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 Updated
October, 2002

INTRODUCTION
42RH (A500) - 46RH (A518) - 47RH (A618)
We wish to thank the Chrysler Corporation for the information and illustrations that have made this booklet
possible. The A500 (42RH) (A999 Family) and A518 (46RH) (A727 Family) are both rear wheel drive
transmissions with the overdrive section incorporated in the extension housing, and first made their appearance
in 1988. The A500, beginning at start of production, was designed with a new electronic controlled 3-4 shift and
electronic controlled converter clutch. The A518 however only recieved the electronic controlled 3-4 shift and
in 1992 recieved the electronic controlled converter clutch. The A500 and A518 transmissions are found in the
Dakota, Pick-up Trucks, Ramchargers, Vans and Ram-50 vehicles. In the Ram-50's, the transmission is reffered
to as the R4AC1 for 2WD versions and the V4AC1 for 4WD applications.
A larger version of the A518 (46RH), known as the A618 (47RH), which basically has more clutch plates for
increased torque carrying capacity, was introduced in 1994 and is found behind 5.9L Cummins diesel engines
and the 8.0L pickup trucks.

No part of any ATSG publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without written permission of Automatic Transmission Service Group. This includes all text illustrations,
tables and charts.

The information and part numbers contained in this booklet have

been carefully compiled from industry sources known for their
reliability, but ATSG does not guarantee its accuracy.

Copyright © ATSG 1993

DALE ENGLAND JIM DIAL
FIELD SERVICE CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
WAYNE COLONNA ED KRUSE
TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
PETER LUBAN GREGORY LIPNICK
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
JON GLATSTEIN DAVID CHALKER
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
JERRY GOTT STANTON ANDERSON
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
GERALD CAMPBELL ROLAND ALVAREZ
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT TECHNICAL CONSULTANT

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP

9200 S. DADELAND BLVD. SUITE 720
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33156
(305) 670-4161 1
 "ADJUSTMENT SECTION"

BAND ADJUSTMENTS
FRONT BAND
Tighten adjusting screw to 72 in.lbs.
Back off adjusting screw exactly 2 turns.
While holding adjusting screw, torque locking nut to
35 ft.lb.

REAR BAND
Tighten adjusting screw to 72 in.lbs.
Back off adjusting screw exactly as follows:
42RH (A500) = 4 turns.
46RH/47RH (A518/A618) = 2 turns.
While holding adjusting screw, torque locking nut to
35 ft.lb.
 3 STAGE 2 STAGE
GOVERNOR GOVERNOR
WEIGHT WEIGHT
 Fig. 56 Direct Clutch Pack Components

SPECIAL NOTE:
Refer to Page 86 through Page 90 for proper identification and usage
of the Overdrive-Direct clutch plates for this unit.
 Technical Service Information

CHRYSLER A500, A518, A618 SERIES

OVERDRIVE CLUTCH AND OD/DIRECT CLUTCH
IDENTIFICATION AND USAGE BY MODEL

Overdrive Clutch Identification And Proper Assembly

Refer to Figure 1 for the proper assembly procedure and identification of the Overdrive Clutch components for
all models. Notice that the first design clutch stack is not recommended, and there are two snap rings that go in
first, one being flat and one being waved.

OD/Direct Clutch Identification And Proper Assembly

It is very easy to incorrectly assemble the Overdrive Direct Clutch pack. There are two different thickness of
the steel plates and two different thickness of the pressure plates used in the OD/Direct clutch pack. Not being
aware of the differences will allow you to mis-assemble this clutch pack. Follow the steps below and refer to
Figures 2, 3, and 4, to correctly identify which design level you are working with, and properly assemble this
critical drum. If a mis-assembly occurs here it will create no reverse or bind-up on 3-4 shift.
Step No. 1 - Identify which design level pressure plate that you are using by measuring the thickness of the
"Lug Area". The 1st design level pressure plate will measure approximately .215" in thickness and the 2nd
design level pressure plate will measure approximately .085" in thickness, as shown in Figure 2.
Step No. 2 - Identify which design level steel plates that you are using by measuring the thickness. The 1st
design level steel plates will measure approximately .070" in thickness and the 2nd design level steel plates will
measure approximately .055" in thickness, as shown in Figure 2.
Step No. 3 - If all First Design steels and pressure plate are being used, refer to the chart in Figure 3 to identify
the OD Direct clutch housing that you have, as well as the number of steel plates and lined plates for that
housing.
If all Second Design steels and pressure plate are being used, refer to the chart in Figure 4 to identify the OD
Direct clutch housing that you have, as well as the number of steel plates and lined plates for that housing.

SPECIAL NOTE: "Always" use the special tools and procedures to measure and
determine the correct thickness Overdrive Piston Shim that your set-up requires. An
incorrect shim selection may also cause, no reverse or tie-up on 3-4 shift.

SERVICE INFORMATION:
OD/Direct Pressure Plate (1st Design .215" Thick) ...................................................................... 4461031
OD/Direct Steel Plate (1st Design .070" Thick) ........................................................................... 4461054
OD/Direct Pressure Plate (2nd Design .085" Thick) .................................................................... 4461183
OD/Direct Steel Plate (2nd Design .055" Thick) .......................................................................... 4864053

Copyright © 2002 ATSG

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP

86
 Technical Service Information

PROPER OVERDRIVE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND USAGE

OD Clutch Reaction Plate
OD Clutch Pack OD Clutch "Waved" Snap Ring
OD Clutch "Flat" Snap Ring
OD Clutch Pressure Plate

For Proper "OD/Direct" Clutch

Assembly And I.D. Refer To
{ Figures 2, 3, And 4

OD Clutch "Round"
Snap Ring

OVERDRIVE CLUTCH USAGE CHART

Illustration REACTION STEEL FRICTION PRESSURE
Number MODEL PLATE PLATES PLATES PLATE
1 A500, Early Version Thick-.376" 1 2 Thick-.376"
2 A500, Later Version Thin-.215" 2 3 Thick-.376"
3 A518, Except Diesel Engine Thin-.215" 3 4 Thin-.215"
4 A518, With Diesel Engine Thin-.215" 5 5 None **
4 A618, All Models Thin-.215" 5 5 None **
** Normal Steel Plate Serves As Pressure Plate
Illustration No. 1 Illustration No. 2 Illustration No. 3 Illustration No. 4

"Not Recommended"
Copyright © 2000 ATSG
Figure 82
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP
87
 Technical Service Information

CHRYSLER A500, A518, A618 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS

OD/DIRECT CLUTCH I.D. AND USAGE

{
.215" = First Design Pressure Plate

.085" = Second Design Pressure Plate

{
.070" = First Design Steel Plate

.055" = Second Design Steel Plate

Copyright © 2000 ATSG

Figure 83

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP

88
 Technical Service Information

CHRYSLER A500, A518, A618 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS

OD/DIRECT CLUTCH I.D. AND USAGE

There are currently four different Overdrive/Direct clutch housings dependent on the engine size and the
transmission model you are working on. If it becomes necessary to replace the drum, measure the distance
between the top of snap ring groove and the top of the housing, as shown below, and use the chart below to
determine the amount of friction plates and steel plates for the model you are working on. Choosing the wrong
amount may create a tie-up on the 3-4 shift, or a no reverse condition. The number of lined and steel plates in
this chart, are based upon FIRST DESIGN PARTS.

TRANSMISSION LINED STEEL MEASUREMENT

A500 (40RH) 3.9L 5 4 .485"
A500 (42RH) 5.2L 6 5 .350"
A518/A618 8 7 .100"

MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN

TOP OF THE DRUM AND TOP OF THE
SNAP RING GROOVE AS SHOWN

OVERDRIVE/DIRECT CLUTCH HOUSING

Copyright © 2000 ATSG

Figure 84
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP
89
 Technical Service Information

CHRYSLER A500, A518, A618 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS

OD/DIRECT CLUTCH I.D. AND USAGE

There are currently four different Overdrive/Direct clutch housings dependent on the engine size and the
transmission model you are working on. If it becomes necessary to replace the drum, measure the distance
between the top of snap ring groove and the top of the housing, as shown below, and use the chart below to
determine the amount of friction plates and steel plates for the model you are working on. Choosing the wrong
amount may create a tie-up on the 3-4 shift, or a no reverse condition. The number of lined and steel plates in
this chart, are based upon SECOND DESIGN PARTS.

TRANSMISSION LINED STEEL MEASUREMENT

A500 (40RH) 3.9L 6 5 .485"
A500 (42RH) 5.2L 8 7 .350"
A518/A618 10 9 .100"

MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN

TOP OF THE DRUM AND TOP OF THE
SNAP RING GROOVE AS SHOWN

OVERDRIVE/DIRECT CLUTCH HOUSING

Copyright © 2000 ATSG

Figure 85
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP
90
 SPECIAL NOTE:
Refer to Page 86 through Page 90 for proper identification
and usage of the Overdrive clutch plates for this unit.

Fig. 76 Overdrive Clutch Pack Components