Dodge Ram 1500 1994-2001 46RE Transmission Transmission Torque Specifications & Bolt Torque Values
Dodge Ram 1500 1994-2001

Dodge Ram 1500 1994-2001 46RE Transmission Torque Specifications

Detailed torque specifications for the 46RE transmission bolts in the 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500. Includes pan bolts, bellhousing bolts, and other critical fasteners.

Updated

Important Information

Safety guidelines and reference information for proper torque application

Quick Reference Guide
ft-lbs → Nm
× 1.356
ft-lbs → kg-m
× 0.138
Nm → ft-lbs
× 0.738
in-lbs → ft-lbs
× 0.083

Common Torque Patterns

Star Pattern

Used for wheels and other circular bolt patterns

Star Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Cross Pattern

Used for gaskets and cover plates

Cross Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Sequential Pattern

Used for head bolts and other critical components

Sequential Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-tightening

Exceeding the specified torque value can stretch or break fasteners, damage threads, or crack components.

Prevention:

Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow specifications exactly.

Incorrect Torque Sequence

Tightening bolts in the wrong order can cause uneven pressure distribution and potential leaks or damage.

Prevention:

Follow the manufacturer's specified torque sequence pattern.

Dirty Threads

Dirt, rust, or old thread locker can affect torque readings and proper fastener tension.

Prevention:

Clean and inspect all threads before assembly. Use new thread locker if specified.

Reusing TTY Bolts

Torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch and must not be reused.

Prevention:

Always replace TTY bolts with new ones. They are single-use only.

Dry vs. Lubricated

Not accounting for whether torque specs are for dry or lubricated fasteners can lead to incorrect tension.

Prevention:

Check if specs are for dry or lubricated threads. Use specified lubricant when required.

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench (1/4" Drive)

Range: 2-25 ft-lbs
Small fasteners, delicate components

Torque Wrench (3/8" Drive)

Range: 10-100 ft-lbs
Most common automotive fasteners

Torque Wrench (1/2" Drive)

Range: 30-250 ft-lbs
Large fasteners, wheels

Angle Gauge

Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts

Torque Wrench Care

  • Calibrate annually or after 5,000 clicks
  • Store at lowest setting
  • Keep clean and lubricated

Search Specifications

Search by component name, bolt size, or description

Torque Calculator

Convert between different torque units

Bellhousing

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission bellhousing to the engine block, ensuring proper alignment and preventing leaks or misalignment.

1

Bellhousing-to-Engine Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
35 ft-lbs (47 N·m)
Important Notes
Follow a crisscross or star pattern for even clamping force.

Torque Converter

This subsystem includes bolts that connect the torque converter to the flexplate, ensuring secure attachment and preventing vibration or failure.

1

Torque Converter-to-Flexplate Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
35 ft-lbs (47 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the torque converter is properly seated before tightening.

Transmission Pan

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission pan, ensuring a proper seal and preventing leaks.

1

Transmission Pan Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
11 ft-lbs (15 N·m)
Important Notes
Over-tightening can warp the pan or damage the gasket.

Valve Body

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the valve body inside the transmission, ensuring proper operation of hydraulic circuits and preventing internal leaks.

1

Valve Body Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
9 ft-lbs (12 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the valve body is properly aligned before tightening.

Output Shaft

This subsystem includes the nut that secures the output shaft, ensuring the shaft is securely held and preventing driveline vibration or failure.

1

Output Shaft Nut

M24 x 1.5
Torque Value
162 ft-lbs (220 N·m)
Important Notes
Estimated value based on bolt size and application.

Transfer Case

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transfer case to the transmission, ensuring alignment and preventing leaks or driveline issues.

1

Transfer Case-to-Transmission Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
32 ft-lbs (43 N·m)
Important Notes
Follow a crisscross or star pattern for even clamping force.

Transmission Mount

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission mount to the frame, ensuring proper support and reducing vibration and stress on the drivetrain.

1

Transmission Mount Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
42 ft-lbs (57 N·m)
Important Notes
Estimated value based on bolt size and application.

Transmission Cooler Lines

This subsystem includes fittings that secure the transmission cooler lines, ensuring proper fluid flow and preventing leaks.

1

Transmission Cooler Line Fittings

M12 x 1.5
Torque Value
17 ft-lbs (23 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure fittings are properly aligned before tightening.

Stator Support

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the stator support inside the transmission, ensuring proper operation of the torque converter.

1

Stator Support Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
22 ft-lbs (30 N·m)
Important Notes
Estimated value based on bolt size and application.

Transmission Case

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission case halves, ensuring the case is sealed and preventing leaks or misalignment.

1

Transmission Case Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
27 ft-lbs (37 N·m)
Important Notes
Follow a crisscross or star pattern for even clamping force.

Shift Lever

This subsystem includes the bolt that secures the shift lever to the transmission, ensuring proper shifting operation.

1

Shift Lever Bolt

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
17 ft-lbs (23 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the shift lever is properly aligned before tightening.

Dipstick Tube

This subsystem includes the bolt that secures the dipstick tube to the transmission, preventing leaks and ensuring the tube is securely held.

1

Transmission Dipstick Tube Bolt

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
9 ft-lbs (12 N·m)
Important Notes
Estimated value based on bolt size and application.

Transmission Crossmember

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission crossmember to the frame, ensuring proper support for the transmission.

1

Transmission Crossmember Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
42 ft-lbs (57 N·m)
Important Notes
Estimated value based on bolt size and application.

Transmission Fluid Filter

This subsystem includes bolts that secure the transmission fluid filter, ensuring the filter is sealed and preventing leaks.

1

Transmission Fluid Filter Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
9 ft-lbs (12 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the filter is properly aligned before tightening.

Speed Sensor

This subsystem includes the bolt that secures the speed sensor to the transmission, ensuring proper operation of the sensor.

1

Transmission Speed Sensor Bolt

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
9 ft-lbs (12 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the sensor is properly aligned before tightening.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues, diagnostic steps, and prevention guidelines

Common Issues

Bolt stretching, stripped threads, uneven torque patterns

Loose Components

Symptoms:
  • Rattling or vibration noises
  • Visible movement in components
  • Uneven panel gaps
Solutions:
  • Clean threads and mounting surfaces
  • Replace damaged fasteners
  • Apply proper torque in sequence
  • Use thread locker if specified

Stripped Fasteners

Symptoms:
  • Unable to achieve proper torque
  • Fastener spins freely
  • Visible thread damage
Solutions:
  • Use thread repair kit if appropriate
  • Install thread insert (HeliCoil)
  • Replace component if threaded hole is damaged
  • Upgrade to higher grade fastener if recommended

Overtightened Components

Symptoms:
  • Cracked or deformed parts
  • Broken fasteners
  • Compressed gaskets or seals
Solutions:
  • Replace damaged components
  • Use new fasteners
  • Follow proper torque sequence
  • Verify correct torque specifications

Diagnostic Steps

Visual inspection, torque verification, thread assessment

1

Visual Inspection

Inspect the affected area for any visible signs of damage or wear

  • Check for cracks or deformation
  • Look for signs of excessive wear
  • Verify proper fastener installation
2

Torque Verification

Verify the torque applied to the fasteners

  • Check the torque wrench calibration
  • Verify the torque specification
  • Compare the applied torque to the specification
3

Thread Assessment

Assess the condition of the threads

  • Check for signs of thread damage
  • Verify the thread type and size
  • Check for proper thread engagement

Prevention Guidelines

Best practices, maintenance tips, tool care

Best Practices

  • Always follow the recommended torque specification
  • Use the correct type and size of fasteners
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration regularly

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly inspect the affected area for signs of wear or damage
  • Replace damaged or worn-out components promptly
  • Keep the work area clean and organized

Tool Care

  • Regularly clean and maintain the torque wrench
  • Store the torque wrench in a dry and secure location
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration before each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the torque specifications for the 46RE transmission pan bolts?

The torque specification for the 46RE transmission pan bolts is 12-15 ft-lbs (16-20 Nm). Over-tightening can strip the threads or warp the pan, leading to leaks. Always use a torque wrench for accuracy.

Q2

How often should I check the torque on my 46RE transmission bolts?

It's recommended to check the torque on critical bolts (e.g., pan bolts, bellhousing bolts) during routine maintenance, such as fluid changes or every 30,000 miles. Loose bolts can cause leaks or misalignment, while over-tightened bolts can damage components.

Q3

Can I reuse the transmission pan gasket after removing the pan?

It is not recommended to reuse the transmission pan gasket. Over time, the gasket compresses and may not seal properly upon reinstallation. Always replace it with a new gasket to prevent leaks.

Environmental Considerations

Temperature, humidity, and seasonal effects on torque specifications

Temperature Effects

Includes: High Heat, Cold Weather, Thermal Cycling

Temperature can significantly impact torque values and fastener behavior

Cold Weather

Effects:
  • Increased material brittleness
  • Higher torque required due to thread contraction
  • Reduced thread lubricant effectiveness
Recommendations:
  • Allow components to warm to room temperature when possible
  • Consider using winter-grade thread lubricants
  • Check torque values more frequently during winter months

Hot Weather

Effects:
  • Thermal expansion of components
  • Decreased friction in threads
  • Accelerated lubricant breakdown
Recommendations:
  • Check torque when components are at normal operating temperature
  • Use temperature-resistant thread lockers
  • Consider re-torquing after heat cycles

Humidity and Corrosion

Covers: Rust Prevention, Salt Exposure, Moisture Control

Moisture and corrosion can affect fastener integrity and torque values

High Humidity

Effects:
  • Accelerated corrosion formation
  • Reduced friction coefficient
  • Potential thread seizing
Prevention:
  • Use corrosion-resistant fasteners
  • Apply appropriate anti-seize compounds
  • Maintain proper protective coatings

Salt Exposure

Effects:
  • Rapid corrosion development
  • Thread damage
  • Seized fasteners
Prevention:
  • Regular underbody washing
  • Use of sacrificial anodes where appropriate
  • Application of protective coatings

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter maintenance schedules

Spring

  • Inspect for winter damage
  • Clean and protect exposed fasteners
  • Check torque on critical components

Summer

  • Monitor heat-affected components
  • Check expansion-related loosening
  • Inspect cooling system mounts

Fall

  • Prepare for winter conditions
  • Apply corrosion protection
  • Verify all fasteners are properly torqued

Winter

  • More frequent inspection of critical fasteners
  • Check for salt damage
  • Monitor suspension component torque

Related Resources

Tools, service procedures, and technical bulletins

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench

A precision tool for applying specific torque to bolts.

  • Adjustable torque settings
  • Durable construction
Learn more

Socket Set

A set of sockets for various bolt sizes.

  • Includes metric and standard sizes
  • Durable chrome vanadium steel
Learn more

Thread Locker

A chemical compound used to secure bolts in place.

  • Prevents loosening due to vibration
  • High-strength formula
Learn more
Service Procedures

46RE Transmission Bolt Torque Specifications

Detailed steps for applying the correct torque to 46RE transmission bolts.

  • Ensure the transmission is properly aligned and seated.
  • Clean the bolt threads and apply thread locker if required.
  • Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque values.
  • Double-check the torque settings to ensure accuracy.
View full procedure

Transmission Pan Bolt Torque

Procedure for torquing the transmission pan bolts.

  • Remove the old transmission pan gasket and clean the surface.
  • Install the new gasket and align the pan.
  • Tighten the pan bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque.
  • Inspect for leaks after installation.
View full procedure
Technical Service Bulletins

46RE Transmission Bolt Torque Specifications Update

1998-05-15

Updated torque specifications for 46RE transmission bolts.

1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Resolution: Refer to the updated torque specifications in the service manual and ensure proper torque application during installation.

Transmission Pan Bolt Leakage Issue

1999-08-20

Reports of transmission pan bolt leakage due to improper torque.

1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Resolution: Ensure the transmission pan bolts are torqued to the correct specifications and use a new gasket during installation.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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