Dodge Truck Transmission Interchange Chart – (Smooth Shifting Ahead)

Dodge trucks update their transmissions pretty gradually. So, if you need an older or updated feature on your Dodge, a transmission interchange is the solution. Considering the versatility of available vehicles listed in the Dodge Truck transmission interchange chart, the swap is worth the effort! 

The interchange chart indicates that the Dodge truck transmission exchange works with Volvo, Honda, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and other high-end choices. Plus, these transmissions are swappable with different sizes of engine cylinders, ranging from 1.2 L to 2.3 L.

Swapping transmissions with these engine sizes and vehicle models can either work out or go miserably wrong. The result depends on some compatibility factors. But what they really are? Go on for the details! 

Dodge Truck Transmission Interchange Chart

Dodge truck transmissions are interchangeable within its models and other vehicles as well. But for the swap to work, the engine specifications need to be specific as follows: 

For Dodge trucks, one of the most famous transmissions is the 4L60E model. So, if you want to interchange it, be sure of which version to use. Because the 4L60E transmission interchange chart indicates that there are early and late versions of the model.

Also, for a swap with an older trans, specifically the 4L80E, make sure to check the latest 4L80E transmission interchange chart. Because based on the new features of the transmission, the compatibility might change. 

Factors Affecting Interchangeability Dodge Truck Transmission

Transmission compatibility is a must to consider before swapping any transmission. So here, I have listed the 3 must-see factors that determine the compatibility: 

Size and Pattern

For two Dodge transmissions to be interchangeable, they must share a similar size to the engine. Always remember this rule of thumb while swapping Dodge truck transmissions, the volume of the engine’s cylinders should be the same. Sounds confusing? Let me explain. 

If the donor truck or vehicle has a 3.0 L engine, your Dodge truck needs to feature a 3.0 L engine as well. Because transmissions aid in establishing a connection between engines and road surfaces. 

So, if the engines and transmissions match or adapt the characteristics of each other, they are compatible for the swap. 

Also, the bolt patterns of the two transmissions need to match the engines’ patterns. Even if the patterns are not the same, they need to fall in the same category or family of bell housing. 

So, after inspecting their patterns, if you find them matching, they are ideal to replace each other.

The point to be noted: Two same-sized transmissions are also necessary for the replaceable transmission to fit correctly. In order to confirm their size, measuring their drive shaft diameter and length is a good move. If you find them matched, they are compatible transmission due.

Torque Converter

Once you find transmissions with the same engine size and patterns, you might think it is time to replace them. I am sorry to burst your bubble but that is not the case! Why? Because torque converters can make the process a hit or miss. 

In order to illustrate, if you try to swap the Dodge transmission with Nissan, the Nissan transmission interchange chart will include a swappable transmission model. And this model will share similar torque converters with your old transmission. 

So, if your transmission works on a 4.9 torque converter, you need to find another transmission that works on a 4.9 or similar converter. Once their converter ratio matches or shows similarity, the transmissions are exchangeable. 

You may ask, “How does the converter determine the interchangeability?” Well, the brief answer is, Dodge automatic transmissions run on torque converters for producing the best performance. 

Without a specific torque converter, transmissions might not work. As a result, it is important to pair up two transmissions with the same converter spec.

If matching the converter seems too much of a hassle, switching to manual transmission swap can take away this stress from you!

Tire Size

Vehicle tire size is a fact to take a look at before exchanging Dodge transmissions. This is because tire size can have a significant effect on the functionality of the trans. 

Do you consider swapping two transmissions that are installed on different-sized tires? In this case, I highly recommend dropping the idea. Or else, the increased or lowered stress of the tires can gradually damage the transmission system, bear in mind! 

So, if you want to go with expert advice, do not exchange small tire-based transmission for larger tire-based vehicles. Instead, make sure both engines share the same tire pressure and size to reduce the risk of transmission malfunctions.

Common Issues May Arise When Interchanging Dodge Truck Transmissions

Unfortunately, transmission exchange does come with its share of issues. And it mostly occurs when you do not consider the compatibility features of two transmissions while exchanging them. 

To give you a helping hand, let me disclose the two most common issues you may encounter during and after the Dodge truck transmission swap: 

Transmission Failure

Exchanging transmissions to use on a vehicle with different or bigger size tires can affect the transmission over time. The swap will work for a while but gradually the transmission will show symptoms of failure. 

Guess why? Because too much stress from the radial or bigger tires stretches one gear of the transmission too far. But automatic transmissions are not designed to withstand lots of converters and movement at once. 

As a result, it causes the transmission to lag or stop working. According to my research, stress from bigger tires slows down the gears or blocks them from functioning. 

Resetting Issues

The manufacturers set every transmission according to the specs of their vehicle. So, the electrical connectors, shifter alignment, and engine idle speed are programmed to match the transmission specifications. 

This is why I am afraid a transmission swap on a different vehicle can have issues with resetting the vehicle system!

Without resetting the newly swapped transmission with its new vehicle, it will not function. In my opinion, it is better if you contact a tuning shop to reset the system. In case you want to carry out the task on your own, make sure you are an expert in ECU management.  

Tips for Successfully Interchanging Dodge Truck Transmission

Interchanging transmission not only depends on the compatibility of transmission but also the working strategy to carry out the process. Such strategies make sure the exchange does not fail miserably. So, to save some time and effort in the process, I have listed the following tips:

• Try to reach the manufacturers’ site of transmissions to get accurate information about their specifications. 
• Make sure the transmission does not have major changes in them. 
• If one transmission has a place to mount parts, choose the other with such a structure. 
• It is better to swap transmission with a car that has a flat-layout engine to reduce revving issues. 
  Always start working within the interior and hood before crawling under.

Conclusion 

Through the Dodge truck transmission interchange chart, I tried my best to show its versatility in terms of vehicle models. That said, it does not mean the transmission swap will work for every single model! 

Considering the computer programming and technical features, you may need to modify the transmissions or vehicles. 

If you are not into automotive tools and processes, I’d prefer to contact a nearby automotive center for a successful swapping.

Video References

J_Moffitt

Rasel

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Education: Mechanical  engineer

Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.