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robselina

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Hey Guys,
My wife and I purchased a 95 GC Limited with the 5.2L V8 46RH combo. I heard the 42RE is problematic, but I hadn't heard anything bad about the 46RH. What's its reputation?
It's got 125K on it and the trans is now dead. This really bites since we only bought it 2 months/ 10K miles ago. It's in the shop now, my mechanic agreed to do it for $1400 out the door, pretty much everything new exept the housing. How long can I realistically expect this one to last (I'm certain he will do an excelent job) He's of the opinion that the 125K I got out of the first one is about right.....
 
my first one lasted 35k ... then was rebuilt by dealer under warranty. It now has another 60k on it and doing well. 125k isn't all that bad ... most people don't bother doing trans fluid/filter changes anymore, and the local jiffylube can hardly remember to grease all the u-joints never mind think to service the tcase, tranny and diffs.
Start your own mtce sched. A well cared for 46RH/A518/A727 behind our 318 should be good for another 150k if you take care of it and decent parts are used in the rebuild.
Make sure you REPLACE the torque converter with a new unit and flush the cooler lines. Nothing sucks more smoking a fresh tranny because of crud that you can't get out of the old components. The tc is practically impossible to clean properly since I don't think they even have a drain plug anymore.
 
165k and counting. i've put 1500 miles on it in the last 1.5 weeks. if you know how to take care of and not abuse them, they will last 150-200k w/o problems.

robert
 
i recommend mobil1 synthetic trans fluid also.

my hotrod buddy that owns a trans shop also agrees.
 
Install an auxillary transmission cooler, in addition to the factory radiator unit...heat is the worst enemy on the transmission for sure! Also, do frequent transmission oil changes, as particles and "worn out" fluid can cause premature wear/death...

Is the 46RH the one in the 5.9? (44 is on the 5.2, correct?)...If so, I have 73k on mine and it still runs real good...although, I still haven't hooked up the trans. cooler or temp gauge :oops: I think they are built to last a good amount of time, provided you take care of them...same can be said for anything though, really....
 
dracer69 said:
i recommend mobil1 synthetic trans fluid also.

my hotrod buddy that owns a trans shop also agrees.
While I use Mobil 1 everywhere else, it doesn't have the correct friction properties for our beloved RH46 transmissions. I think it's the lock-up TC clutch surfaces to be specific. I wound up using a Redline synthetic ATF that is compatible.
 
My 5.9 has 46 RE trans. It went out at 85K miles. It was actually the over drive unit that went out. I picked up a used one at a bone yard for 850 with a lifetime warrenty. We will see how long it lasts. I did the work myself and also changed to the 242 transfer while doing it. I dont have faith in the trans. though.
 
5.2 = 46RH
5.9 = 46RE

I've heard that some of the later 96-98 5.2s had 42REs as well, but can't remember for sure.

My 46RH just went at 162K. I'm hoping for the next to last as long.
 
I bought my 94 as a theft recovery and it has no reverse. I don't know if the tranny is original but the shell has 130k on it. I bought a 70k mile tranny from Davey in Ohio. I plan on rebuilding my bad one and keeping it for a spare.

EDIT: Sorry I didn't realize this thread was so old. I was doing some searching and found it :)
 
I'll second the advice to add an external tranny cooler, the crappy in-radiator one doesn't get the job done if you are doing any towing at all. My 46RE fried at about 110k The re-build included the heavier main shaft, extra planatary gear and bigger drums/more clutch plates from a diesel tranny, along with an aux. cooler and tranny temp guage.

All the diesel parts sub. right into the 5.9 46RE. It should be pretty much bullet-proof now, makes me not want to put a weak 242 behind it even though my 249 VC is siezed up tighter than a frogs ass.

BTW, the first sign of overheating in a 46RE is the overdrive will automatically lock-out. it's a self preservation thing, but by the time it does it, it's pretty much too late. :angry:
 
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