[AROWHED]

My son's 97 Grand Cherokee 5.2L (318) with full time 4WD crapped out its 44RE trans, lots of metal in the pan.
Found a late 90's 46RE for sale locally cheap. Is it mechanically a drop in replacement?

If so we will make it full manual shift in case of any computer incompatibility, via this Transgo kit that says it eliminates need for computer control. Any downsides?

https://dataapp.transgo.com/product-...-gear-command/

[CraigGT37]

the 46re should bolt in. depending on year of replacement trans,there are differences in the shift solinoids, governor pressure sensor, and speedometer/speed sensor changed.

[AROWHED]

I've read the 46RE generally came behind externally balanced 5.9L while the 44RE came behind the internally balanced 5.2L. Using Rockauto as a source, each trans does have a different part number for torque convertor although their descriptions are identical. So the question is, if we do slap a 46RE behind a 5.2L, which convertor to use? I would assume both convertors are neutral balanced.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...converter,8668

[CraigGT37]

The 5.9 and 5.2 used the same torque converter. The front balancer was different. The rams used the 46re, while most of the jeeps used the lighter duty transmission. I have never seen anything other than a 46RE trans in a Ram with a 5.9 or 5.2 engine. I have 2 97's, a 99, 2000, and a 2001 4x4 off road edition now, and have parted about 4 others, all have had the 46RE trans.

[AROWHED]

Thanks again. Just realized the 46RE seem to all be driver side starter mount, and this Jeep 44RE is pass side. Im not sure if that can be overcome by just getting a 5.9 starter motor or not....they do bolt to the trans and not the engine block.