Sorry if I overlooked it guys. Anyway, I would like to upgrade to a 2500 or a 3500 SRW eventually and I like doing my research way ahead of time so I know exactly what I want.

I always wanted a 6 speed, but after driving a few of them I have changed my mind. I think that they would be awesome for towing heavy, but I dont plan on doing that much if any. I think I want an auto but after reading all of the horror stories on here I dont know what to do.

When I get a new truck, I want to be able to run somewhere around a mid 14 sec e.t. at the track. I dont care about that number, but I just want to give an idea of the quickness I would want. Would the 48re be able to take a mid 14 run without grenading? I know that it depends alot on driving style also. I wouldnt constantly be in the fuel, I usually drive pretty conservativley.

I have one more question and I am done, if the transmission is in good shape, would adding a VB and a good single disk convertor help it hold much more power? I know if the trans is already about to go that adding those items is just a bandaid.

Thanks for the help,
Joey

 

Anybody have any ideas?

 

Uhhhhhh, Im not bombed, but there are several guys here that run a 48re thats built (billit shafts and TC with VB) that run low 12's in the 1/4. I dont know if this helps with youre question, but I do know that it is being done.

 

If you are planning on running any good times in a 1/4 mile, you will definately want the automatic. (with very few exceptions...ie. Banshee) The auto will always beat the 6 speed in the quarter.

You don't need to be afraid of the 48RE. It is a proven, dependable, tuff transmission. Lightly bombed it will hold the power fine. If you are going to be pushing big horsepower, you need to upgrade it as you would any transmission (even the clutch on a 6 speed).

A better TQ converter and Valve body would at least help put the power to the ground better though. The biggest complaint on the stock 48RE is the loose TQ Converter.

 

Joey, I'm not an expert, but I do have an '06 3500 with an automatic. I traded in a '99 with the 5 speed manual, and I haven't missed the manual at all. I tow a 14,000+ lb. 5th wheel, and the transmission in this new truck has been perfect both while towing and running solo since I bought it in June of '06.

I've read some of the automatic problems on this site as well, however there are also a LOT of automatics running out there without a problem. I have just over 5,000 miles on my truck, and I'm very happy with the tranny so far. Sorry I can't answer your question on running mid 14's in the 1/4, I put a power chip in my last truck, and vowed to leave this one stock. Too much $$$ for me to screw around with. Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the responses. I guess when I read some of the stuff on here I was kind of afraid of the 48re. When I get a Cummins I would like to at least put a programmer or something to give it some more fuel, and an intake and a straight pipe. I think that would keep me happy for a while. Basically, I would just want it to at least beat my ole Hemi.

I need to go out one day and start test driving and see what I really like the best. When I bought my current truck I couldn't afford a diesel 3rd gen so I got the 1500 gas. I drove a 2nd gen 2500 cummins I found, but I think the lift pump was bad because when I gave it throttle the fuel pressure went to zero. Thats when I read about the lift pump killing the Vp44.

Thanks for the responses guys. I think my best bet will be to just read on here and learn as much as I can.

Thanks again,
Joey

 

The 48re is a good tranny. Yes, the TC is loose. If you don't pull heavy or drag race there is no need to upgrade the tranny. Plenty of guys of here have done the TC and VB mods and love them. I wish I could be that brave. My luck I would do the mod and have to rebuild the tranny in six months and have to pay for it because you couldn't consider it warranty work.