48RE Remanufactured Transmission

48RE Retail Installers & Wholesale Resellers

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48RE

48RE TransmissionThe 48RE 4-Speed automatic transmission evolved from the previous 47RE transmission and can be found installed in Ram pickups from 2003 to 2007 with the Cummins Turbodiesel engine. Featuring a Chrysler strength designation of "8" on a range from 1 to 9, the 48RE is stronger and in fact heavier than that of the 47RE, even though both the 47RE and 48RE have identical ratios. Regardless of the fact that the 48RE was an improvement over the 47RE transmission, it was quick to become dated when power ratings for the Cummins Turbodiesel increased to over 600 lb-ft by the last model year of the 5.9L Cummins ISB in 2007. The 48RE was ultimately replaced by Chrysler by the company's first diesel specific platform, known as the 68RFE after the 6.7L Cummins was introduced.

Despite the fact that Chrysler's 48RE has a designation rating of 8 on a scale of 1 to 9, the score is arbitrary and essentially meaningless unless when compared to the relative strength of two or more other drivetrain products belonging to Chrysler. The actual input torque feature rating of the 48RE automatic transmission ranges between 560 to 570 lb-ft of torque while the Cummins Turbodiesel was peaking at 610 lb-ft by the model year of 2005. This resulted in the 5.9L Cummins Turbodiesel being designed to be detuned if and when required to assist in the longevity of the transmission. The engine produces a peak of 610 lb-ft of torque, occurring only when the accessory load is brought into the actual torque output of the engine into a range of 570 lb-ft. In other circumstances, and under a full load, the engine detunes to roughly that of 570 lb-ft. The limitations of the 48RE transmission are quick to be realized when performance-enhanced modifications — to include electrical tuning devices — are present.

Activated by a shifter-mounted switch, the 48RE transmission has a Tow/Haul feature. This functionality is not necessarily considered a "smart" function as commonly found on more modern transmission/engine combinations that have integral vehicle speed management and exhaust brake technologies. When the Tow/Haul feature is activated overdrive (4th gear) upshifts are eliminated by the transmission shift schedule and the torque converter lockup is engaged. This results in the 3rd gear direct drive becoming the final drive gear available. Reduced transmission longevity can occur when the load is placed on the transmission from reduced drive wheel torque resulting from towing significant weight. As such towing an overly significant amount of load is not recommended.

2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500