518 to 47rh swap

[cmann250]

I bought my new transmission and assembled it over a few weeks. I went to swap them on a Friday afternoon and slid the new one in Friday night. There's really not any down time if you do it that way.

Sonnax or TCS are big names for aftermarket hardware. I couldn't tell you what's the best or who is the cheapest. I'm sure it's not the very best deal, but rumor has it that Goerend sells performance kits and I think Firepunk does too.

It's beside the point, but I think if you're towing over 20k all that often you need a semi. My old Dodge will tow a ton of weight, but parts wear out FAST at that weight. My Dodge will do almost anything, but the old KW will do it with a smile on its face.

[TRACTJDS0428]

If I can find one to build.... not having much luck. Found a basket case on ebay for $800. Missing some parts tho.
So ill need the spacer housing off of a 1994-1995 truck correct? What about drive shafts? Is the 47rh an inch shorter overall or will I need a 1 inch spacer for my front shaft and shorten the rear an inch? Is the pan the same on a 47rh as the 518? I have a deep pan already.

[cmann250]

So ill need the spacer housing off of a 1994-1995 truck correct? What about drive shafts? Is the 47rh an inch shorter overall or will I need a 1 inch spacer for my front shaft and shorten the rear an inch? Is the pan the same on a 47rh as the 518? I have a deep pan already.

You'll need the flywheel housing and starter off of any 2nd gen. The 2nd gen flywheel housing is 1" thicker than the 1st gen one. That means the rear driveshaft needs to be shortened and the front one will need to be lengthened.

You can keep your trans pan.

[TRACTJDS0428]

I guess I dont understand what the flywheel housing is. Its been a while since ive had the trany out. The bell housing or a housing that bolts the the engine block? Im probably going with a billet flex plate and triple disc converter if that makes any difference. And at this rate I may have to buy a new trany if I dont find one.
on the shafts...do you think if I machine a 1" billet spacer for the front shaft it will hold up? Technically shouldnt change geometry at all.

[cmann250]

The flywheel housing, adapter plate, and spacer housing are all the same thing.



That's the engine side facing up. Since a lock-up converter is thicker, you'll need the thicker 2nd gen flywheel housing. I think it's about impossible to know if you'll need another spacer like this until you're installing it:



I agree that an aftermarket flex plate is good insurance. On the front driveshaft stuff, I'm pretty ignorant. How much do you use 4wd?

If you'd prefer to build it yourself and you're willing to pay shipping, I could put up an add for you on CompD. That site gets a lot of traffic.

[TRACTJDS0428]

Ok that helps alot! Do you know any company selling the adapter plate and shim plate you had pictured? I could buy a new starter. If I can find one for the right price I would like to build my own. Honestly It will all depend on the deal and if I have the money at the time. Found a bed and door up north. Hoping to get it by the end of the month.

[cmann250]

I suppose Cummins would sell you a new adapter plate, but used would be way cheaper. I've seen them on Craigslist, usually at $50-$150. You may not need the shim plate, but you won't know until you go to install it. PATC sells them for something like $60 or $90.

[Knoberman]

The driveshafts still work as is.

[CAJUN 93]

I have a 1996 dually with a 47re. I have read that there is a bushing available to allow the use of the 47rh electrical connector so I can swap a 47rh valve body and go. Anybody heard of this and if so I need a source and a price idea.


Daryl

[Philip]

I have a 1996 dually with a 47re. I have read that there is a bushing available to allow the use of the 47rh electrical connector so I can swap a 47rh valve body and go. Anybody heard of this and if so I need a source and a price idea. Daryl

A 47RE has no governor. You would need a 47RH/518 OD unit. You would need to change the rear support also. The 47RE rear support is not drilled for the governor tubes.

[CAJUN 93]

thanks Philip, I'm gonna use the o/d unit off the 518 and the trans guy we use for work has a bunch of rear supports I can have when I'm ready. I just need to get the giant hole for the re wiring bushed for an rh so I can start the build.

Daryl

[TRACTJDS0428]

Ok I think I have all my parts to swap. 47rh, adapter plate, flex plate and starter. Several people have said my drive shafts will work at factory hieght?
Am I missing anything? Still gotta build the trany but want to make sure ive got everything to bolt it in. Because its a 47rh I wont have to swap od
housings or anything right? Plan on a triple disc TC, billet input and output, a real good street/pulling internals kit and valve body w/lockup controller.

[cmann250]

Got the wiring pig tail?

[TRACTJDS0428]

Got the wiring pig tail?

No I dont have the wiring pig tail. If I have a schematic I can build my own. Unless somebody has one laying around.

[cmann250]

It's a gm cam sensor plug if I recall correctly. My local dc electric shop has them.