Engine/trans problem

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Joseph Kassin

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2018
Posts
1
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Location
Georgia
Ram Year
1997
Engine
5.9
Hey guys, I'm new here. I got a problem I got a 1997 dodge ram 1500 extended cab 2x4 auto with a 5.9 the trans is shot. Now I have a friend that has a 2000 1500 extended cab 4x4 auto with a 5.2 the engine is knocking in the top end he says. I have not checked the truck since it broke. What I was wondering is if it is better/easier/cheaper to swap motors or trans? Or even can they even be done? I'm on a tight budget. I bought the 97 for $100 and and .270. I knew trans was bad when I got it. Now the guy with the 2000 is talking $400 for it. Also the 2000 has a 1 year old rear end. Both have good rust/dent free bodys. Any advise would be helpful.
 

turkeybird56

Military Vet 1976-1996 Retired US Army
Military
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Aug 2, 2018
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Location
Central Texas
Ram Year
2019 Bighorn, 4 X 4, 3.21 rear, Bright Flame Red Pearl Coat, Mopar tonneau cover,Westin Bed rug
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Welcome from Central Texas. A lot easier to pull a trans and put another one in then a Motor. All depends if other trans mate to yer engine/torque converter. U gonna have to see what parts and what and spec it out if it bolts up. That I cannot help U on, U need one of the pro wrench turners for that one...
 

Snowmanak406

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Posts
77
Reaction score
6
Location
MT
Ram Year
1997
Engine
Magnum 5.9
transmission internals should be the same (both are going to be 46RE), count splines on the input / output shafts to be sure, there may be other internal hard-parts internally that are stronger in the 4wd, (planetary gear sets may be 3 pinion on the 2wd and 4 pinion on the 4wd, though that is not always the case (they are inter-changeable)) biggest differences as far as model years is the wiring connectors and the solenoids use sensor types from the vehicle you are putting the transmission into. personally in the position you are in, i would transplant the motor from the 2wd and put it into the 4wd, mainly because, well... 4wd.
the 2wd has a different tail shaft/housing. the case will need to be pulled apart and swapped out to interchange the transmission, and at that point wouldn't be terrible to overhaul anyways.

i believe the torque converters are the same 5.2L / 5.9L between them as 96-97 they changed where they were balanced (please confirm elsewhere though) at any rate, i highly highly recommend getting a new one anyways. transmission is down and out, relatively cheap to not have to possibly pull a transmission in the next few months anyways, any contaminants in the fluid could stay there and burn the transmission again, or burn the torque converter out faster. i know $100- $140 seems like a lot to drop into something that could be fine, i was hesitant as well when i first started really doing tranny swaps, but in the end it is worth it especially when considering it almost takes that amount of money for the ATF+4 fluid. if you cant get a new one attempt to flush it out as best as you can with ATF+4, and save for a new one asap.

i did just rebuild a trans in 97 Ram 1500 (4wd version though), and are not too entirely difficult if that is an option for you. i have a transmission rebuild/repair thread on here if you care to take a look at that, i had included a link to a yt vid of complete step by step disassembly of these transmissions.
 
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