My 2004.5 long bed has just had its sensor and solenoid replaced - I was experiencing the missing 1/2 gear limp mode. It seems to be fine, but I'm not entirely convinced.

When I get "serious" about what is the transmission doing, the answer always is that it's acting too much like a gas engine's transmission - a bit loose - but it's as if the transmission is supposed to be this way!

I wouldn't be suspicious if I hadn't driven a few lot trucks when shopping - two of which were memorably peppy like when idling through the parking lot, or turning into traffic - the torque converter seemed to be locked the entire time in first or second gear, popping along - pop pop pop - like a higher gear on a harley.

Mine's more of a whiner - it wants to spin the converter a bit, then it too will leap, but the other guy's long gone on a drag strip. I don't think there's something wrong with mine, other than perhaps it's not the "triple disc" version that I've been reading about, or whatever point I'm missing?

I went to the local dealership and asked if I could check one of their used trucks, but told the dealer I owned one already so ... he took me for a ride, and the dealership's vehicle sounded, whined, and felt just like mine - but that's from the passenger seat. What gives? Why is the 48RE wasting so much potential?

-BB

 

Something seems off.

I can chirp my 35X12.50 M/T's easily from a 5mph roll and that's with 3:73 final.

 

I took my truck to a transmission shop (Bob's in Spokane, Washington), and let Bob take the truck for a drive. He says the transmission is behaving normally and when the converter dies as it often does in the next 50 to 75K miles (I have 125K), then can put in a billet converter and get different lock up scenarios - but for now - just use the stock one up.

I guess that puts my question to bed.

However, Bob did say that to not think of getting the triple disc, because I probably wouldn't like the way it works. The transmission is computer controlled, Bob said, and that there's not a whole lot one can do except alter fluid paths, etc.

I too have the 3:73 final - but it's more like a city bus to me. My wife won't and has never driven a manual, so I wasn't able to get the stick without upsetting the apple cart more than I already have!