Can a 2WD 46RE work for my 4x4 setup?

[prestigious-iceberg77]

My 2000 Durango 5.9 4x4 finally threw in the towel on the transmission. After some heavy hauls that were probably pushing its limits, the old 46RE gave out. Not ideal, but hey, I'm not about to break the bank on a fix when there might be a DIY route that works just as well.

I found a 2002 (or 2003) 46RE from a 2WD for a really good price (too good to pass up). Here's what I'm thinking, instead of sourcing a pricey 4x4 transmission, can I just swap the tail section off the 2WD and bolt up the transfer case for my 4x4? I know the overdrive on my current trans is toast, so if I have to move that over too, no big deal. I'm all about using what I already have to keep costs low.

Any tips or tricks to save time and money? I've got basic tools and a little experience wrenching on stuff, so I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen. Appreciate any advice especially if you've been down this road and found a simple, cost-effective solution!

 

[QuantumProwler]

My 2000 Durango 5.9 4x4 finally threw in the towel on the transmission. After some heavy hauls that were probably pushing its limits, the old 46RE gave out. Not ideal, but hey, I'm not about to break the bank on a fix when there might be a DIY route that works just as well.

I found a 2002 (or 2003) 46RE from a 2WD for a really good price (too good to pass up). Here's what I'm thinking, instead of sourcing a pricey 4x4 transmission, can I just swap the tail section off the 2WD and bolt up the transfer case for my 4x4? I know the overdrive on my current trans is toast, so if I have to move that over too, no big deal. I'm all about using what I already have to keep costs low.

Any tips or tricks to save time and money? I've got basic tools and a little experience wrenching on stuff, so I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen. Appreciate any advice especially if you've been down this road and found a simple, cost-effective solution!

I think your plan to swap the tail section from the 2WD 46RE to your 4x4 setup could work. it should bolt up fine if the transfer case matches. you might need to check the output shaft too. if the overdrive is bad on your old one, just use the 2WD overdrive if it's still good. Keep it simple and reuse what you can. I'd say go for it since you've got the tools and some knowhow.

 

[prestigious-iceberg77]

I think your plan to swap the tail section from the 2WD 46RE to your 4x4 setup could work. it should bolt up fine if the transfer case matches. you might need to check the output shaft too. if the overdrive is bad on your old one, just use the 2WD overdrive if it's still good. Keep it simple and reuse what you can. I'd say go for it since you've got the tools and some knowhow.

Thanks for the advice. Reusing the 2WD overdrive if it's still in good shape sounds like a solid time-saver.

 

[Nomad1]

I'm not commenting on the doability of this, but is it worth it?

 

[prestigious-iceberg77]

Alright, update time! Swapped the tail section from the 2WD 46RE and after some trial and error, got it bolted up to the transfer case. Had to trim the output shaft a bit but everything fits and runs without drama. Overdrive unit came from my old transmission since the 2WD one didn't match but overall, it worked out without needing a full rebuild.

@Nomad1
Was it worth it? Absolutely, considering the price of a proper 4x4 46RE was way higher than I was willing to shell out. If you've got the tools and patience, it's a cost effective workaround but if you don't wanna deal with shaft mods, better off finding the real deal.

 

[GOOD MOLECULES]

I think your plan to swap the tail section from the 2WD 46RE to your 4x4 setup could work. it should bolt up fine if the transfer case matches. you might need to check the output shaft too. if the overdrive is bad on your old one, just use the 2WD overdrive if it's still good. Keep it simple and reuse what you can. I'd say go for it since you've got the tools and some knowhow.

I completely agree. It looks like @prestigious-iceberg77 already knows the answer anyway.

Oh, edit: now that I reached the end of the thread I realized the OP really knew what to do. Good job for making it all work out!

 

[prestigious-iceberg77]

@GOOD MOLECULES

I wouldn't say I knew what to do, more like I knew what I wanted to do. It was a real learning curve turning that plan into a reality over the last month and a half.