So I'm contemplating what to do with my tranny. Everyone has an opinion as to whose tranny to get, but that's not what is concerning me...

The 48RE has been in our trucks since '03. For model years '03, '04, and '05 they were not suitable for exhaust brake usage according to Daimler Chrysler. For the 2006 model year the automatic was upgraded with a better thrust washer that would allow the exhaust brake usage without a problem.

So when I order a Sun Coast, Goerend, DTT, ATS or whatever brand 48RE, I am likely to get a transmission out of an earlier truck than a '06 or '07, correct? Will it have the upgraded thrust washer? Does it matter? Or is the transmission actually year-specific?

I'm considering having a local shop build the trans I already have in my truck instead, although it may cost a few bucks more. At least I know I have a virgin "core" to work with then...

What do you think?

 

They (well the "brands" I have delt with) upgrade those thrust washers and a bunch of other little stuff in there overhaul kit.

Just ask...I bet they have allready done it on a 4-7k tranny build.

I am not sure what wear parts would not be VIRGIN in a new build either?

They can use your core for the build too?

 

Most builders take apart your transmission and rebuild it with upgraded parts. I like that you know the history of your trans if it was yours to begin with.

 

I don't know. It's not comforting knowing that most people run their stock trans to the ground with added hp before throwing down for a built tranny. I can't help but to think that a thoroughly thrashed high mileage 48RE used as a core would yield a lower quality (potentially) built trans than my low mileage tranny with stock power. I'm sure all the wear items are upgraded, but the hard parts can be worn/fatigued too, no?

I've not had good luck with rebuilds in the past. In my experience (three Explorer trannies, two Dodge 1500 trannies, and a couple of F250 diesel trannies) only the transmissioin rebuilds bought from the Ford dealer were any good. The indy tranny shops all sold me low-quality transmissions that had valve-body issues.

I don't want yet another bad experience.

 

I hear ya JC.... I feel the same way. I want MY tranny built. I know how the maintenance has been done and it was not abused.... Getting mine done in March....I hope.... I want to upgrade this trust washer also to be ready for a PacBrake.

 

When my tranny was worked up, the builder dropped mine, gutted it, and then used the fancy parts to put it back together. I certainly appreciated that cause yours truly put all the original miles on it.

I asked about the thrust washer when I was researching vendors, and all of them told me the issue had been addressed. Never hurts to ask.