Hello - I am new to this site, I have a 2003 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 4 Wheel Drive with the 5.9 Cummins 305 Horse and a 48 RE Transmission with about 160,000 miles on truck. The truck is running fine but has a couple of issues with the transmission so I believe it's probably time to get it rebuilt. Issues are converter stall is about 2,200 RPM and transmission has intermittent problem of starting out in 2nd gear but if I go to neutral and shift all the way down to manual 1 it will start in first gear. I use the truck mainly to pull my trailer, it is all stock with no mods so I am looking for a shop to reman the transmission basically a full service shop to remove, rebuild and install transmission with a warranty, perform upgrades on the tranny for better reliability.
Looking for input on using a low stall torque converter, I am thinking around 1,600 rpm stall. Anyone have thoughts on this? Truck has plenty of power to do the work that I need of it, my upgrades are mainly maximizing fuel economy.

Thanks.

OLD TRUCKS

 

Your 2nd gear starts are due to clogged screens on your selenoids. They are relatively easy to change if you drop the pan. You really can't clean the old ones good enough. Get your trans fluid changed and flushed at the same time and it will feel like new. Convertor is a very good idea and for mileage a low stall is where you should go. Remember your torque peak is at only 1100 rpm's with stock internals so get the lowest triple disk stall convertor you can afford. You might not need the trans rebuilt- and(contrary to common thought) 48re's are really strong especially if your don't run a programmer or do drag strip launches. A convertor and valve body change will feel like a new truck.

 

Call Dave Goerend, Goerend Transmission Incorporated

 

1100 rpm????? I think thats a little off.....more like 1800.. And if you don't plan on any mods there is no need for a triple disc torque converter, get a quality single disc tc from goerend or suncoast.

 

The 2nd gear starts are likely the governor pressure solenoid and\or transducer. If they have never been changed its WAY over due.

The stock trans stalls are high to save the OE transmission so going to a lower stall will require some extra work in the trans. A 1600 flash stall with an 1800-2000 rpm full brake stall is about right. Too tight with an auto and stokc power and you will have problems towing.