Mopar A518 part# question

[TylerW]

Hey everyone:

I have a '93 Dodge Ram w/ 5. 2L 2WD, electronic lockup convetror.

Part #52118324 spec's a 1995 46RH w/electronic convertor, after 10-18-93.

Being that this should be the same basic unit that's in my truck, what differences are there, and can I use it in my vehicle?

Thanks a lot!

[crunch]

Stay whith the good book calls for.
Not something you think might work.
Crunch

[TylerW]

Thanks for the suggestion, and I appreciate that you wish to save me from a catastrophe, but I'm not a novice on transmissions. I just don't have the update and interchange information available to me at this time.

I have a chance to buy a replacement because of a unique situation with the seller, and this is what it is. . it's not that I'm intentionally wishing to use a transmission other than the exact part# spec'd for my truck. I know you guys know this like the back of your hand. . if you don't then maybe we will all learn something from this thread.

I'll take responsibility for making a decision whether it's doable or not.

So, I will ask my question again:

What changes to the A-518/46RH occurred after 10/18/1993 necessitating a different part# from the 3/93 unit that is currently in my truck?

Thanks!

[Transman]

Changes for the better, PCM & electronics mainly. The governor sensor & solenoid has made many changes and it is still kinda buggy. They also made changes to the overdrive section by adding more clutches & dependability. These were made in that time frame and since. They also (not in this time frame), made changes to the neutral switch by making it a "Range Switch" that the PCM can digitally read.
Is the PCM in your truck "Flashable" or "Replacement", I do not recall when the truck went to "Flash" PCM's. You can tell by the price at the dealer. Replacements are about $100-$125ish and the flashable went to $600 or better. If the engine is the same size then the bolt pattern should be ok but the electronics are questionable. Check the connectors at the trans and the neutral switch connector and if you do use the newer one then replace the PCM or have it flashed depending on the model then keep your fingers crossed as it's always iffy on conversions. We mostly upgrade the unit as we build it to the newer electronics and update the overdrive unit with more clutches. I hope this info helps you make your decision. Transman

[TylerW]

Many thanks for the concise reply Transman. 

However, I think there may be a bit of confusion-I meant to say 46RH only.

These transmissions are A-518/46RHs.  .  .  just a 3 wire connector for the TCC and overdrive solenoids and hydraulic shifting. 

Just wanted to clarify this in case your reply would need amending. 

Thanks again. 

[Transman]

The only electronic "control" in this trans is for lockup and 4th. The rest is controlled the old fashioned way by the throttle linkage (TV). Even if this unit still uses a governor, it still uses the gov pressure solenoid but by '93 it should be solenoid & sensor (this is the updated part). You will have a connector for the "neutral switch" (three wire) as well as a connector that goes into the case for the internal electronics. This is the part that changes internally for the updates and the computer needs to be aware of which setup is inside. This changes to 4 wire later then the range switch goes inside and the connector changes again to 7 & 8 pins. The problem is you are in the first change area, 3 to 4 pins. If I recall the first changes updated the solenoids internally and still functioned on a 3 pin connector but if the trans going in uses 4 pins then your system will not be able to communicate with the tranny. This is the iffy part and my concern is that if you show a different part number for the trans that it probably won't work as is, otherwise they would call it a updated part number as a retrofit.
That being said, you could swap the VB and make the newer trans work as long as the older trans does NOT use a real governor adding the fact that the original valve body is still good. Transman