Dodge RAM A518/A618 Transmissions: All You Need To Know

The A518 and A618 are four-speed automatic transmissions and form part of Chrysler’s TorqueFlite transmission range. Let’s dive into everything need to know about these units, from everyday issues to service requirements and what a replacement unit can cost.

What Vehicles Are Compatible With The Dodge Ram A518/A618 Transmission?

Introduced in 1990, the A518 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that was used in several Chrysler products and was later renamed the 46RH and 46RE following some running changes. The vehicles this transmission was fitted to include:

The A618 transmission was also available in a 4-speed overdrive unit that was in production from 1994 to 2002, with updated variants labeled as 47RH/47RE units. It was commonly found in the following vehicle makes/models:

What’s The Difference Between The A518 And A618 Transmissions?

The A518 and A618 are based on the Torqueflite 727, which was known for its durability and reliability. The A518 benefited from this rugged design and added an additional gear (4 in total) and an overdrive unit.

The A618 is a heavier-duty variant of the A518, with uprated planetary gears and clutch, and is able to handle the torque output of larger diesel engines.

Are The A518 And A618 Transmissions Interchangeable?

While these transmissions are physically similar and based on similar basic components, they have several important differences that may need addressing if you attempt a swap.

These can include wiring changes, shift linkage, and driveshaft length considerations, as well as technical differences between the earlier 46RH hydraulic transmission and a later 46RE electronically controlled version.

In most cases, swapping these transmissions into vehicles they were not initially designed for is mechanically challenging, not financially viable, and a bad idea overall. You can always consult a transmission specialist for advice beforehand if you have further questions.

What Are Common A518/A618 Transmission Problems?

The Dodge/RAM A518 and A618 are rugged transmissions that handle high torque outputs and extended heavy-duty use. While they both benefit from regular servicing and should last for years without major issues, they can exhibit some common problems over time:

Overdrive Faults

Symptoms: Transmission won’t shift into overdrive at highway speeds, and can cause shuddering.

Causes: The most common causes of overdrive issues are faulty solenoids, a worn valve body, or wiring issues.

Delayed or Harsh Shifts

Symptoms: Gear changes take a long time or engage with a clunk.

Causes: Low or dirty transmission fluid, failing valve body, or worn throttle pressure sensor

Slipping or Soft Gear Engagement

Symptoms: Lazy gear shifts regardless of throttle input

Causes: Low line pressure, worn clutch packs, overheating and internal seal failures can all contribute here.

Does The A618 Fix The Overdrive Or Shifting Issues Of The A518?

The A618 is a more robust and rugged transmission than the A518. However, it shares the same extension housing for its overdrive unit and does not have any specific fixes for any issues that the A518 may have.

That said, it may be less prone to some of the issues that afflict the A518 due to its stronger internal components. Every Powertrain Products A518/A618 transmission features either new or fully remanufactured components and incorporates fixes for known issues to make it better than OEM.

Can The A518 Or A618 Handle Towing?

The A518 and A618 were designed for heavy use, with the A518 typically found in Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Dakota models fitted with larger V8 engines. The A618 is used in even more heavy-duty applications like the Dodge 2500 and 3500 series trucks.

As with any transmission used for towing, ensure it is properly serviced and do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended towing limits.

How Often Should I Service My Transmission?

The transmission fluid and filter should be changed every 30,000 – 60,000 miles or more frequently if you regularly use your vehicle for heavy-duty purposes such as towing. Have the transmission inspected annually for leaks or damage, and get it checked by a transmission professional if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

Where Should I Buy An A518 Or A618 Transmission?

The A518 and A618 are popular transmissions, and several suppliers offer rebuilt or remanufactured units. Unfortunately, few of these rebuilds match the claims, and none can compete with the Powertrain Products 7-year million-mile warranty option. If you’re using this transmission for a 1-ton and up application, our 18 month, 50k mile Commercial Warranty will be applied to your purchase instead.

Keep in mind that our remanufactured transmissions are not intended for use on trucks with modified emissions systems, deleted emissions systems, or tuned vehicles. We do offer upgraded units for that purpose (contact us for more info) however, the warranty that comes with our stock units will be voided if used in this manner.

WE offer a robust warranty because we go beyond basic remanufacturing; we follow a thorough, precision-driven process that corrects known factory problems, making our transmissions better than OE. Our rigorous remanufacturing process ensures that every transmission that leaves our premises will perform beyond your expectations:

• Every transmission is disassembled, inspected, and triple-cleaned. All threads are chased, and new bushings are fitted throughout.
• Our best technicians rebuild and inspect each valve body, testing it on our bespoke C.A.R.S. system, which simulates real-world driving conditions to ensure perfect performance.
• During reassembly, every transmission receives all-new O-rings, gaskets, and seals. Finally, every unit undergoes intensive spin and load testing on our custom dyno machines.

How Much Do The A518 And A618 Transmissions Cost?

A Powertrain Products remanufactured A518 or A618 transmission typically costs under $3,500, depending on the specific make and model of vehicle it is fitted to. This price includes a core charge return credit.

Powertrain Products remanufactured transmissions come with a 3-year standard warranty included with this pricing. However, if you’re using this transmission for a 1-ton and up application, our 18 month, 50k mile Commercial Warranty will be applied to your purchase instead.

Will A Replacement Transmission Come With A Warranty?

Our remanufactured transmissions come with a 3-year warranty as standard (except for 1-ton applications as mentioned above). You can also choose to add an extended option to suit your needs:

• 5-year Extended Warranty
• 7-year Extended Warranty
• Pure Care No Fault Coverage

Additionally, our remanufactured transmissions are not intended for use on trucks with modified emissions systems, deleted emissions systems, or tuned vehicles. We do offer upgraded units for that purpose (contact us for more info) however, the warranty that comes with our stock units will be voided if used in this manner.

Can I Replace An A518/A618 Transmission Myself?

Possibly but only if you’re confident in your mechanical skills, follow a detailed service manual and strictly adhere to all safety guidelines. Essential tools include a vehicle lift, heavy-duty transmission jack, torque wrench set, breaker bar, pry bar, and dedicated transmission removal tools.

Replacing an A518 or A618 transmission is a challenging task that requires specialized tools and a solid understanding of the procedure. Keep in mind that these are large and heavy transmissions – they can make the job challenging and potentially unsafe for those without experience.

Powertrain Products Online Transmission Resources

Powertrain Products Is Your Trusted Source For Remanufactured A518/A618 Transmissions

We stock A518 and A618 transmissions for a wide range of vehicles. With so many options to choose from, it is a good idea to use our VIN decoder or your Transmission Tag Number to ensure that you order the right transmission for your vehicle. Every transmission we offer is remanufactured to be better than OEM:

• Take Advantage Of Our Unbeatable Seven Year One Million Mile warranty
• We Fit Newly Machined Parts And Put Our Transmissions Through Rigorous Testing For Superior Performance
• Known Factory Faults Are Rectified to Make Your Transmission Better Than New

Powertrain Products has a full range of transmissions to suit many makes and models. We don’t just do transmissions either, we are also the nation’s leading supplier of differentials, engines, and transfer cases. Call us at 888-842-0023 or contact us online if you have any questions about a remanufactured Dodge/RAM transmission today!