Hi, I have a 01' Dodge with the 6-speed and am thinking about getting an 03' Dodge Auto (tired of switching gears). I was wondering how yalls expeirence with the Automatic has been. All your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ruben

 

Mine has been good so far (32,000) even hauling heavy no problems. Only complaint i have is how hard it shifts, but from asking many many people they all say its normal and supposed to shift hard... if you go with the 03, im assuming used, check the build date and make sure it has the 48RE. (not saying anythig wrong with the 47RE) in the glove box a code should say DB8 i believe. also you can check the left side of the valve cover and the date of manufacturing should be 1/03 or later. or you can go better and wait a year or so and what ive been hearing is dodge has a 5-speed auto coming... that will be nice.
just my .02
eric

 

Love my auto (47RE). The 48RE is a big improvement. Have heard only good things about the 48RE improvements over the 47. It's not so different as to be concerned about a major new design. If staying stock it's nothing to shy away from, IMO. Only downside is added cost over Manual if upgrading for more HP.
RJ

 

So far, so good, just under 16K. Most miles are towing/hauling. I pull 10 to 14K. Mine did use some fluid, about three quarts. Can't find any leaks, the bottom is still dry and clean. Its been full for about 1K, I'm keeping a closer eye on it now. It does shift "rough" compared to the Fords and GM's. You know when it shifts and when the TC locks up.

 

I have 150,000 on the original trans and I drive city and do a fair amount of medium hauling. No troubles at all. (knock on wood) Use the O/D button when you are towing or driving under 50 mph and around town. Keeps the temps down in the tranny by locking up in 3rd.

 

Thank you for your replies. I test drove the truck this afternoon and noticed it was lacking power. I brought it to the dealers attention and after research he said it wasn't the High Output engine then dropped the price. I cant decide. Ok so my next question is whats your opinion on High Output vs. not High Output? Thanks again for your responses.

Ruben

 

I have no personal expirience with HO...but it appears to me to be more tempermental when towing heavy, at least if HP has been added. Most of the blown engines I've read about seem to be HO's. Staying stock with HO may be OK. I prefer the SO and adding what HP I need, after it has been proven to work saftely. That's just a feeling...not based in hard evidence....and 3rd Gen HO may be very different.
RJ

 

Looks like I'd be finding another sales guy, all the sales guys I've dealt with for Dodge trucks have not had a clue about the the Cummins. When I brought this up to my dealership vp, I told him that the sales guy did'nt sell me the truck, cause I already knew what I was looking for, and he was clueless.
My old 01.5 was a 5spd, there were times when I wanted the HO, but it handles everything I asked it to do.... including throwing a 2800lb pallet of cement in the bed of it. Talk about a sight! They were makin bets for what would break first! I don't know if I could have gotten away with that if I'd a had the automatic. Talk about some funny looks

 

Well after thinking I decided to wait till I find exactly what I want. If not i'll be looking for another one as soon as I see one. Thanks for all your replies.

 

I have a 04 with the 6 spd. and i thunk that you can't beat it if you do a lot of pulling or don't mind shifting. Another reason is that i blew my last automatic to pieces. Not a fan of autos

 

bolt action for life!!!

 

yea but what mods did you have on the truck?

 

none, it was a stock 2001 ram 1500 4x4 and i put around 60000 miles on it and it decided not to work anymore. when they replaced it they somehow switched the gears in the transfer case around and the 4hi was where the 2hi was suposed to be and 2hi where 4hi was. i can't figure out why they took it apart in first place. this truck also had major engine and axle problems.

 

lol someone made a biiiiig **** up... i hope you got even with them!

 

it was still under warranty so i didn't pay for it but i did trade it in on my new one. the dealership didn't know about any of the problems thuogh. Feel sorry for the guy who had to pay to fix everything.