In brief, the 46RE was Chrysler’s four-speed, electronically controlled automatic used mainly in Dodge Ram pickups and Ram Vans during the mid-to-late 1990s, typically behind 5.2L and 5.9L V8 engines.
In more detail, the 46RE designation identifies a four-speed automatic with electronic control (the “RE” suffix) within Chrysler’s TorqueFlite family. It was designed for rear‑wheel drive and four‑wheel drive configurations and was gradually superseded by newer designs such as the 47RE and 48RE as technology evolved. The following sections outline the primary vehicle families that used this transmission and how to verify applicability to a specific vehicle.
What is the 46RE?
The 46RE is a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission used in certain Chrysler‑built Dodge/Ram trucks during the 1990s. Compared with earlier hydraulically controlled units, the 46RE integrates electronic control for shift timing and line pressures, and it was paired with gasoline V8 engines like the 5.2L (318) and 5.9L (360) in trucks and vans of that era.
Vehicles that used the 46RE
Below is a concise list of the main vehicle families that used the 46RE, primarily in the 1990s. Exact year ranges can vary by model and market, and some late-era examples may have been equipped with alternative transmissions depending on options or factory changes.
- Dodge Ram pickup trucks (D-Series) with gasoline V8 engines, roughly 1993–1999, including 5.2L/5.9L options (2WD and 4WD configurations).
- Dodge Ram Vans (Ram Wagon family) with gasoline V8 engines, roughly 1993–1998/1999 (rear‑wheel and four‑wheel drive setups).
To confirm for a specific vehicle, check the transmission identification markings on the case or pan, review the vehicle’s service manual, or consult the VIN/production documentation. In many cases, the transmission code or stamping will indicate the 46RE family.
Identification and notes
Identification tips include looking for the “46RE” designation on the transmission housing or valve body and verifying the electrical connector arrangement. If a vehicle is listed as having a 46RE but is equipped with an engine-transmission pairing outside the typical gasoline Ram family, it may be a different transmission family (for example, the 47RE or 48RE) used in later years or in diesel-equipped models.
Maintenance and common issues
Common issues on 46RE units from this era include clutch wear, worn valve body components, and electronic control failures. Regular fluid changes with the correct specification, attention to hydraulic pressures, and using recommended fluids are important for longevity. If shifting feels balky or slips, a professional diagnosis is advised, as electronic controls can be involved.
Where to find parts and replacement information
Parts for the 46RE can still be found through specialty suppliers or used‑parts networks, though availability diminishes outside the original production window. When seeking rebuild kits, seals, or valve bodies, reference the exact model year and engine pairing to ensure compatibility with the 46RE family.
Summary
The 46RE was a mid-1990s Chrysler four-speed, electronically controlled automatic used primarily in Dodge Ram pickups and Ram Vans with gasoline V8 engines (notably 5.2L and 5.9L). It was gradually replaced by newer designs such as the 47RE and 48RE as part of ongoing transmission evolution. For owners and buyers, confirm the exact transmission family via markings, VIN documentation, and service records to ensure the right parts and compatibility.