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Call or Text (352) 722-5295Complete transmissions for the 1994-1998 Ram 5.9L Cummins
The automatic behind the 5.9L Cummins is a heavy-duty Chrysler 4-speed overdrive with 2.45/1.45/1.00/0.69 gearing and a 450 lb-ft input rating: the 47RH with a hydraulic governor through 1995, and the 47RE with electronic governor pressure control from about 1996. The manual is the NV4500 5-speed, rated for 460 lb-ft with a 5.61 first gear and a 0.75 overdrive. A stock 47-series unit uses a single-disc converter and 60-100 psi line pressure, and that hardware can't hold a fueled 12-valve's torque.
When a complete unit makes sense
A replacement transmission is the answer when the stock one slips, burns fluid or hangs the 2-3 shift at full throttle behind added power, or when it's worn enough that you'd rather not rebuild it piece by piece. Built 47RH and 47RE units typically come with a multi-disc converter and a deep pan, and a performance valve body raises line pressure well above stock, so check each listing for exactly what's in the box. At the far end, race 12-valves swap to a 48RE with billet internals and a constant-pressure valve body. On a manual truck, the NV4500's known weak spot is the 5th-gear mainshaft nut backing off, and the fixes include a revised nut, a stronger input shaft and mainshaft and a dual-disc clutch.
What we carry
BD Diesel's automatics are split by governor type. For 1994-1995 47RH trucks there's the Tow & Street 4WD 47RH and a 47RH transmission-and-converter package. For 1996-1998 47RE trucks there's the Tow & Street 47RE for 4WD, the Towmaster 47RE with converter for 4WD, and the Torquemaster 47RE with converter, auxiliary filter and billet input shaft. BD also lists a 2WD Towmaster 47RE with converter for 1997-1999 trucks that have a speed sensor only and no speedometer head. ATS Diesel Performance adds a 47RE transmission package for 1996-2002 2WD trucks and an NV4500 performance manual transmission listed for 1994-2002 trucks.
Fitment notes
The 47RH and 47RE differ in governor and valve-body control, so match the unit to your year and to whether your governor is electronic. Match 2WD or 4WD to the listing, and read the speed sensor note on 2WD units. Switching between manual and automatic touches more than the gearbox: on the 2500, manual trucks came with a Dana 80 rear axle and automatics a Dana 70, and NV4500 clutch parts are specific to its 1.25-inch 10-spline input. A 1998 truck can have the 12-valve or the 24-valve engine, so confirm which. Verify by VIN before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Which complete transmission fits a 1996 Ram 2500 Cummins?
1996 is generally the first year of the electronically governed 47RE, though some sources date the computer-controlled units from 1997. Look at your governor before you order, then pick the 2WD or 4WD version to match. BD's 4WD 47RE units here are listed for 1996-1998, BD's 2WD Towmaster for 1997-1999, and the ATS 47RE package for 1996-2002 2WD trucks.
Does a built transmission come with a torque converter?
Some do and some don't. BD's Towmaster and Torquemaster listings are transmission-and-converter packages, while the Tow & Street titles don't mention a converter, so read the description. Built units of this kind usually pair with a multi-disc converter and a deep pan.
Can the stock 47RE handle more power?
Not once the engine is fueled. The stock single-disc converter and 60-100 psi line pressure can't hold a fueled 12-valve's torque, and the signs are converter slip, burnt fluid and a 2-3 shift that hangs at full throttle. A built unit with a multi-disc converter and a performance valve body is the answer.
Is there an upgraded NV4500 option?
Yes. ATS Diesel Performance lists an NV4500 performance manual transmission for 1994-2002 5.9L Cummins trucks. The stock NV4500's weak spot is the 5th-gear mainshaft nut backing off, and lugging in 5th while towing is what sets it off.
Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.