What is the difference betwwen the Dodge 47RE and 48RE automatic transmission. I have a 2003 RAM 3500 with the 47RE. Are the two equlivant as far as reliabilty under load. I plan on purchacing a 5th wheel (approx 12 to 12k lb loaded). Is there some modification to the trans I should be concidering - the truck only has 50,000 miles on it mostly to and from work.

Bill

 

47RE is good, it's a basic a 727 torquflite with Eletronics & 4th gear added.
The 727 were behind the 426 HEMI and all the big blocks of the day.
The issues come in with the power that can be added to the Cummins. The added torque will do damange. The 48RE is beefed up the handle more.

John

 

John,

There are small diffrences throughout. Some of these are more clutch plates, steel planetaries with 6 pinions, and, in the exhaust brake rated 48RE, a roller thrust bearing. These are the major power handling differences that I know of. If you open one up it's nice to replace the band with a HD Mopar one and, for even more strength, the input shaft and drum assembly.

The TC lockup clutch is probably the weakest link when towing with any power increases. Both the 47 and 48 are weak. A new TC is a good idea or just plan to run stock power and keep the revs up a bit. Tow hard at around 2000-2200 RPM instead of 1600-1800 RPM. I think the exhaust brake rating came along in '04.5 or '05 and brought the roller thrust bearing.

Not sure what cooler you have on the 47, but the '04 and later 48 models will not overheat under normal towing and stock power like the older ones did. It would be nice if you have the 4.10 gears with that much weight.

You'll be fine with the 47 and some prudence. But someday a new tranny will go in and it can have all the goodies.

 

I know of a person that bought a 38ft Carriage in 1996 and a new 96 Dually with the 47RE. He's still towing the Carriage with the same truck.

Put a aftermarket torque converter and valve bottom in along with a plate in the P Pump. He tows more than 25,000 miles a year. They're full timers.

Here a link to their site. They sell stuff also. Check out the pictures of the rig repainting. You'll see the truck on the home page which will come up with the link.

http://www.plugitright.com/index.html

 

Just put in a good Valve Body and Torque converter and you'll be fine.

 

my truck has the 47re and stock power. i feel like i have to baby it or i will tear it up. not sure what the previous maint was but i have taken care of it. i could kill it in a day if i drove it like it should be.