Here's the deal.
I bought an 03 SO, thought it was a HO.

I was going to put the 65HP XZT on and call it a day.

considering it's only an SO I don't think I will be happy as I'm accustommed to my Dmax with an additional 0-70-110hp. (usually on 70).

I have the 48re tranny so can it handle as much as an HO with the XZT?

I.E. can my tranny handle the 60-100-140 Xzilaraider safely? I would mostly use the

 

How did you determine it was an SO? Did you buy it used?
I thought the 48re was put on the HO to handle the higher tq. Didn't know they were put on the SO's.
Anyway I wouldn't put more than 100 through the HO and even that is pushing it. With the SO and the 48re I would think the 140 would be safe. If you tow though I wouldn't use 140 even on the SO just my opinion.

 

I'll tell you want I know, and I'll tell you what I though (very different)

I thought any vehicle with a build date after Jan 1 2003 was a HO with the 48... so, I bought it unseen.

when I got it home the sicker on the motor reads built Jan 23 2003, 250hp. I 'think' it also sais 48re, or I may have read that all truck built after Jan 1 2003 have the 48. I could be mistaken on that one.

Is ther somewhere to confirm the tranny on my truck? It definatly is NOT a 305.


OH, and I don't Tow...

 

Yea, he got me thinking so I went out and checked my engine just to make sure and the cover says 305 on mine. I know for a fact that the auto matic tranny didn't come on the 305 until the 48re so if you have a 305 and it is automatic it is a 48re. How to check, don't know sorry...

 

I did some snooping though the search function and several people indicate the 47re's were done by Jan 2003. There are also several others that have SO's with the 48's. Can be read on the sticker in the glove box.

So, looks like I have 1/2 of what I hoped for. 250 with 48re. I'm tempted to buy either the 60-100, or the 60-100-140 quad box.

I just want to wait in case someone pops with with a warning for me. Or preferable some encouragement due to experience.

thanks.

 

Some of the short reading I have done on this post it looks like the SO can get a good bit of performance out of it compared to the HO. Seems there are some small differences that makes bombing the SO better. I thought the same as you in the beginning but read up on this forum some more on the SO it actually looks good...

 

I'm pretty sure that if you have a 250hp '03, it will have the 47RE tranny.

 

When I said don't use the 140 if you tow that is because most chips etc have a tow setting that is usually the 60hp setting. They suggest not using the 100 or more when towing as this can cause transmission damage because of the extra work of towing. When not towing the 100hp can be used but most recommend a TC to be on the safe side. With your SO already being 55hp rated less the 140hp setting for you is almost the same as the 100hp for me. On this setting even if I stomp on it the trans is not happy with me but with a smooth passing type push on the pedal I still get a lot better take off without the trans slipping. A TC would still be in my best interest even at just the 100hp setting.

 

03 was the first year for HO and Auto tranny because they were waiting for the 48re. My build date was 4/03. If your glove box says 48re then I don't see why you would dispute that... I have also seen people post on here that were getting tranny upgrades done that their technician pulled out 47re parts out of a 48re tranny so who know what they have in these things.

 

You should be fine with Quad box up to the 100hp setting. I would say that if you plan to use the 140hp setting alot you may still want to start saving up for a converter and valve body. That's all you will probably need.

Yes there were SOs made w/ the 48re once the 47re's were used up. You will be very happy with either the 100hp or the 140hp box. I am..

You can get lots of power out of your SO but it takes lots of $$$. But, what else is money good for but spending? Might as well spend it on the truck....

 

My understanding is a 48RE is just a slightly beefed up more 47RE. So on any of the transmissions, manuals included some additional trans upgrades can be expected if your going to bomb for more horse power.

Tony

 

......and they run cooler and get better mileage. SO's rule!

 

Hey Hohn I think I am gonna disagree with you iffin you dont mind As you can see by my sig I am sure I have the SO and the 48RE. When I went truck shopping the 48RE was more important to me then the HO or the SO that is why I ended up with a SO. My truck was built Jan 19th of 2003.

 

SO's did come with 48re ( thank the lord )as mine did and was built in jan 03. one way to tell if you have a 47re or 48re is safety neutral switch on the tranny the wiring at the plug would have three wires for 47re and five wires on 48re.

 

My measly 47re is doing just fine once I got a DTT converter and valve body. Your 48re may hold up to stock power forever but if you BOMB you will most likely need to upgrade it eventually, just like a 47re.....