Are the automatics really that bad?
#1
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Are the automatics really that bad?
Hi,
I'm looking at a 2005 QC LWB 4x4 with 102k on the clock. It's a very clean, bone stock 1 owner truck. Bought and sold at the same dealership. It runs great.
My problem then? It's got a 48Re
Are they really that bad? I don't plan on adding a tuner. Just an exhaust, gauges and CAI.
After doing a search on here, my gut feeling is to call the salesman and tell him to forget it. Should I hold out for a 6 speed? That problem is they are in short supply around the Harrisburg PA area. The 6spd are beat to death or the dealers want a small fortune for them.
I don't really trust the automatic. I had a 97 12v a few years ago but that was 5 speed and a few of my friends drive Cummins with 6spds. So I have nothing to compare this to.
I'm looking at a 2005 QC LWB 4x4 with 102k on the clock. It's a very clean, bone stock 1 owner truck. Bought and sold at the same dealership. It runs great.
My problem then? It's got a 48Re
Are they really that bad? I don't plan on adding a tuner. Just an exhaust, gauges and CAI.
After doing a search on here, my gut feeling is to call the salesman and tell him to forget it. Should I hold out for a 6 speed? That problem is they are in short supply around the Harrisburg PA area. The 6spd are beat to death or the dealers want a small fortune for them.
I don't really trust the automatic. I had a 97 12v a few years ago but that was 5 speed and a few of my friends drive Cummins with 6spds. So I have nothing to compare this to.
#2
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Well I have had good luck with mine, 06, with 96k so far and have towed probable 40k or so on it. I dont beat mine at all, and I get it full serviced every 30k, all oil and filter changed and the band adjustment checked. they dont like power adders, they use to say nothing over an extra 75hp, I would just make sure that it has been serviced, good luck
#3
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Bone Stock and no problems on my 05 48re with 90k miles on it. Look at all these posts you say you have been reading and tell us how many of those are modded vehicles and how many are stock? Modding kills reliablility in everything like Cars, boats, atvs, motorcycles, tractors, etc.
Hub
Hub
#4
DTR Detective
All I can say is you're going to see 1000 threads about tranny issues to 1 thread about not having a tranny issue.
People don't create threads about not having issues very frequently.
63K on mine with no issues.
People don't create threads about not having issues very frequently.
63K on mine with no issues.
#5
Registered User
My dad has a 05, bone stock auto with 100 k on it, towed heavy every day of its life and no issues. I'd say get it, treat it decent and it should be good to you. Maybe do a shift kit and or valve body to help it out.
#6
DTR 1st Sergeant
Josh, the 48re in stock form is not a bad tranny at all. Most problems arise from getting abused from modded engines and a heavy right foot.
Properly built, the 48re can handle a whole lot of abuse... I am a good example of that.
That said, you don't know what the previous owner did or didn't do and that is a crap shoot. Chances are from what you describe, you'll get a pretty good truck. I know at 115k on my bone stock tranny, it was still in very good shape.
Properly built, the 48re can handle a whole lot of abuse... I am a good example of that.
That said, you don't know what the previous owner did or didn't do and that is a crap shoot. Chances are from what you describe, you'll get a pretty good truck. I know at 115k on my bone stock tranny, it was still in very good shape.
#7
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I wouldn't be scared of it. As said, you only hear the bad news, not the good. You can put another transmission in, built to handle more than you will ever throw at it, for less than a manual conversion, and probably about the same as replacing a high quality 6 speed. Read around- neither the autos or manuals are perfect and trouble free. Plus, you need to consider that parts for the 6 speeds are very high, and in some cases, hard to come by. The support for autos is much more plentiful. I would love a manual in mine, but the auto has done all that I have asked of it.
And, NONE of the manufacturers have made a bulletproof auto. The Allison is great, but it won't even handle much increase in hp without mods.
Too many folks here are doing amazing feats with their auto-equipped trucks- give credit where it's due.
And, NONE of the manufacturers have made a bulletproof auto. The Allison is great, but it won't even handle much increase in hp without mods.
Too many folks here are doing amazing feats with their auto-equipped trucks- give credit where it's due.
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#9
My 04 has 160,000 miles on it. Never been flushed and have never adjusted the bands. Just regular fluid and filter changes. I run the Smarty Jr. on the 70hp tune all the time. If I tow I go back to the 40HP tune. I don't race stop light to stop light and don't mash the go pedal from a dead stop. I always roll into it.
This past weekend I changed the fluid, filter, Gov pressure solenoid with the new style Borg Warner and Pressure Transducer. Not a single thing in the pan and the magnets had minimal fuzz. I change my fluid every 30-40K. I have zero issues going to 40K since I added the MagHytec DD. It holds four more quarts. It took me 10 quarts to top back off.
This past weekend I changed the fluid, filter, Gov pressure solenoid with the new style Borg Warner and Pressure Transducer. Not a single thing in the pan and the magnets had minimal fuzz. I change my fluid every 30-40K. I have zero issues going to 40K since I added the MagHytec DD. It holds four more quarts. It took me 10 quarts to top back off.
#10
Registered User
90K, no problems with it so far. I installed a Trans-Go shift kit around 40K. I would recommend a shift kit, filter, band adjustment, and possibly solenoids. I would be willing to bet the trans will last awhile longer with proper care.
#11
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Mine would have been fine I think at 60k when it started to have issues but that's no fault of the trans just a tech that didn't know the difference between inch pounds and foot pounds that's what wasted my bands and thus flood trans with a lot a crap. But the good side of it if there is one ATS #2 is one wicked mamma with the Jr in play.
#12
Registered User
194k miles on mine
smarty on level fine, slow driving, and letting the truck pick up speed on its own, and its fine.. i tow heavy occasionally.. i have only replaced the solenoids on it, adjusted bands, and its been good to me..
only drawback, is the fact that it shifts into overdrive too soon IMHO, and will hunt between third and overdrive alot if it gets hilly, but where im at its flat, for the most part, so again, i live with it..
overall not bad, but if i was towing heavy daily.. id go manual...
smarty on level fine, slow driving, and letting the truck pick up speed on its own, and its fine.. i tow heavy occasionally.. i have only replaced the solenoids on it, adjusted bands, and its been good to me..
only drawback, is the fact that it shifts into overdrive too soon IMHO, and will hunt between third and overdrive alot if it gets hilly, but where im at its flat, for the most part, so again, i live with it..
overall not bad, but if i was towing heavy daily.. id go manual...
#13
97K on mine. Been running a Smarty Jr @ 100% POD for last 20K - no problems to date. I don't drive it hard, just use the extra prower for passing when needed... mostly on tight mountain roads in the sierra. I also put about 4K a year running with 4WD engauged in winter. I service every 40K, but I don't tow anything.
#15
Registered User
120,000 miles. Replaced governor pressure solenoid and governor pressure sensor at 115,000. No other problems with 2 fluid exchanges and one regular drop pan filter/fluid service.