RattlerSkin

I have not really posted here at all, I am mainly a lurker but I have been having an "issue" if you will that I have not seen posted here yet. When I am merging on the interstate in heavy, fast traffic I have to basically go WOT to merge in, but the trans holds 3rd gear for about 1.5 seconds @ 3200 RPM without changing. The second it rolls into 4th I can take off and pick up speed but when it holds 3rd gear you can tell it is hesitating the shift. Is this a known issue among the 48RE guys, or is something underlying causing this? I am going to go to an HTS or Goerend tranny soon enough to get some power to her, but for right now the stock tranny is pissing me off. I appreciate the help.

2003Ram

Is this different than when it was new?

From your description, it sounds normal. On my '03, from WOT, I have to let off slightly to let the trans shift to OD, anywhere between 50 and 60mph.

RattlerSkin

I bought the truck in Feb with 34000 on it, so unfortunately I do not know what it was like new. It sounds like my "issue" is the same as yours, I need to back off to get it to shift when in OD so I guess this is one of those issues that comes with this awesome trans? Anyone have a custom trans that can let me know how it drives compared to this POS?

no_6_oh_no

Thats pretty much the norm for the stock setup. Going WOT causes the engine to hit redline and defuel and changes the way the electronic TV control is working. You can't mash it to the floor but need to roll the throttle on and stop slightly for the shift. The TM and setup causes a few irregularities in the shift strategy.

That said, there are a couple things you do to help. DTT has a product that will enhance the shifts a bit. also, any power adder, even 30 hp, will change how much throttle you have to give the truck to get it move out and will help with the shifts. With the Smarty on the lower settings I no longer have merge problems as it will accelerate and shift at 3/4 throttle.

2003Ram

Lot's of torque going through the tranny. Just the electronics protecting you between shifts.

Roperteacher

When I am merging onto a freeway, I depress my clutch and shift to the next highest gear... FInally reaching my destination of 6th gear.. Now that I have the new G-56 I no longer keep searching for 7th gear.. SOrry, I am in a funny modd this sunday morning...

TexasCTD

Rattler,

That is normal in a stock trans. It is the very sloppy stock torque converter. An upgrade to the TC and Valve Body should make it put more power to the ground while revving your motor through it's power range. The sloppy tq converter builds heat and allows the motor to rev without putting the power to the ground. Once it locks up (50-60ish) then the power is making it to the rear wheels.

I have thought many times about upgrading the VB and TC.....but I have decided to live with it until I can build the whole transmission right.

LVTony

The best thing I did to improve my stock tranny's shifting was to run Smarty on Mild TM @ level 1. The shifts were smoother and it wouldn't hang up in third at WOT. Plus, towing with just that little extra oomph was so much easier.

RattlerSkin

Yeah, I thought about going with a smarty or an edge, but I would rather build the whole trans first then get into the power department. I appreciate the replies though, it did shed some light on it for me. Anyone want to give me a few thousand dollars? I'll even send you a stock transmission for your generosity!

wreedCTD

what kind of MPG are you seeing with your SMARTY on level 1?

2003Ram

You're gonna need that stock tranny for a core.

LVTony

I was seeing about 15.5 mpg in town and 17.5 mpg highway, hand calculated w/Smarty. There was little to no change in city or highway mileage. I was getting about 9.5-10 mpg towing. Towing went up to 10.5-11 mpg after Smarty. I tend to drive fast, even with the trailer. Out West, it really sucks to do 65 mph or slower on the freeway--it can seem downright dangerous with everyone passing at 80-85 mph. I know I could pick up another 1 mpg by slowing down.

It's also hard to tell city from highway mileage anymore now, since I have a 75 gallon fuel tank and tend not to fill up that often.

Now that I have the tranny built, I'm running Beta 4.4 on level 3 when towing and level 5 otherwise. Coming back from Iowa, I did an 1100 mile leg where the truck got 19.4 mpg at 73-77 mph.

LVTony

The stock tranny held up just fine to Smarty on level 1 of the mild TM. It seemed to work better. Just make sure to tow with it in tow/haul. Most of the time I would drive in T/H mode anyway, just so the torque converter would lock up sooner.