Seems every other post is about problems with the automatic tranny. As my wife will be driving the truck, it must have an automatic (she can drive a stick but her knees are bad).

 

The auto works fine unless you start adding horespower. I would think if you plan on towing at max weight, may want a manual IMO. Service the transmission and for piece of mind put in a transmission temperature gauge. I tow #6500 boat during the summer no problems @35k now. I had to buy an auto because of the wife. Just imagine how many auto are out there you just hear a few problems. Also some folks do not like how the 06 shifts, I do not worry about it or really notice it. But towing is fantastic love it.

 

I have about 22,000 miles on my 48RE. I have had the Quad Std. module on since 1000 miles, and have had 35" tires since about 8000 miles. I tow 10,000 lbs occasionally (travel trailer) and like to romp on it every once in a while. No problems here.....

 

I have an 06 and haven't had any problems. What is the shifting problem?

 

Many more autos out there then manual trannys and lots of these trucks are modded.So more posts on autos.

 

I have read where some do not like how the transmission shifts under light load. That 1-2 shift where it acts like it doesn't know what to do, it is smooth but just different . I have noticed it every once in a great while. Usually when driving like grandma in a subdivision and passing thru a intersection after a stop. The computer has to handle quite a range of power and torque, hook it up to the boat and it pulls great. After 50 MPH and the torque converter locks, the transmission temperature really drops. I like my 48RE, didn't mean to cause any alarm.

 

There is NOTHING wrong with the auto tranny's in these trucks. With that beeing said, if you bomd the heck outa your truck, a stock tranny will take a beating.

If the motor stays reasonably stock; mild upgrades. And you service the tranny regularlly, the stock auto tranny will last.

 

Tell that to some of the Ford guys.

 

06-80,000 mostly towing. tranny works great.

 

Stock or not save your self. . replace the TC and VB. . . .that will make your tranny happy for many moons. Read the forums for a while and you will agree.

 

Put 220k miles on my stock 04.5/48RE with 3/4 of those miles towing trailers up to 18k lbs. before the first rebuild. Might have gotten even farther if some idiot hadn't rear-ended me while I was hooked to a 32' TT. Only problem along the way was a governor pressure switch which was replaced just in time for the next tranny service. I can't say I babied it, but I didn't beat the crap out of it as it was my bread & butter, if ya know what I mean.
Now the 6.7l/6spd. Auto is a dream in comparison. Hope it holds up as well doing the same kind of work - 36k so far.

 

Light load or empty it works great. If you load it up or are going to be at max GVWR make sure you get 4.10's so if you do pull heavy it won't be so bad. Loaded heavy it could be better, that is for sure. You will find some things you don't like about it but overall it is a decent tranny that will hold up to reasonable abuse.

 

I had some shifting issues while loaded and passing; but after i took it in it was flashed and didn't have a prob since. I think it was more operator than truck. I was trying to stomp it and it took forever for the tranny to shift into O/D. Been easy and after the flash not a problem to speak of.