Part of the design was to increase the durability to 150,000 miles. Major changes were made to the pump, valve body, friction material, gear train, and park system. The pump has 20% higher capacity for adequete cooler flow. The addition of a seal ring to the reaction shaft allows the TC increased capacity for clutch engagement. The impeller hub on the TC is machined to accomadate the seal ring. The valve body provides increased line preassure in 3rd and 4th and during TCC operation, and allows the ability to engage the converter clutch in manual second gear for greater towing performance. The valve body also permits Tcc engagement in drive-second gear for cooling protection, if sump temp goes over 220 degrees. This may result in change in shift quality however. The direct clutch in the 48re's overdrive unit has 23 all new discs with friction material on one side only. The four disc rear-clutch pack has been improved for greater durability. One disc was added to the front clutch for increased reverse torque capacity, annd the overdrive has 5 discs for non-HO and six for HO. The kickdown band lever has also been increased. The entire gear train assembely is new, and all planetary gear sets and the overdrive carrier have a six pinion design. The front and rear carriers are made out of cast iron, while the overdrive carrier is made of powdered metal. The 48re's drive shell is thicker for heavy duty reverse operation, and greater durability, and includes new thrust washers. To deal with higher vehicle weights the park system has been enhanced with a new rod and wider park pawl. 2wd extension housing is designed to work with larger slip yoke. Unlike previous auto tranny's the 48re is designed to work with an exhaust brake as well.<br><br>Hope this shed's some light on things. I got this info out of one of our dealership personel magazine's for our tech's.

 

By the way, I am going to sticky this thread for a while. Good info here.<br><br>Jack

 

What does &quot;sticky&quot; mean ???

 

It keeps the thread on top no matter how old it is, or who posted last.

 

Oh so finally I get to stay on top

 

Sorry Luke,<br> Only the thread gets to stay on top! I wish they would have come out with this before 99. <br> Good info though,,,, It's about time DC did something with these trannys. ;D

 

What about the weight? The Dodge web site shows the increase tow rating for this transmission and does not increase the vehicle weight. Any details on that?

 

I'm confused on what your asking?

 

Does this new Transmssion add to the vehicle weight over above the 47RE?

 

The only #'s I have show the curb weight about the same. The tow rating is higher because the 48 does so much better of a job getting the power to the wheels than the 47.

 

Thanks Luke. That what I read but just wanted to know if you knew anything different.

 

So are they discontinuing the 47RE? How much more $$ will the 48RE than the 47RE? Would it be better, when the time comes, to upgrade to the 48, or go aftermarket?<br>Story of my life-shoulda waited. :'(

 

As of today I can order the S.O. with either. but I am guessing once they run out of 47's they will be discontinued. The price is only about $100 more for the 48.

 

I'm really happy here. I think we are finally going to have a decent factory auto coupled to a 305 hp engine, how can you go wrong.

 

Well I can't wait until my friend gets his new truck. It will be a srw1ton HO 4x4 diesel auto 48RE power everything . well the most $$ he can get I guess. He is kind of rich so it will not hurt him to spend the money. I just want to drive it.