Okay so I know I have a 4spd transmission in my D right now, I'd love very much to have a 5spd. I recall reading that in 2002 or 2003 Dodge made a 5 standard. My question is: If I were to get my hands on a 5spd tranny from said year, would it bolt right up to my engine/driveshaft?

 

The anwser to your question. The 4.7 engine came with a 45RFE transmission, Here is something that most people don't know. Dodge came out with a TCM flash update in 2003-2004 for software update to turn the 45FRE trans into a 545RFE transmission. Your transmission was already set up to be a 5 speed transmission when it was build. There just wasn't the software for it until later. The RE/RH transmissions have two planetary gear sets, yours has three planetary gear sets.

 

The 1998-2003 Durango never came with a manual option, only the Dakota.

 

Hydra, I think he was saying that the 5 spd was made the standard, not a standard :-)

Master Tech, doesn't the flash only add a different passing gear between 3 and OD? Or something like that. I was looking at the flash for my JGC before I traded it in...

 

Hmm, this interests me. And Hydra, lawl I wasnt referring to a manual but a 5s Auto.

 

i believe the new software was included when they did away with the seperate TCM and made the pcm and TCM into one unit, however i have heard of people finding tcms from jeeps with the new software and swapping them in to get the 5th gear out of the unit.

 

The 45RFE has 2 second gears as I understand it, one for shifting up and one for shifting down into from what I understand, the 545RFE has a second overdrive gear, and the shiftdown second gear. The 45RFE came out with the 4.7 in the Durango in 2000 with the alternate second gear.

 

You are kind of right, There is a 2nd gear and a 2 prime,But there is also a 4C. Gear ratio for the 45RFE is.
1st 3.00-1
2nd 1.67-1
2 prime 1.50-1
3rd 1.00-1
4th 0.75-1
reverse 3.00-1DESCRIPTION
The 545RFE automatic transmission is a sophisticated, multi-range, electronically controlled transmission which combines optimized gear ratios for responsive performance, state of the art efficiency features and low NVH. Other features include driver adaptive shifting and three planetary gear sets to provide wide ratio capability with precise ratio steps for optimum driveability. The three planetary gear sets also make available a unique alternate second gear ratio. The primary 2nd gear ratio fits between 1st and 3rd gears for normal through-gear accelerations. The alternate second gear ratio (2prime) allows smoother 4-2 kickdowns at high speeds to provide 2nd gear passing performance over a wider highway cruising range. An additional overdrive ratio (0.67:1) is also provided for greater fuel economy and less NVH at highway speeds.

The hydraulic portion of the transmission consists of the transmission fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various line pressure control components.

The primary mechanical components of the transmission consist of the following:

Three multiple disc input clutches
Three multiple disc holding clutches
Five hydraulic accumulators
Three planetary gear sets
Dual Stage Hydraulic oil pump
Valve body
Solenoid pack
The TCM is the “heart” or “brain” of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. With this information, the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid pack, transmission control relay, etc.).

TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped on the left side of the case just above the oil pan sealing surface (Transmission Part And Serial Number Location). Refer to this information when ordering replacement parts. A label is attached to the transmission case above the stamped numbers. The label gives additional information which may also be necessary for identification purposes.

GEAR RATIOS
The 545RFE gear ratios are: 1st 3.00:1
2nd 1.67:1
2nd Prime 1.50:1
3rd 1.00:1
4th 0.75:1
5th 0.67:1
Reverse 3.00:1

Hope this helps to anwser your question.

 

All of this is nice to know but nobody answered my question. Will a 2003 545RFE bolt up to my 2001 without any problems?

 

yes it will bolt up, but it is not going to give you 5 speeds unless you have the tcm software updated as stated by mastertech