erwatt

I know most of you are going to think I've never been under the hood of a car before. In the past I did a lot of repairs on vehicles I owned. The one thing that I always ran from is automatic transmissions. I have replaced a couple of them, but they were direct replacements.
My questions are very basic. What trannys fit what engines (mainly interested in V-8s) ? Is the difference in the bell housing? I know that most likely I'll have to change out support and drive shaft. That's not a big deal. I guess the question is more directed to attaching the tranny to engine and whether the tranny needs electronic controls.
I have a B250 van with a dying trans. I want to make it into my tow vehicle for my camper. It has an A518, but would a later model tranny fit the 318 and be more reliable?
I've been told that I could purchase an upgraded A518 trans, quite pricey. As always, cost is a factor. I've also considered rebuilding the A518 myself with "bullet proof parts". But, without any experience, not sure if I would know when I was being ripped off.
Where can I purchase shop manuals for automatic transmissions? Tried Ebay, no luck.
I would appreciate any feedback.

78D200

What year is your B250 van? Does it have a magnum or non-magnum motor (I'm thinking non-magnum since you have an A518). If you can find a 46RE hydrolic shift tranny, you should be able to swap that it.

They A518 trannies are not that hard to overhaul but if you have not done it before, and do not have the tools, it can be quiet a pain.

Any decent performance shop should be able to get you a manual on how to overhaul them. The book should also cover a couple of other chrysler trannies.

erwatt

Tks Tim and Heather. I thought I replied to this last night. My computer sometimes works a lot like the tranny in my van.
My van is a 1994 high top conversion and I don't think it has a magnum motor. I have read there's a 46RE and 46RH, electric and hydraulic, respectfully. Would either one work? Do you know if these trannys are stronger and more robust than the A518? Are they 3 or 4 speeds? What vehicles were they used in?
I really do appreciate your assistance. Again, thanks!

78D200

If you have the "newer" body lines and style van (magnum era) then you probably have the 46RH tranny. The 46RH and 46RE are good trannies as long as you are not too hard on them. Most of the trannies that chrysler built after the A518s are junk in my book and need to be rebuilt every 60K miles.

If you have an A518 tranny, stay with it as it will last you longer than a 46RH. If you want to swap in a late model tranny then go with the 46RH as the 46RE will will need the computer. Look for them in 94-96 (maybe just 95) Dodge Ram 2wd pick-ups.

It shouldn't cost you that much to get the A518 rebuilt as it is.