Looking for suggestions for a transmission upgrade for my 1997 3500 two wheel drive pickup.

Its the 47RE transmission. I"m looking for a heavier duty replacement .

I ocassionally tow a 10K trailer total load so I dont need an ultimate H.D. unit

I am on the East coast so I"m looking for somebody close to my Balto.Md. location to save on shipping costs.

I can install it myself but am looking for suggestions as to where to acquire one. Not interested in rebuilding what is currently in the vehicle.

Appreciate suggestions.Thanks in advance.

New kid on the block

 

48RE will bolt right in, hook right up, and work just fine. It's a bit heavier duty than the 47. Gotta be careful with years though. To be safe, a 96 or 97 trans would be best, if you are 2wd, that becomes a requirement. (no provision for the VSS on newer models.)

 

My limited understanding is that both the 47 and 48 RE units used essentially the same OD mechanism"s. That is supposedly the problems with these units?

Your informing me that the 48RE is a direct bolt in to replace the 47RE for my 2 wheel drive machine ? And in your opinion it is a better unit ?

I looked at some of these "super duty" transmissions availiable and I was sorta leaning towards something like that , except for the price!

Thanks for your suggestion. Can you elaborate any more ?

 

Yeah, you can get a truly stout trans, that will take 1000 hp, but, they are made of platinum.... at least, looking at pricing you would think so.

The 48 is a tougher trans, but, I think it uses the same O/D unit as the 47. So, if it's the O/D unit that is your failure point, that won't help ya much.

There as things you can do to beef up the unit though, extra clutches/steels, etc. There might even be upgraded hard parts, but, I haven't done much looking into that. If there is a local trans shop, that has a clue about the dodge transmissions, might have a chat with them, and see what they can do for you...... One of the advantages to having it done locally is, if there is a problem, you can just go see 'em, and for engine/trans work, that is my preferred method, regardless of if it is a bit more expensive.

 

I'd suggest having a talk with the folks at ATI Performance Products. They are located in Gwynn Oak, MD. They build performance transmissions in that area.
Also, keep in mind that towing a heavy trailer in overdrive is not recommended.

 

Had not thought of them. Usually they are a race vehicle shop so I didnt consider them. Excellent suggestion.

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!

 

You're welcome. A friend of mine had them build a performance 727 transmission a while ago. He had a minor issue with it after it was installed and they stood behind the rebuilt trans and addressed the issue.

 

the 48 didn't come around until 03 I believe? I was also unaware that it would be plug and play?

Just a break down for your knowledge the transmission models are broken down 4=number of forward gears, 7="torque rating", R=rear wheel drive, E=electronic controls, so yes the the 48 is a "beefier" trans and Im sure with some know how it can be converted to work probably, especially if you went FMVB but not sure that's what you're looking for

In all straight forward honesty the only killer of these trans is heat and abuse. Get a nice cooler and trans temp gauge keep her under 230*F temps, ATF starts to compromise around 240*F i believe. dont do 7000hp boost 4x4 launches ect ect thats what breaks em. You could just as well rebuild yours as the one you buy is going to be no different just have the upgraded internal parts, unless you're looking to drive yours until the new one comes in.

How much modification have you done so far engine wise

 

You are correct sir! 48 came out in 03. That will complicate matters, and it likely won't be plug and play. I think the trans range sensor will be the problem, and if it's 2WD, VSS.

 

Dodge did some valve body voodoo around 99 also? even a 99 trans wont swap to 2000 IIRC, Solenoid resistances or something?