I have been wondering after asking the question not too long ago about whether to get a auto or a manual tranny in a 3rd gen. 5.9L Dodge truck, what do guys really think about the 48RE overall?

I have heard things such as the fact that it doesent really shift when you think it should, but other than little nit-picks, how has the tranny been?

It'll be another year or so until I buy a Dodge diesel, but I want to really make the right decision so I dont kick myself in the butt here. The only problems with the 48RE would be reliability issues. Other than that, it seems okay to get.

The only reasons why I would want a 6-Speed Manual would be because of reliability and the "driving a big rig" factor, which I guess can translate into fun.

So, whats up?

 

Well, I have an auto and when I bought mine I was tired of shifting my prior 5 speed truck. Let me first say I have had no issues with my 48re, it has been bullet proof so far. That being said, I wont buy another auto. I REALLY wish I would have bought the 6 speed at the time. However, the grass is always greener on the other side and if I would have gotten the 6 speed, I might really want an auto right now.

My biggest complaint about the 48re is that it seems like there is so much wasted power until the TC locks up. You can really tell a difference. With a 6 speed you would have that power all the time.

In a nut shell, when I do it again, I'll buy the 6 speed. They are a lot cheaper when bumping up the power a too.

Good luck on whatever you chose, you can't go wrong either way with a Cummins behind it.

 

My only problem so far with my 07 has been the 1-2 shift hunt at light throttle. This requires replacement of the governor solenoid and transducer. A dealer, not where I bought the truck, replaced them under warranty. If I could have found a six speed I would have gotten it over the 48RE. I really think it's an individual preference, as many have issues with the clutch on six speeds, so niether are fool proof. As some have said if you plan to add power ungrades, go for the six speed.

 

If I had exactly what I wanted, it would be a built auto.

 

In my experience, they are pretty durable and long lasting on a stock truck. I work on several trucks that tow often and haven't had a trans failure in over 100k miles. That changes a lot if you add any power to the truck. And if you plan to keep the truck a couple hundred thousand miles, you WILL be replacing the auto at some point.

Another thing to consider is that if you ever plan to install an exhaust brake, it works much better with a manual transmission.

 

Lots of good points - mostly depends on personal preference and how you're going to use it. When I'm doing a lot of freeway driving I want the manual. When stuck in traffic and lots of stop and go I'm glad I have the auto.

Ideal solution - get one of each!

 

Seems to me they both have their issuses,too bad Dodge never saw that,maybe they wouldn't be where they are today.The new 6 spd auto on the 5.9. A beefier clutch and a better highway gear set for the 6 spd mannual.Beefier steering and fix the A/C issues,and maybe a few other things.They already had the best engine,they could have had a killer truck.I am still happy with mine.The big 3 still have alot to learn.I hope they survive.

 

Don't abuse it and keep it stock and all will be fine. I will go with a manual in the future though. Mine was rebuilt at 30k and has been fine since, it's just not a confidence building unit, sloppy shifting and slips on occasion when mild power is added. Looking forward to winning the lottery and getting a built unit.

 

In stock form it's reliable, but I agree with Hamilton that a lot of the power of 5.9 is lost through the 48re. Not until the torque converter locks, because the thing is looser than a hooker, do you really feel what it's capable of. For that sole reason there are lots of time I wish I had a manual, but there are also times when I'm glad to have an auto. Eventually it will get built and that should solves my gripes.

 

I've had both the NV5600 and the 48RE. I'll keep my 48RE thank you very much. It was good before the Goerend goodies, plain kicks **** now! I'm happy with it.

Don't, however, expect it to drive like an Ally or Torqshift tranny though. You definitely know it's a 4 speed truck tranny.

I have zero hunting issues, and the truck shifts when it should.

 

Good tranny for stock HP.....I got 200,000 miles out of mine before I had it rebuilt. Play you pay.

 

The 48RE is a great tranny, If you do buy one and have the money replace the torque converter with some form of Billet, rebuild the tranny with new valve body, new bands and new clutches.
I put close to 160,000km on mine before it went, mainly due to the torque converter. It is a little weak for these trucks.

I spent $3700 Cdn to have my tranny rebuilt, looking at the parts that were replaced, clutches were worn out, bands were worn out. The parts installed were much beefier, and made of better material then what was installed from the factory.
Overall I like the auto, if you manually shift the gears when you are towing a load or at least kick it out of over drive you will get a much longer life from the tranny.

 

took the words right out of my mouth, I agree 100%!

 

The G56 shifts really well I'd get that over a 48re. You just loose the top end or mileage taller tires will help when you wear out what's on there.