new trans or new truck
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 329
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From: East Millsboro, PA
Lrdchaos said it very well. Don't dream up a problem and let it dominate your thinking. However, if you want more power, you'll have to do something with the tranny.
Also, it's not just a simple matter of building it up to make it fine for towing. One big problem with the 48 RE that will never be fixed is only having 4 speeds. Another is that 1st is really high geared. This leads to slow starts and a lot of torque converter heat.
I tow a lot in the mountains and really wish I had a G56.
Also, it's not just a simple matter of building it up to make it fine for towing. One big problem with the 48 RE that will never be fixed is only having 4 speeds. Another is that 1st is really high geared. This leads to slow starts and a lot of torque converter heat.
I tow a lot in the mountains and really wish I had a G56.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I'm having my trans built right now at a shop in Santee. Seems to be the only place in Socal that can build a performance truck tranny. My stock 48re isn't broken, but I have started to develop a shutter in the TC under load.
PM if you want more details.
PM if you want more details.
I have a 04 2500, long bed, quad cab 4X4, with about 85,000 mi. I've recently began towing a 36' fifth wheel (about 12,000 lbs) and concerned about the transmission life. What kind of life is anyone getting from their 48re when used for towing? Am I better off to install a "beefed up trans" (at estimated $5000) or or trading off to a newer model model with the newer trans, (not the 48re)? What year has the better trans? Is it better than the after market products? Is my $5000 estimate close, in San Diego, Calif? Thanks.
Last edited by 2003Ram; Oct 18, 2010 at 02:52 PM. Reason: spelling
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 5
From: Claxton, GA
All you need is a VB upgrade, Flexplate, TC, and billet input shaft. Basicaly, What you see in my signature. Installed it cost me around $3,800. Money well spent. Sure beats buying a new truck.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 28
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From: Paradise, TX
My 5er is 10,000 lbs. and it's done just fine. Just follow the Schedule B maintenance and tow away.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 554
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From: Oklahoma
What makes you think dodge let us down with the transmission? There are literally thousands of 48re transmissions pulling that load or more on a daily basis. Don't fall into the trap of what you read on these forums....If you add hp and tq to the mix, yes you will have issues. If you run the truck like dodge built it, you won't have any issues. Yes it doesn't run as fast, or spin the tires as easily without the extra power, but it was never intended to. Just hook up to the rv, leave it stock and pull it all over the US.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
We are averaging 180k on stock 48's with stock motors, my old truck had stacked box'es and only got 90k, imho if you dont go nuts with the power all you ned is a converter and a shift kit (on a fresh rebuild) should cost around 2500$ if you have someone do it
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