Best Upgrades for 46RE Transmission

Chrysler Corporation developed the 46RE transmission back in 1995 and you can find it in Chrysler products from 1995 to 2002. It’s a 4-speed automatic high-performance transmission that can handle high torque and horsepower.

Chrysler offers a wide range of transmissions but the 46RE wasn’t the best one in terms of durability and longevity. So, if you have this transmission or are planning to buy one, there are some effective ways to upgrade it.

In this article, I’ll discuss the best upgrades for the 46RE that will help you to improve its durability and performance.

46RE Transmission Upgrades

Here’s my upgrade list for the 46RE transmission to make it tougher.

Shift Kit

The automatic transmission makes driving simpler as it performs the shifting for you. However, 46RE transmission is known for shifting issues like harsh shifting. A high-quality shift kit will make shifting smooth by modifying the shift timing.

You’ll feel improved shift firmness and faster and smoother gear shifting. Not only will it enhance the driving experience but it’ll also extend the longevity of the transmission.

I recommend you stick to a more custom shift kit like this one, specially designed for 46RE, instead of one size fits all, to experience better results.

Torque Converter

Replacing the old torque converter and upgrading to a Billet triple disc or Billet single is a great option for 46RE transmission. It’ll provide you with better low-speed acceleration and improved launch RPM.

If I’m investing my money in a torque converter, I’ll personally go with the Billet triple disc. That’s because it’s much stronger than a Billet single, especially at lower RPMs.

Torque converters can be expensive ($1,000+), but there are some good options on Amazon for slightly less.

Billet Accumulator and Billet Servo

Billet Accumulator and Billet Servo make for great upgrades as they help you seal the 46RE transmission.

The Billet accumulator will improve the shifting time and quality and its high-quality seal will slow down the normal wear and tear and eliminate the risk of cross leaks between circuits.

Whereas, the Billet Servo upgrade will prevent the transmission from slipping, especially under heavy loads at high throttle like when towing or racing.

Heavy Duty Transmission Master Kit

I would personally love to use a heavy-duty master kit like this one that comes with all the required components to achieve proper clearances and increase the clutch count.

While most aftermarket auto part companies offer reliable master kits, there are poor-quality and counterfeit products available in the market.

Therefore, you’ll need to make sure that you purchase a product, specifically designed for 46RE and offered by a renowned and trusted brand. 

Otherwise, you’ll end up buying something that’s far from a smooth install. Plus, it’ll also decrease the transmission’s performance.

Input Shaft

The input shaft is one of the most important parts of your transmission as it’s the first component that brings power into the transmission system so that it can be transferred to the wheels.

I recommend you stick to a Billet input shaft, as it’s a better alloy and can withstand the abuse doled out by the engine.

In addition, you should also opt for a product that comes in a one-piece design like this one to eliminate the weak connection between the forward clutch hub and the input shaft.

You might need to spend more for the Billet alloy but the performance and durability it brings to the table make the investment worthwhile.

Output Shaft

If you’re using a 4WD vehicle for serious off-roading, sled pulling, or boost launching, you can invest some money in an output shaft. Therefore, this upgrade won’t be necessary for most drivers.

It’ll increase the torque capacity of your 46RE transmission and allow it to handle high-power applications easily. Using this upgrade is an excellent way to make sure that your transmission doesn’t break.

Billet Band Struts

Whether you’re modifying your entire vehicle or just working on the transmission, you must upgrade your band struts. That’s because they’re affordable but far more durable than the stock ones.

If your stock band struts get damaged, you’ll need to pay hundreds of dollars for repairs. Therefore, it’s advisable to spend some money on Billet band struts to prevent expensive repairs.

Final Words

These are some of the best ways that you can upgrade your 46RE transmission. Make sure that you perform your homework before you start your transmission-rebuilding journey.

Compare multiple products by different brands to make sure that you don’t spend the most to get the best.