whats the difference between the two and how can you tell which one you have? I have a 2004.5 ram diesel 4X4 with a automatic tranny. 4 speed I believe

 

Its a 48re, only early 03's had to worry about having the 47re

 

You have 48RE. As far as I know they are basically the same but the 48 has stronger internals. The 47 was last used on 03 models with the standard output Cummins.

Nick

 

The 47RE was still shifting under autonomous hydraulic control, but with electric TCC, electric governor, electric overdrive - the 48RE has improved heavier-duty internals, is under full TCM control incl shifting - the 48RE internals can be directly installed in the 47 series for heavy-duty service

 

but the 48RES are still weak right? I shouldnt push it too hard with my edge juice?

 

Weak is a relative term.

I've heard a valve body goes a long way.

 

Depends on your mileage, and whether you got happy feet, or crazy-hellbent-for-leather feet - most opt for a rebuilt with better clutches and tighter torque convertor - you can see the options in the forum vendor listings, and do a SEARCH for Goerand, Suncoast, ATS, DTT, PATC, etc - many years of transmission upgrades and installations here, prior to Nov 07

 

The 48RE has a FEW heavier parts but no that many.

The last planetary was upgraded to a steel case with six pinions but it wasn't the problem one.

The input shaft is bit heavier, the TC has upgraded surface material on the the clutch and some better pieces in it.

The pump has a 20% increase in the flow which was the biggest and best upgrade.

A few thrust washers have a different surface and grooves cut for better lubing.

Shifting is still hydraulic, no computer control, and the same electronic governor control assembly is used.

The upgraded TC and pump flow allowed better and more aggressive use of lockup strategies but the fluid coupling is still the same as the 47RE, sloppy. A VB upgrade with a shift kit and a raise of line pressures will allow the addition of another 100 hp but you can still break it relatively easy. Unless you just beat it badly VB work should handle the juice.

 

It depends on how you look at it. Maybe the trans. isn't weak - it's just that the Cummins is so STRONG! The 48RE would last forever and a day in a car!!

 

I pull a 14K 5er with my 48RE and haven't had any trouble with it. I also run an Edge attitude. Love them both. Only problem with '03 48RE is trying to find someone that makes a manifold brake for it. BD makes one now. Little issue with cable between Cummins and Tranny, a weak link. 04 and later was not problem.

 

137,000 miles on my 04 48re and still going strong... i think in a stock truck they work great, add a little power and they can handle it for awhile. but like any tranny built today, you have to upgrade it if you want more power.

you have to upgrade your engine to get more power, why would your tranny be any different to handle it?

 

mine is toast had to order a gorend tranny but i could not keep my foot out of it, love the black smoke esp when its covering a mustang that thought they were bad

 

47- about 35 to 50k miles
48- about 50 to 75k miles

let the bashing begin but its my opnion
Mine never pulled anything till a month ago and it has slipped since new and wont pull my trailer up my driveway

 

df57,

How many miles on your truck?

Nick

 

70k now... time for a new tranny too