Upgrading to a 47rh?
 

Dear community,
I do have a D250 that I am thinking about converting to a 4 WD.
If I need a transfer case anyway and need to work on my driveshafts - why not upgrading to a 47RH (Has TC-Lockup)?
There is one for sale close with a transfercase.
So the question is: How do I identify that it is a 47RH?
And the torque converter has a bigger diameter. Do I need a different flexplate? Or is it due to the lockup device?
Has anyone ever done the upgrade?
What were your experiences?
Best regards.
Jörg

you have to change your adapter between the motor and tranny as the converter is thicker and check the plug on the side of trans to make sure it is not an RE

...the seller has the adapter. Does anybody know what the serial number should look like?
Also it looks like the front driveshaft output is on the drivers side. At the 1st gen. it is on the passenger side. Can I just rotate the last part of the TC to make that work, or do I have to use my old TC - does that even fit?

Look for three small pins, not the neutral/reverse connector, that's a 47rh. The RE Trans will have an eight pin round connecter. I just did the conversion, and I'm very happy with it. Went from 13-15 to 17-18 mpg. 65 mph, 315/70/16's and 3.55's I'm running about 1650 rpm. You can carry on a conversation in the truck now!

47rh transfercase
 

Which Transfercase can I use regarding spline count and drop of the front driveshaft (should be on passengers side)?
Thanks.
Joerg

You're gonna need an np-205 passenger side drop and I do believe it's a 32 spline count input shaft somebody correct me if I'm wrong

Correct on the 205. Dodge automatics ran a 29 spline shaft whereas the manuals ran 32 spline. There are adapters out there if you can't find one you need.

...can I still use my old (from the 727) corssmember, or do I need the one for the 47rh?

I modified the existing cross member. Make sure metal doesn't touch metal, sounds like it's going to come apart.

Some people say you can upgrade a 727 to a torque converter lock-up?
Has anybody ever done that?
Thanks. Joerg

Guy on DTR just did a thread about converting his a518 to lock up. Turn your non lockup 518 into a lockup on the cheap - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

Chrysler did it in cars from the late 70s to the early 80s but never in the trucks, so I imagine it's entirely possible. An A518 (46rh) or A618 (47rh) is just a 727 with overdrive or overdrive/lockup, respectively, anyway. Anything after '82 or '83 and before about late '94 that was lockup had a 904 or 999, neither of which are going to handle the torque of a diesel. Your best bet is to get the hydraulic lockup transmission, adapter and passenger side drop transfer case.

I saw that lockup conversion thread. Unless you're pinched for cash or incredibly cheap, it's a lot less trouble to just source and install the 47rh.

I have a lockup flex plate and adapter if you need one. I'm located in the St. Louis area.