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42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install #1175810 02/10/12 07:20 AM 02/10/12 07:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	'morning! I'm going to be installing a 42RH transmission in my Duster this month and was doing a last minute post on the board and inquiring if anyone here has done any upgrades? I have called a few places and have gotten answers ranging from "we don't know nothing" to "more than happy to sell anything you want" The 42RH is based off the 904 design with an overdrive hanging off the back. The unit I have is from a 1994 Dakota V6 with 2WD of course. On disassembly the unit has a 4 and 4 clutch drum setup, plastic accumulator piston and 4 pinion planetaries. I'm going to obtain a 5 clutch front drum or use thin steels to install 5 clutches in the front drum, throw out the plastic piston and replace it with an aluminum one and perhaps replace the overdrive with a unit from a 46RH. I'm considering a shift kit from SMR, I do have one from Transgo already but don't know if I'll use it and I already have a new Mopar Performance torque converter. Any other thoughts? I'm hoping some Dakota and Durango guys will chime in. Gary

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175811 02/10/12 08:50 AM 02/10/12 08:50 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	For those wondering about the application- The car is a 1974 Duster (3640 lbs with driver) with a late model 5.9 (windage tray, Enginequest heads, Edelbrock RPM intake, Comp .505 lift cam, exhaust manfilds with duals) formerly with a 904 trans and a 8.25 rear with 3.55 gearset. At LVD the car ran 14.2 at 94 mph with the old POS cam which was replaced last fall. I might also toss the 318 exhaust manifolds while I'm at it too this month and install some 340 ones. The goals for the trans swap are better low end grunt (2.74 first gear vs 2.45 plus improved converter) better mpg on the highway, less cabin noise at cruise (2300 rpm vs 3500 rpm) and higher top speed. The 42RH will add 50 pounds to the car, but I picked up some Feather Duster bumper brackets to offset the increase. The factory steel pieces are HUGE! I'm going to do a page on my site detailing the transmission upgrades and install for anyone also looking to take this path. Before anyone chimes in about the Gear Vendors unit- I have no interest in it due to cost, available overdrive ratio and the fact it doesn't (or can't) provide a lock up feature. Not bashing, it is nice to have options but it just isn't a fit for what I'm doing. Gary

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175812 02/10/12 10:11 AM 02/10/12 10:11 AM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA B BRONZEBEE member
BRONZEBEE member B Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA	You will need a 360 weighted converter for a500,Precsion converters in Iowa has them part# 5346 you can get in a higer stall if needed.A 5 clutch would be good upgrade depending on your engine output.A good stock rebuild will do just fine.I'm sure there will be others will tell you go 518,but the a500 is a very good unit.As far on the overdrive unit your builder can get a a518 overdrive dirct clutch drum to upgrade for more clutches,you can add to the overdrive clutches without a problem.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: BRONZEBEE] #1175813 02/10/12 10:23 AM 02/10/12 10:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,402 Littleton Colo G Geezer pro stock
Geezer pro stock G Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,402 Littleton Colo	I have been pleased with the Trans Go TF-2 in my 04 Jeep six cylinder.You might consider this along with other upgrades. http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/transmission/parts/1682

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: BRONZEBEE] #1175814 02/10/12 10:37 AM 02/10/12 10:37 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: You will need a 360 weighted converter for a500,Precsion converters in Iowa has them part# 5346 you can get in a higer stall if needed. Nope, already been using a magnum flexplate which has the balance built into it. I'm all set on the converter selection but I'll keep the information in case I go a different route in the future. Quote: As far on the overdrive unit your builder can get a a518 overdrive dirct clutch drum to upgrade for more clutches,you can add to the overdrive clutches without a problem. I'm the builder (Chrysler trained) and already have two 46RE overdrive units, 46RE is the later A-518 =) Thanks! Gary

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: BRONZEBEE] #1175815 02/10/12 10:43 AM 02/10/12 10:43 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: I'm sure there will be others will tell you go 518,but the a500 is a very good unit. I'd rather have the 42RH as it is lighter, less hp loss and has a better 1st gear ratio in my honest opinion. For my 5.9 it will just do just fine, not a full out race car and if it breaks into the 13's while knocking down 20+mpg with the a/c on I'll be perfectly content.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: Geezer] #1175816 02/10/12 10:45 AM 02/10/12 10:45 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: I have been pleased with the Trans Go TF-2 in my 04 Jeep six cylinder.You might consider this along with other upgrades. http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/transmission/parts/1682 It looks like it has a good deal of the improvements included in the SMR upgrade kit... hmm.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175817 02/10/12 10:50 AM 02/10/12 10:50 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	For those wondering about coverter balance and flexplates here is a good thread I posted in with pictures showing the different flexplates- https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...t=1#Post6068818

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175818 02/10/12 10:54 AM 02/10/12 10:54 AM
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,040 GA roadrunninMark master
roadrunninMark master Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,040 GA	I will be watching your progress as I am going to use a A518 eventually in the bcuda. How are you going to handle the shifting to OD and the lockup convertor, pressure switches? Please include all that info and any wiring in your pages, thanks!

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: roadrunninMark] #1175819 02/10/12 11:02 AM 02/10/12 11:02 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: I will be watching your progress as I am going to use a A518 eventually in the bcuda. How are you going to handle the shifting to OD and the lockup convertor, pressure switches? Please include all that info and any wiring in your pages, thanks! I'm looking at two paths- The simple one is pressure switches at first but I'm looking into a small-micro computer that can be programmed. Utlizing a map sensor and a few other minor pieces it should not be a big deal to come up with something a bit more elegant and there is no shortage of stuff under $100 if not less.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175820 02/10/12 11:03 AM 02/10/12 11:03 AM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA B BRONZEBEE member
BRONZEBEE member B Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA	I think a good stock rebuild will do just fine,your rebuilder can firm up the shifts with out a shift kit,they are great for performance,but it looks like you just want to cruz the car.Many people spend lots of money for upgrades that are not needed.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: BRONZEBEE] #1175821 02/10/12 11:51 AM 02/10/12 11:51 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: I think a good stock rebuild will do just fine,your rebuilder can firm up the shifts with out a shift kit,they are great for performance,but it looks like you just want to cruz the car.Many people spend lots of money for upgrades that are not needed. 42RH was never used behind a 5.9, stock in this case isn't good enough. 300+ ft/lbs of torque vs 225 ft/lbs. The 44RE wasn't good enough in most cases. I want to be able to cruise with the car, that doesn't make it a cruiser and I have a heavy foot! Gary "I think its got a hemi"

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175822 02/10/12 01:24 PM 02/10/12 01:24 PM
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 21,318 Manitoba, Canada DaytonaTurbo Too Many Posts
DaytonaTurbo Too Many Posts Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 21,318 Manitoba, Canada	I would just do the transgo reprogramming kit for the od trans. That and a decent quality rebuild kit and you can add an extra set of clutches to the OD tail shaft for more clamping force.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175823 02/10/12 03:01 PM 02/10/12 03:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 9,826 las vegas 70AARcuda master
70AARcuda master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 9,826 las vegas	Quote: 'morning! I'm going to be installing a 42RH transmission in my Duster this month and was doing a last minute post on the board and inquiring if anyone here has done any upgrades? I have called a few places and have gotten answers ranging from "we don't know nothing" to "more than happy to sell anything you want" The 42RH is based off the 904 design with an overdrive hanging off the back. The unit I have is from a 1994 Dakota V6 with 2WD of course. On disassembly the unit has a 4 and 4 clutch drum setup, plastic accumulator piston and 4 pinion planetaries. I'm going to obtain a 5 clutch front drum or use thin steels to install 5 clutches in the front drum, throw out the plastic piston and replace it with an aluminum one and perhaps replace the overdrive with a unit from a 46RH. I'm considering a shift kit from SMR, I do have one from Transgo already but don't know if I'll use it and I already have a new Mopar Performance torque converter. Any other thoughts? I'm hoping some Dakota and Durango guys will chime in. Gary you will find that the overdrive unit on the 42rh is the same as the 46rh, just the number of disc used is different along with the thickness of the pressure plate ...a thinner pressure plate is used in the 46rh to allow more clutch disc. http://www.technicalvideos.com/transmission_combos.phtml that is a great video for disassembly and rebuilding of the overdrive unit... Tony 70 AARCuda Vitamin C 71 Dart Swinger 360 10.318 @ 128.22(10-04-14 Bakersfield) 71 Demon 360 10.666 @122.41 (01-29-17 @ Las Vegas) 71 Duster 408 (10.29 @ 127.86 3/16/19 Las Vegas)

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: 70AARcuda] #1175824 02/10/12 03:33 PM 02/10/12 03:33 PM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: you will find that the overdrive unit on the 42rh is the same as the 46rh, just the number of disc used is different along with the thickness of the pressure plate ...a thinner pressure plate is used in the 46rh to allow more clutch disc. Yup, I'm just going to rob the parts I need from them for my unit (which is aready clean and ready to go) Some units do have stouter gearsets but for this application I'll not be needing them.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175825 02/10/12 08:05 PM 02/10/12 08:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA B BRONZEBEE member
BRONZEBEE member B Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA	i have put 904's with the low first gear behind 408 strokers and never had a problem,i don't see why a a500 is any different and if you talk to a torque converter guy he will tell you that there is a converter application for a 360 with weights for the a500.It sounds like you got a plan for what you want to run,it should work good.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: BRONZEBEE] #1175826 02/10/12 08:33 PM 02/10/12 08:33 PM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: i have put 904's with the low first gear behind 408 strokers and never had a problem,i don't see why a a500 is any different and if you talk to a torque converter guy he will tell you that there is a converter application for a 360 with weights for the a500 As I already have pointed out- I'm running a magnum flexplate that already has the weights attached. I can run any neutral balance converter that will work with a 42RH. Indeed, I have been running it with the 904 for the last 2 years with a stock 318 converter. 7064660-59flexplate.jpg (692 downloads)

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175827 02/10/12 10:08 PM 02/10/12 10:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA B BRONZEBEE member
BRONZEBEE member B Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 166 MINNESOTA	I understand about the flexplate,not everyone has a magnum engine.You also asked about upgrades.I was just throwing some of my experience out there to see if i could help,but it looks like you got a plan,so enough said on my part,just trying to help.

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: roadrunninMark] #1175828 04/29/12 07:20 AM 04/29/12 07:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT gdonovan OP I Live Here
gdonovan OP I Live Here Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT	Quote: I will be watching your progress as I am going to use a A518 eventually in the bcuda. How are you going to handle the shifting to OD and the lockup convertor, pressure switches? Please include all that info and any wiring in your pages, thanks! Just went on the first road test last night on the cruise to Berlin, here is what I posted over at the A-bodies forum. Success!! Just back from the cruise to Burger King on the Berlin Turnpike and the car was great! The lower first gear set (2.74 vs 2.45) and slightly looser converter have noticeable snap off the line, it bangs through the gears with authority and cruise is simply a joy! The overdrive and lockup have lopped over a 1000 rpm off at cruise, where before I was buzzing the hell out of the motor at 65 mph now it turns a leisurely 2000 rpm while cranking along at 80 mph! For once I was passing everyone on the highway instead of being passed all the time! The sweet spot is between 75-80 mph, the car is just loafing along, very little pedal is needed to maintain speed and the cabin noise is notably less. Very simple to toggle the overdrive and lockup on and off and compare the changes. I have it wired so that lockup and overdrive comes in at the same time, very simple and works great. The motor doesn't seem to mind the load at all till around 1400 rpm or so. 1500 rpm and up and it just pulls away on the highway & state roads. Car has a few nitpicks like a rattling exhaust and minor pan leak (I need to get rid of the crappy NAPA gasket and get the real Mopar one) and I have to tweak the valve body as it likes to shift a touch later than I'd like at light throttle... EDIT- Problem was a bent kickdown rod hitting the bellcrank for the column shifter, all fixed! There is utterly NO harshness or vibration caused by the Chevy trans mount, it worked like a charm. All in all I'm very pleased with the upgrade, I'll try and post a trans build up soon. Go for the upgrade! This is an awesome mod for our old Mopars! Gary P.S. For upgrades the transmission got a aluminum accumulator, 4.2 shift lever, 5 clutch front drum from a 44RE and a Transgo shift kit that I had on the shelf for 5 years. 7184147-DSCN5938f.jpg (3987 downloads) Last edited by gdonovan; 04/29/12 04:52 PM. "I think its got a hemi"

Re: 42RH overdrive transmission upgrades and install [Re: gdonovan] #1175829 04/29/12 11:23 AM 04/29/12 11:23 AM
Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,040 GA roadrunninMark master
roadrunninMark master Joined: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,040 GA	Excellent

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