The 48RE is essentially a 727 TorqueFlite which Chrysler has been using in vehicles since 1962. The 48RE is just the heavy duty version, though the basic design has remained largely unchanged. The biggest issue they have is with overdrive cooling, which can be sorted with a valve body kit, but you shouldn't be using overdrive when hauling anyway. I've heard the same complaints with the 545RFE like I have in my 05 Ram, but with 180k miles and zero issues, I think that's largely due to user error or people repeating internet posts.cb360j said:Man, I will say, from experience that the 48re transmission really is that bad. I had one as a hauler, 0 mods done at all, and the transmission went out at 70,000 miles then again at 120,000 miles. I fixed it again and sold it. Have been trying to find a 2006 with a manual for months now.
Definitely make sure you tighten the bands on the 48re when servicing it, will greatly increase service life.
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah I heard that if I swap out the valve body it fixes the cooling issue. So I’m looking into that too. Not sure that’s something I can do!Rider52 said:I got over 200,000 out of my Dodge before I sold it. The issue with the transmissions is the design. The basic design has not changed since Dodge had push button shifting. As such, the transmission does not circulate fluid when in Park. If you are inclined to set with the motor running in Park while shooting the breeze with your buddy it's not a good idea. I got this information directly from a Dodge engineer when I asked him about the overwhelming recurrence of transmission failures for these vehicles. Replacing the shift solenoid and pressure transducer is a good idea. I replaced mine twice in 200,000 miles, the first time at around 100,000 when the truck would violently down shift when you took your foot off the gas. The second time was a "just in case" when I got close to 200,000 miles. There are a couple of other sensors that link the transmission, rear end and computer that may give you fits in the future. If so, go to just about any Dodge forum and you'll get the information you need. That is a good looking truck and I tell everyone that my Dodge was the best riding/driving truck I've ever owned.
So this comes with a factory plug grafted onto it.crazypj said:Swapping solenoid operated valve block isn't too muchof a chore, just make sure to get the cable connectors back on the correct plugs. It costs around $120.00 for a dealer to do the plug swap :'(