Beefed-up replacement for the thin OEM band strut that bends and kills the band under high line pressure.
If your Dodge Ram 46RE, 47RE or 48RE slips or flares on the 1-2 shift, keeps losing front band adjustment, or came apart with a burnt kickdown band, look hard at the little stamped strut that sits between the band and its adjusting screw. This kit replaces that strut with the thicker 22717HD heavy-duty piece and adds a PW518AC anchor, for the A518 (46RH/46RE), A618 (47RH/47RE), 48RE and the older A727. It is aimed at Cummins trucks, towing rigs and any RE unit running more line pressure than stock.
The front band, which Chrysler techs still call the kickdown band, wraps around the front clutch retainer. When the servo applies, it pulls one end of the band through the band lever, and the other end has to stay put. That end is held by the strut and anchor, with the external adjusting screw setting how close the band rides to the drum. The factory manual's adjustment procedure depends on that geometry: torque the adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, then back it off a set number of turns. If the strut bows, the band no longer starts from where the adjustment says it does, and the apply goes soft.
Sonnax, which sells its own heavy-duty strut for these units, states plainly that the 46RH/RE, 47RH/RE, 48RE and A727 often bend or break the kickdown band strut. The listing for this kit puts the 22717HD at about .240 inch thick versus roughly .120 inch for the stock stamping, heat treated and zinc plated.
Second gear slip is not always the strut. A worn servo, a leaking servo seal, low line pressure or a valve body problem can feel the same. Start with fluid level and condition, then check line pressure. Our 46RE common problems guide walks through the pressure checks and the band-versus-clutch question, and the 46RE valve body testing guide covers the hydraulic causes. If the band adjustment keeps coming loose or the old strut comes out bent, you have your answer.
This kit is listed for the 46RE, 47RE, 48RE, A518, A618 and A727, and the listing cross-references it to 22717HD, 618-BSK, PW518AC and 229153. That covers 1990s and 2000s Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, Durango, Dakota and Jeep Grand Cherokee with the RH and RE four-speeds, plus the older three-speed A727. Because the A727 and RE units span decades, compare the old strut and anchor with these pieces before you install them. If you are unsure which unit you have, send us your year and VIN. Browse the full 46RE parts collection, the 47RE collection or the 48RE collection.
| Fits | 47RE, 48RE, A518, A618, A727 |
| Material | Heat-treated zinc-plated stainless |
| Strut thickness | ~.240 in (2x OEM) |
| Replaces | 22717HD / 618-BSK / PW518AC / 229153 |
| Ships from | USA |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes, the 48RE is on the fitment list along with the 46RE, 47RE, A518, A618 and A727. Compare the old strut and anchor with the new pieces when they come out, and send us your year and VIN if you want us to double-check.
Yes. The strut and anchor sit at the front band inside the case, and with the pan, filter and valve body removed you can back the adjusting screw off until the band is loose and swap them. If the band lining is burnt you are looking at a rebuild anyway.
Torque the adjusting screw to 72 in-lb, then back it off 2-7/8 turns on a 46RE or 1-7/8 turns on a 47RE per the 1998 Ram service manual, and hold the screw while you tighten the locknut. Use your year's service information for a 48RE.
A slip or flare into second gear, a front band that will not hold adjustment, a harsh or flared kickdown, and burnt band material in the pan. The bent strut is usually obvious once it is out.
ATF+4. Replace the filter and pan gasket while the pan is off.
