i just bought a 94 2500 4x4 ctd today. i read the underhood sticker and the transmission type said 618 A. can anybody give me any input on this type of transmission? is it just a revised 518 A??? any input will be appreciated good or bad.

 

the other name for it is 47re, beefier than 518.

If you plan on upping the fuel/power some mods will be required to make it last.

Like:

Single or Tripple billet torque converter.

Shift kit to increase the line pressure or new VB.

 

it is a 47RH found in the 94 and 95. It's hydrualically shifted up to third then overdrive and converter lock up are activated electrically thru solenoids. very similar to the 518. as noted it needs some attention if any mods are planned

 

OOPS Didn't see it was a 94!

 

so the 94 transmission the converter doesn't lock til 3rd gear?? it deffinetely doesn't shift the same as my 96.(the 96 has a shift kit though) my 94 already has 4" exh. and iam only gonna turn the fuel up a small amount, enough to make it a little more responsive and get rid of the factory "sleepy" pump setting. what brand shift kit is tried and true that works good? how about the t/q issue? is an entry level billt converter gonna do the job? local transmission shop has "entry level billet converters" for like $250. any input will be appreciated. this will be my daily driver/ plow truck / tow vehicle less than 10,000 lbs.

 

It will actually only lock up in 4th gear, unless you have locked out 4th gear. Then it will lock up in 3rd.

 

If one was going on a long haul, like say to Alaska, what would other forum members prefer? The Automatic built up or a Standard like the NV 5600?

Truck is a 1994 4X4 with NV 241 transfer case and automatic.

 

I would definitely choose the standard. Offers more control over the vehicle, especially towing, works much better with an exhaust brake than an auto, tends to give you more warning than an auto before it leaves you stranded, and no pesky cooler lines to chafe through and dump out all your fluid.
Just my thoughts.

 

quit pirating my thread! i take a standard for towing.LOL torquefan that makes sense, when i test drove the 94 i hought something wasn't right as i didn't feel the t/q do anything in 2nd gear. i don't remember if it locked in 3rd while locked out of o/d, but it deffinately did in 4th.

 

My automatic seems to be working fine, but I have to admit that it does feel like the weakest link also. I don't want a breakdown going up the ALCAN if I can avoid it!