Hey i'm looking to pick up a diesel truck myself and i'm just not sure what to get. I need something reliable that won't be down for repairs every other week. It will be towing a few times a year. It will haul a trailer with a car and spare parts along with tools around a 20 foot trailer. I know the Dodges come with the 45RFE trans if i'm not mistaken I just want to know if anyone has any real issues with the transmissions.. I know I can pretty much rely on the engine it being a cummins and all but is there any other things that go wrong with these trucks engine/drivetrain wise? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

03-05 run a 47RE, 06 and 07 run a 48RE. I got almost 100k on mine, and with the exception of a converter, it's holding up. They don't hold up when you throw an extra 100hp at them. The injectors don't last when you idle the engine for long periods.

 

03-04 standard output's have the 47re while 03-04 high outputs have the 48re. Everything after 04.5 has the 48re.

With stock power, the 48re will do a great job and can last a long time if taken care of. The tow/haul function varies from year to year as far as what it does. The 06 and 07 48re's are approved by Dodge for use with an exhaust brake.

Long story short, if you're going to get an automatic and keep the truck stock you'll be fine, just be aware of the small programming differences from year to year. My recommendation would be the 06 or 07 if you have to have an automatic. Having had an 06 with the 48re, I actually liked the way it worked over the six speed allison in my Chevy.

 

Yah it will be an automatic perhaps some transmission mods to help strenghten it..?

 

the 47re was only in the 03 made till 12/31/02...after that they were all 48re. also if the truck does have the 47re it will have the smaller rearend.....google the tdr 2009 buyers guide it's a good read...

 

I had an 04 with auto and now an 06 with manual. Wish I had the 04 back, you need an aftermarket clutch with the 6 speed standard right off the dealers lot and the interior was a lot nicer