I have an 2005 4x4 cummins with auto tranny. I was backing my trailer up a small hill the other day and I really had to get on the accelerator to get it to move. I had a 24' gooseneck with 6000# on it. It was acting like the tranny was slipping. The rpms where well above 2300 before it even started to move. It was like I had backed into a wall. Any suggestions. The truck only has 21000 miles. Thanks.

 

lots of folks here like installing a switch that allows the use of 4 lo, but the switch puts it in 2 wd mode, great for backin, manuvering trailers..... might have to search the how to, but that does sound a bit high before it moves, any service done? bands tigh and fluid good, filter clean ???

 

Does the torque converter operate differently in reverse?

When my TC started to go I noticed the same problem while moving forward. When pulling my trailer from a dead stop it took a lot of gas to get things moving - like driving a snowmobile. I also noticed the TC slipping out of lockup when pulling up steep hills.

With the amount of mileage you're showing I wouldn't think your TC would be wearing out yet. What year is your truck and what sort of modifications / HP additions do you have?

 

Low gear is mechancially lower than reverse. 2.45 to 2.21 in reverse. This makes a big difference with load. It amounts to this. Unit will pull out of spot that it can't back out of. End result is stalling engine harder in reverse trying to get moving. Even worse is load is being applied in reverse, it lifts opposite engine support and gets U-joint angles way off. Many will jerk or jump up and down in heavy loaded reverse situation.

 

Mine has always done this while backing my 10Klb fifth wheel up a curb. In 2wd, due to the insane stall speed of the stock TC, it feels like the trans is going to slip forever. But, I drop it into 4LO and don't even notice the curb any more. It just crawls up and over with no strain at all.

 

I happen to be one of the foremost experts on garbage trannys, more specifically, the 48RE.

Over the past year, my tranny has nickle and dimed me to almost $10,000. I have had two "bullet proof" rebuilds and a few overhauls. Here is the bottom line. There are two major factors that cause a very high probability that your tranny will fail. 1. The 48RE, although a good tranny, is not even close to sufficient for this application. 2. The Cummins, oil burning beast that it is, will run forever and love it....buuuut it can and will rip that truck apart, if you let it. I honestly dont know if there is a stock tranny that could handle that engine and the weight of the truck. This is the reason most people want a manual trans, and why they are so hard to find, no one wants to give them up.

The truth is, if you are going to haul a lot, you MUST beef that thing up, or let it get eaten alive and have the warranty replace it.

I have heard lots of good stuff from people on here by just a good TC and VB kit.

I didnt listen to anyone, because I know everything, and I hopped up the engine and left the tranny stock.....Mr. Cummins absolutely destroyed Mrs. 48RE. Put it this way, the direct drive clutches and steels were all fused together in one big chunk and that was fused to the drum, the OD was mostly gone and the bands were flat out missing.

So listen to me, I am the guy who doesnt listen to anyone and it cost me $10,000.....Dont be me!!!

My friends on here will confirm my story...and my stupidity...
Right Scott?? (state)

 

Uh...you left your tranny stock with the power adders in your sig????
(SuperChips Prog. Diablo Powerpuck)

Don't disparage the stock tranny too much, it seems to handle stock power just fine.

 

Yes, I sure did..... It does handle stock power fairly well, but the truck has the potential to destroy the trans, even stock, and especially when frequently towing. I didnt mean to make it sound like it is inevitable that the tranny will melt under normal circumstances or something and I appologize if thats the impression you got. All I am saying is that the truck is massive and powerful to the point that it can and will damage the tranny, even stock, IF your not careful. Again, thats one of the main reasons people who do a lot of towing prefer a manual.

I do tend to push things to the limit and I always break my stuff, like my truck. THats what I do.. I have friends who have the same truck with no issues at all. So both cases are true. I just wanted to give a heads up, so no one makes my mistakes.

 

I would add a transmision temperature gauge. I have to back my boat up the driveway (50' or so) and notice the temperature really climbs when backing. I let the truck idle in the street (in neutral e-brake on) while the wifey and 11yr old son exit and I unload a few things just to let the transmission cool some from highway driving. The transmission temperature will climb from 160-185 by the time the trailer gets to the top of the driveway. I understand it's from the inefficiencies of a transmission in reverse. If the transmission temperatures are higher before I get home I take it real sloooooooow to allow the transmision to loose some heat. Oh by the way my boat is somewhere around #6300 lbs also. You didn't mention about trailer brakes, I assume they were not on during backing .

 

For that I recommend a Magtech high capacity oil pan. I have the really big one and mine never gets over 160... The only bad thing is that my tranny holds close to 5 gallons of fluid now...very expensive to fill. Keeps it cool though!

 

I just purchased the 727-DD pan for mine but haven't put it on yet. I'm glad to hear someone say they are worth while. I tow and back a 9000# trailer. If I have to backup and sort of a grade I pull it into 4lo. I can't wait until I can afford the manual hub kit so I can have 2lo.

 

The 48 re can handle stock power levels???I am not so sure about that ,mine is in the shop right now being over hauled,2 years after I bought it and the truck has never hauled a thing,everything is stock still.Man am I wishing I had bought a mannual.Like others have said,real trucks have gears.It seemed like the 1-2 shuttle shift problem again,with simmilar symptoms in 2nd at about 30 mph and now they are replacing the T.C, gear set and some solenoids.I am not sure I even want to keep the thing any more now.I used to think the Ram was a tough and capable truck ,but I am not so sure of that any more?

 

I KNOW the 48RE can NOT handle stock truck.. Thats if you push it, meaning it is certainly capible of hurting itself. That doesnt mean there is no way to avoid it. Like I said before, I have friends who have no problems at all. It all depends how you drive. I am aggressive and I destroy everything.

 

Personally, I don't buy superlatives like "the 48RE can't handle stock power". I'd guess if you post a poll on here you might find less than one in ten that have had serious 48RE tranny issues with stock power.

I posted such a poll for the "pile of junk" (not my words) 47RE awhile back, and granted while not scientific, eight out of 63 (13%) respondants had serious problems. The bulk of those happened around 100,000 miles. No attempt was made to establish a relationship between power adders vs. failures.

You can view it here:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...highlight=47RE

So, I'd say even the humble 47RE can handle stock power just fine.

 

I agree with a few of you and disagree with some of you also. I have a bone stock 04.5 with a stock 48re. I dont tow any heavy trailers, just my boat (around 5-6,000#) I will agree that the 48re will handle stock OK, However, It is not the "commercial duty" tranny claimed by DC. I have had only one issue (thank God!!!) with my stock 48re, the pressure transducer solenoid failed, and was replaced under warranty. I do absolutely agree with Bfluri that you can and will destroy this tranny without upgrading it!!! Obviously Bfluri is responsible for the destruction of his stock 48re by adding power w/out upgrading it, BUT, this can also happen by just towing heavy with it with stock power. I for one would love to trade my auto for a manual tranny.