I have a 1997 dodge ram, single cab long bed diesel I just bought for $1000.00. It is in desperate need of a transmission. A buddy of mine has a mild built tranny for sale(billet single disc torque converter, shift kit, master install kit, mag pan. Has less than 5k miles on it. That tranny is out of a 2002 ram. My big question is, will that be a direct replacement and is all the electronics the same for those years or will I have to do anything else? Just looking for some input and someone that knows more than I do. And one more thing, when did they switch over from the 47rh trans. Thanks

 

47RH switched after the 95 model year ( 96 first year of RE ).

The 2002 trans will work, but there is a small issue with the trans temperature sender, something about the resistance value is different and you need to add a resistor. Try doing a search on here, it has been several years since I remember anyone talking about it. The only other issue is you will have to use the 98 up filter if you ever change the trans fluid, it went from a 3 bolt to a 2 bolt or vice/versa.

 

That is correct, the temp sensor on the 2001 will have to be changed for the 1997. OD and L/U will be fine and the governor should be fine. You can use either filter, the "third" screw is in the VB regardless of which you choose. Although, I cannot remember if it is long enough if you use the early filter on the late VB. But you can just change out the one screw if you need to.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm gonna get the tranny this Sunday. I guess I can just switch the temp sensor from the old one to the new and it will go smooth. And for the filter would you recommend putting a new one in? Thanks again

 

yes, for the 5.00 bucks put in a new one