Compresses the overdrive direct clutch return spring cage on Chrysler A518, 46RE, 47RE and 48RE units so the snap ring comes out under control.
Rebuilding the overdrive on a Dodge Ram 47RE, 46RE, 48RE or 42RE means getting past the direct clutch spring, and that spring is not something to pry on. Chrysler's own manual puts its force at roughly 830 pounds. This T-1302 compressor is the cage that sits on the direct clutch hub so a hydraulic shop press can push the hub and spring down evenly, exposing the snap rings for removal and installation. It is the tool you need when the truck has lost fourth gear, slips in reverse, or came in with burnt overdrive clutches.
In the A518 and A618 family the overdrive unit carries two clutch packs. The direct clutch is held on by that big spring, which locks the overdrive planetary for first through third and reverse. When the truck shifts to fourth, the overdrive piston pushes against the spring to release the direct clutch and the overdrive clutch applies. Because the spring is always loaded, the direct clutch pack snap ring and the hub retaining ring are trapped under it. The factory procedure compresses the hub and spring just far enough to expose those rings, removes them, then releases the load slowly and completely.
The tool is an open welded steel cage with a solid end plate for the press ram and a ring end that seats on the clutch hub. The open sides let you see the rings and reach them with pliers while the spring is held. The same cage also serves as a stand: during reassembly the manual has you support the geartrain on it while the overdrive gear case goes back on.
Make sure the problem really is inside the overdrive. Our 46RE 3-4 clutch failure guide covers the slip patterns and the overdrive clutch pressure check, and the 46RE common problems guide explains the governor pressure and valve body faults that can mimic a slipping clutch. A worn pump can also starve the overdrive circuit, so read the pump failure guide if line pressure is low in every range.
The listing covers the 1989-up A500 and 42RE, the 1991-up A518 (46RE) and A618 (47RE), and the 2003-up 48RE. That includes Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks, Dakota and Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee models built with those units. It is not for the 45RFE family. If you are not sure which transmission you have, read the tag on the case or send us the year and VIN. Everything else we carry for these units is on the 46RE parts page.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Chrysler says no. The service manual warns that the spring force is about 830 pounds and calls for the compressor tool plus a hydraulic shop press with at least 5 to 6 inches of ram travel and an adjustable bed. This cage is meant to be used under a press.
The listing covers the 1989-up A500 and 42RE, 1991-up A518 (46RE), A618 (47RE) and 2003-up 48RE. It is not for the 45RFE family.
An overdrive spline alignment tool to keep the planetary and overrunning clutch indexed, new clutch packs and seals from a rebuild kit, a new case gasket, and ATF+4 for the refill.
No fourth gear, a slip or flare on the 3-4 shift, slipping in reverse along with fourth, and clutch material in the fluid that drains from the overdrive unit are the usual signs. Confirm with a pressure test before tearing it down.
Yes. It compresses the hub and spring so the retaining ring and clutch pack snap ring can be installed, and the manual also has you support the geartrain on it while the overdrive gear case is installed.
