1-5-3-6-2-4

I see there are a few knowledgeable auto tranny guys around here. I'm trying to decide if I can build the a518 to hold behind the ppump '95 engine that I'm putting in this '91.5. or if I should find and build a 47rh right off the bat. now must haves - lockup converter and be able to hold minimum 500rwhp. which road do i need to go down?

is it possible to convert the a518 4 speed in my '91.5 to have a lockup converter? or is converting to a 47rh the only way?

can the 518 then be built to hold substantial HP? or then is a 47 recommended at that point?

are there any actual differences in the 46rh & 47rh other than lockup?

Ilikebikes

After driving both built A518's and stock 47RH transmissions, I'd do with a lockup trans, hands down. The 518 can be built tough, but you're still stuck without a locking converter. IMO, you'd be miles ahead of the game with a 47RH in there.

It is possible to upgrade the 518 into a lockup. I'm not too sure of what you'll need, but I know you need to change the engine adapter plate, starter (I think), maybe the flexplate and possibly some other stuff inside the trans. The easiest way to so this it to get a complete take out from a 2nd gen truck. Just get everything from the engine adapter back and you'll be good to go. Wish you were closer - I'll have a complete pull out here in a few weeks.

1-5-3-6-2-4

are you talking a 2wd 47rh? Oooooooo................

Ilikebikes

Yup, 2wd 47RH. Only problem is that once I pull it I won't have a way to transport it anywhere, haha.

Just keep an eye out for guys who are doing a 5 speed swap. You can get those autos pretty cheap, not many people want them. Only reason mine is getting pulled is for the Roadranger RT6609A that I'm gonna (try to) swap in.

1-5-3-6-2-4

shhoop thats like a teaser. I need you have....... keep me in mind. I'll take it. see the mega problem around here is that 2wds are like hens teeth. this is real winter country, 99% of all trucks around here are 4wd.

JD730

It is indeed possible to convert the A518 to lockup. To reiterate what Ilikebikes said, you would at minimum need to change the input shaft, the front pump support (might be easier to get a whole pump), engine adapter, starter and flexplate (recommended), a lockup converter, and a 47RH valve body. If your going to build it, then keep adding parts to the list, keep in mind the intermediate shaft on the A518's have a slightly different spline setup and won't let you use the newer steel front planets.

Also, the rear band setup on the A518 is a little bit weaker than the 47Rx transmissions. That's the major difference between the transmissions, the main case is a little stronger on the 47Rx's than the A518.

If you want to upgrade to a 47 series trans and your comfortable putting a trans together from a bare case, I would look for a 47RE 1996 and up. They have alot of the upgrades already in them from the factory. Gut it, change the overdrive piston retainer to an aftermarket one so you can feed the governor pressure tubes. Rebuild the trans with all the fancy stuff you want, take your current 518 tail housing, use the gears/clutches out of the 47RE tail and swap your 2wd output shaft onto the newer/better geartrain and reinstall in your tail housing. Bolt that to the back of your newly rebuilt 47 front section.

If you need another 2wd tail housing, expand your search to include diesel and gas trucks from late 91 to 95, only difference is the clutch count and number of planets in the planetary setup.

1-5-3-6-2-4

Oh thats very good news. So I can use the 2wd extension housing off my current '91.5 A518 on a newer 47rh 4wd to convert it to 2wd. See thats what I wasn't sure about.

thanks guys. I've got a bud with a billet 4wd 47rh local to me, but wasnt sure if I would be able to use it at all. if I can marry my current extension housing to it. I'm golden now. thanks guys.