Hey Guys! I'm new to all this. Last week I bought a 2003 Ram 3500 QC Duallie w/HO 5.9 and 48RE Auto. I'm really impressed with this vehicle. I've been towing a 31' travel trailer with a 6.0L 3/4T GMC before now - but the gas mileage was terrible. This should be an improvement. I'm interested in a Exhaust Brake, but have been told they were just for Manaul transmission applications. Anybody out there have in experience along these lines? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Not personally experienced, but as I understand it, the 48RE should be able to handle the e-brake OK. I'm not sure about the torque converter though. I know they beefed up the the tranny but I dunnno about the TC.<br>Are you absolutely sure you have the 48RE? I have seen trucks recently of the assembly line that still have 47RE's in them. I'm not sure where the line is drawn on the 47-48 installations, or if it just depends on the plant that assembled it.<br>There's some info here. You may want to revive this thread:<br>http://www.dodge-diesel.org/yabbse/i...=11218;start=0<br><br>If you have the 47RE, you will need to build it with some aftermarket parts to make it strong enough for the e-brake, and need a different TC for sure.<br><br>Chris

 

Thanks for your reply. I would have gotten back soon but I doing this on a laptop/cell phone onboard ship. I'm on a Mississippi River Towboat in New Orleans, and I can only check my Email and stuff a few times a day if I have a signal that is. And Yes, according to the window sticker - I paid $1,095 extra in the optional equipment section for a 48RE 4speed automatic. It lists an Anti-Spin Differential also. I wasn't sure what I really bought to be honest. I was going to get an F350 CC Diesel, but the Cummings sounded like a hoss. I should have done my homework a little better I guess. But maybe the 48RE auto will work will a Smart Brake and perhaps Beefier torq/converter. I've never used an Exhaust Brake before, but it sounds like it would be a big plus - especially towing a travel trailer in the Rockies and Sierra's. Last month I saw many rigs pulled to the side with smoking brakes. The manual tranny would probably be the ideal solution, but I guess I'm a wee bit on the lazy side. So I hope to make my stuff work. Send any good ideas my way. Thanx Again.

2003 RAM 3500 Laramine - Quad/Cab - 5.9L HO Cummings - 48RE 4spd Auto - 2wd Duallie - Anti-Spin Diff.

 

not to get picky: there's no G in Cummins.