I just recently traded my 01/ 6 speed truck for an 05 auto. I loved my 6 speed it was great for pulling but my wife hated it and would not drive it.So when we test drove the 05 auto she loved it and I must say so did I.The only thing was if we bought it what worried me was the downhills with the 5th wheel in tow because with the manual I could downshift and hold it back pretty good.So the dealer tells me he can put a Jacobs exhaust brake in and it would be covered by DC.So I agree to go for it bye--bye 01 I loved that truck.So after buying the new truck my dealer service guy phones a couple days later to tell me they can't make it work with the 05 unless I get an aftermarket separate stadegy controller and that turned out to be the Tow Loc controller from BD.So far it has worked very well.I live near BD shop in Abbotsford B.C. so I paid them a visit to get instructions on using the controller.They were very helpful.They also indicated that the tranny was the same as the 06 truck and no mods would be needed until I start adding power we will see if this is true or not. Sorry for the long ramble hope this answered your question.

 

If you can hold out for the controller, I would. My 04 is GREAT, just pulled my first big tow this weekend(look at my gallery for unit pulled). The shifts are hard but I'm learning how to apply the power. Should have put in the billet shafts....
tom

 

You sure about pushing the OD button twice causes it to be out of OD? I just ordered one last week and was told by the dealer that the tranny is either "OD on/normal driving mode" or "OD off/tow haul mode". When I test drove one that they had in stock it appeared to work this way as well. I think it is kind of misleading the way DC labeled the switch, but I think its only a on/off option for the OD and they are saying have it off when towing (assuming it is shifting on you a lot).

Anyway, I am planning on getting the factory exhaust brake as well. But the truck won't be in until end of December. So can't give any actual opinions at this point.

Ken

 

According to the owners manual Page #262 "You press the TOW HAUL O/D OFF" button once to select tow haul this will improve performance and reduce the potential for transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW HAUL mode, 5th gear is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th Gear) are allowed during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for improved braking)will occur during steady braking. Pressing the"TOW HAUL O/D OFF" button a second time to select O/D OFF will disable 4th and 5th gear completely, which should eliminate any excessive transmission shifting.
When you push the Tow haul button once the tow haul light on the dash lights up, when you push the button the second time the O/D Off light on the dash lights up.

I hope this clears this up.


Puller

 

Wow, that's I what I get for assuming. Sounds like they did a pretty good mod their. Very cool. Thanks for the clarification.

Ken

 

LarryB01, I appreciate the information on your BD Tow-Loc controller. I plan to check into the Tow Loc. Hopefully will save me some money. Thanks again.

 

Guys, The '06 auto is a 5 speed??? ks

 

No, its a 4 speed. The same 4-speed beefed up a little and with refined software.

They are right. The mechanical chages to handle the exhaust brake were implemented in all 2005's (and some 04.5's from what I'm seeing). It's the software that you need to be able to run the exhaust brake on your 05 48RE. Not sure when they'll release a reflash for the ECM.

 

hi TD! Im trying to find out which exhaust brake would work best with my 2003 Ram auto cummins turbo lng.bed; carrying 9.5 camper. jacobs like yours. or PacBrake or BD. can u help? thks mike

 

Mike, I really like my Jake on my stick shift, but I really can't be of much help when it comes to giving you advice on what to do with the auto...

About all I know is that there needs to be some sort of modification done to lock the torque converter, or else the tranny will overheat promptly. There may also have been some sort of thrust bearing that needs to be upgraded...

Anyhow, I'm sure someone who knows more will chime in to help you out.

 

I've installed two Jake Brakes on 06 48re equipped trucks. One for a customer and one is on the lot. Nice feature and it works great. I'm REALLY liking these 06's!

 

So other then software what is the differnce between an 05 48re and an 06 48re?

I was in the dealer last week with my 05 on the rack and it has the newer 48re in it but it doesn't have the newer tow-haul mode.

If its just software is this something that can maybe be reflashed to the newer settings?

And other then not being able to lock up second gear why would an 06 be better suited to handle a jake then an 05 with the same tranny?

 

I was told by the dealer (Service Manager in Victorville) that the 06 ECM has more memory, and you cannot flash an 05 ECM with the 06 code.

 

So as far as hard parts in the tranny....they are the same...

 

Based on a thread I read on this Board, or on the TDR Board, the 05 ECM is sufficiently large to add programming necessary for the 48re to work with an exhaust brake. However, the ECM in the 04.5 and earlier models is not large enough. Based on what I have read on these Boards, it sounds like Dodge has just made a business decision (ie, not given priority) not to provide the necessary programming for the 05 model year. In my opinion it may have to do with not wanting to provide a 7/70 warranty for trucks having this capabilty. Maybe in 2-3 years when most 05 trucks are about out of warranty this programming might be made available. Given all of the profitability problems auto companies are having, I doubt if they will be doing anything that might add to warranty expenses. I hope I am wrong.