamps the band down to a known condition, then backing off on the screw lets the band open up a little.

Martin

Correct

Also correct