3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007 5.9 liter Engine and drivetrain discussion only. PLEASE, NO HIGH PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION!

Is the 03 auto better than the 00?

Old Jun 26, 2004 | 11:27 AM
  #1  
Amish hauler's Avatar
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From: Where the Buggys race on the back roads
Is the 03 auto better than the 00?

Looking at trading up to the little common rail. 250hp is enough for me. Found a deal but its a auto. Dealer claimz they don't have problems anymore. My brother is on his 4th in his 2000. I don't have luck to spare. Should I avoid this tranny due to durability issues.? I don't mind shifting this truck is just a deal.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 11:30 AM
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From: Eastern & Western Merryland
There are probably more folks happily running 47RE's than there are guys who are having problems, certainly lots more than those few who are on the 4th.

I prefer sticks over auto's; but if its a good deal that you have a hard time passing up, I wouldn't shy away from it due to an automatic.

Now, if you want to talk about Caravans, .... nah, lets not go there.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 11:57 AM
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There were 2 different autos offered 03...the 47RE and the 48RE. You'll find the stronger of the 2 (48RE) in trucks manufactured after January 03.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 12:03 PM
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He said 250 hp. That is the 47re. 10.5 rear end. s.o. That is what I got 54k miles no problems. I would get it. if it was at a good price
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 12:21 PM
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Mine is 235HP, CA, SO, 10.5 with the 48RE.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 01:43 PM
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California engine = 235 250 is the one he is talking about only came with 47re. Then 305hp had 48re with 11.5 rearend. Mike67rs didnt you have some edge ez info for me?
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 02:36 PM
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I towed my travel trailer for the first time with the new truck and I can tell you flat out the 48RE is MUCH better than the 47RE,there is no shudder at all and shifts are firm,I love it,my 2000s tranny shuddered and slipped until I had the DTT TC and VB put in and then it was sweet.
But I dont plan to do anything to this new one for mods at least until after the 7/70 warranty is up.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 04:36 PM
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If it is an SO then it will have a 47RE if made before Jan '03, if made after it will have the 48RE. My truck has the 235HP CA/MA SO engine and has the 48RE.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 05:10 PM
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Do any 03 trucks with 250 hp come with 48re? I've never heard of one. I may be wrong,(would be first time) HA! 250hp not talking about the 235 hp. Back to original question.. I haul 8k in Texas hill country and west Texas some hills about 9000 feet. Transmission (47re) has done well for me. Engine needs a little more power on the steep inclines. Power can and will be added . Then we will see if the transmission holds up.
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 07:25 PM
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From: So. Cal
Originally posted by kelley15
Mike67rs didnt you have some edge ez info for me?
Kelley, check you PM...Mike
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 10:08 PM
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From: Lafayette, LA
70,420 miles 47re no problems here. I dont pull a heavy trailer but do haul 3000;bs. in the bed NO PROBLEM I have shanged the fluid and adjusted the bands twice. SO far so GOOD!!
03 SO 47RE 4x4 315's Egde EZ Quad CAb
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Old Jun 26, 2004 | 11:04 PM
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Brother has '03 SO, 250HP, 47RE and hauls 8000lbs. No problem, and he's totally happy with it. (My HO can eat the SO for breakfast. Don't let him know! )
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 12:21 AM
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From: Beaverton, Oregon
The 03 47RE with the 235hp (cali) engine is just fine
I'm running this setup with a 12klb 5VR. It works just fine and the tranny is nice and strong. I have 27k miles on the truck and have pulled a 6klb TT across country without any problems.
The only things that I did prior to pulling cross country was to replace all fluids with AMSOIL. I'm not saying this made a big difference but when I took it into have the Tranny bands adjusted and fluid changed again they thought it had new fluid in it and the bands were right on

The 47RE is ok as long as you don't plan on BOMBing it too much. The 48RE replaced the 47RE in order to handle the 600lbft of tourque of the 04.5

Like they say if it comes with a warranty, then Drive it Like you Stole it
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 07:42 AM
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I am pretty sure that the 47RE is in trucks built before Jan '03 any built after that had the 48RE.
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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 01:04 PM
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From: Where the Buggys race on the back roads
what came in the 2000 SO? I am not familiar with the model #'s. If it is a 47RE than that is the model I have seen so many problems with.
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