Transmission Bands

I've been doing some shopping for transmission parts. I think I've finally decided on the package of upgrades I can afford (I of course want MORE). But I've run into some confusion regarding the bands. There's 2 in my transmission (and most transmissions). You can choose between rigid and flexable, and there's different friction materials as well. You can get OE quality. I have no idea what that's made of. You can also get Red Eagle style, Kevlar, or Carbon Fiber. So far, no ones' been able to tell me what the differences are in these. I'm looking for what the shift, wear, and longevity characteristics are. I of coure want durability, but I also want performance. And we all know that those don't always go hand in hand.

These are the three different styles. Red Eagle, Kevlar in the middle, and Carbon Fiber on the right. These are also the rigid style bands.


And this is the flex style band. This one happens to be carbon fiber as well.

I think I can get most of what I need from here: TransmissionCenter.net. The website is a bit clunky but they seem to have everything that I'm looking for, and lots of info to boot.

If anyone has any knowledge on this subject, feel free to post a comment.

Rebuilding the 46rh, AKA the wimpy A518, Transmission

A year has gone by. So I suppose it's time for a new post on my "blog". Of course the quotes are supplied for the simple reason that a blog by the most meakest definition should contain an update once in a while. This one hasn't. But I aim to change that.

For the latest Nerdy Thing I Do I'm going to chronical the rebuilding of the Chrysler "slushmatic" 46rh transmission from my 1992 Dodge D250 pickup. The transmission recently took a dump...3rd gear refused to engage. I guess the Cummins finally took it's toll on it.

Being the "frugalista" that I am, I couldn't, with a good conscious, take my truck to a transmission shop to have it rebuilt. The cost is just too high. And, being the upgrades addict and constant tinkerer that I am, I decided to do it myself. This way I can have some upgrades for strength and durability and not break the bank. Of course, I really want to go all out on this project. But the funds, and the wife, just won't allow that. So I'm shooting for some middle-of-the-road position that will give some amount of strength for mild upgrades I've made to the Cummins.

So look here in the coming weeks for most posts, and pics of course, of how it's going and what I'm doing. Maybe it will help somebody along their own transmission journey.

And, to begin with, I'ld like to thank all the boys (and most likely a few girls) over at DieselTruckResource.com for all the help and adive they've given on the project. I literally couldn't have done it without them. Check it out. If you've got any year of Dodge with a Cummins diesel, the community there is friendly and extremely informative. Everyone on the forum, and especially the 1st genners (guys like me that own a Dodge Cummins between 1989-1993), and more than willing to pitch in their $.02.

More later.