A518/46RH transgo TFOD-HD2 shift kit install

[67dartgtgo]

I’m planning the 46RH swap to replace my 727 in the fall and have decided to do the transgo tfod-hd2 valve body shift kit. I haven’t seen a thread on this shift improvement kit so decided to give it a documented effort for those of us with limited experience with transmissions and valve bodies.
So here goes.
I referenced the instruction booklet that comes with the kit as well as the trans go YouTube video as they go hand in hand and the video, although not perfect, gives very good instruction.

 

[67dartgtgo]

This kit fits all 1988-2007 A500-518-618-42-44-46-47RH & RE transmission valve bodies. Allows automatic and manual control through the gears.

 

[67dartgtgo]

The kit came from summit for $105 and free shipping.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Here’s the 46RH all cleaned up and cleared. Was rebuilt in 2015 with very few miles. Came from a 1995 2 wheel drive Dakota.

 

[67dartgtgo]

It came with a B&M deep pan. Was super clean when removed and washed right up.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Filter off and valve body before and after removal. Place the trans manual shift in the lo/1 position. That’s all the way to the end position on the rooster comb, away from the neutral safety switch contacts. 10, 7/16” bolts hold the valve body in. After removal of the mounting bolts the valve body can be gently coaxed away from the casing slightly, allowing access to the park rod “C” clip for removal. The park rod can be removed from the valve body and left in place. Now the valve body can be removed by pushing down on the manual shift mechanism with gentle persuasion....lol.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Parking rod removed from the valve body but still in place.

 

[67dartgtgo]

The accumulator and spring can now be removed from the case.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Skipping the 2 steps on page 1 because the trans isn’t apart, so no new high temp seals and plan on using the new supplied separator plate, so no new tapered orifice needed.

 

[67dartgtgo]

That’s it for tonight. More to come tomorrow.

 

[macdrew77]

Thanks for sharing, I will be doing this install soon

 

[BigBlockMopar]

Nice write up sofar.
All 500/518s came with deep pans, but if your pan is even deeper, it will def be the lowest hanging item under your car.

 

[67dartgtgo]

I noticed that. I have a TCA deep pan on my 727 and this B&M pan is 2” deeper than that. Considering changing it out.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Can someone tell me if the OD housing can be removed and replaced or just slid back enough without issue in order to remove the rear servo arm anchor pin? This will allow replacement of the rear servo spring.
Thank you.

 

[mchartier105]

Can someone tell me if the OD housing can be removed and replaced or just slid back enough without issue in order to remove the rear servo arm anchor pin? This will allow replacement of the rear servo spring.
Thank you.

On my '88 42RH I was able to slide the housing back far enough to do the rear servo, it was a bit nerve wrecking trying to slide it back on though, it takes some force and I was worried I somehow misaligned the splines in the OD housing.

 

[MileHighDart]

Thanks for doing this, I'll be following closely. My A500 is on the bench and I just pulled my valve body, just need to order the transgo kit.
I have a question for you too. After pulling my valve body, I removed the accumulator piston spring and the piston. I was surprised to see there wasn't another smaller spring under the piston. The YouTube video I've been watching shows the big spring on top and a smaller one under. Does yours have two springs? Don't know if I'm missing a part or if my tranny never had one.
Can anyone she'd light on this?

 

[mchartier105]

Thanks for doing this, I'll be following closely. My A500 is on the bench and I just pulled my valve body, just need to order the transgo kit.
I have a question for you too. After pulling my valve body, I removed the accumulator piston spring and the piston. I was surprised to see there wasn't another smaller spring under the piston. The YouTube video I've been watching shows the big spring on top and a smaller one under. Does yours have two springs? Don't know if I'm missing a part or if my tranny never had one.
Can anyone she'd light on this?

I believe that was only in certain years, can't say for sure which years though, any trans I've pulled apart from '88 and under hasn't had the small spring. I would discard it and keep just the piston and the spring in between it and the valve body.

 

[MileHighDart]

I believe that was only in certain years, can't say for sure which years though, any trans I've pulled apart from '88 and under hasn't had the small spring. I would discard it and keep just the piston and the spring in between it and the valve body.

My tranny is from an '89 Dakota. Anyway I won't worry about it then. Thanks

 

[67dartgtgo]

There was no spring under the accumulator on this one but I’m aware some did have them.

 

[67dartgtgo]

On to page 2.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Rear servo parts: had to unbolt and remove the overdrive extension housing to access the rear servo anchor pin. It took some even prying to remove from the case.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Rear servo new spacer and spring installed.

 

[67dartgtgo]

2nd servo new white spring next to old spring. Installed.

 

[67dartgtgo]

New 1-2 accumulator spring next to old one and on piston ready to go in.

 

[67dartgtgo]

Rear anchor pin new o rings. Band struts back in and bands adjusted. Rear single wrap spec and front band out 2 turns from snug.