I want to do the switch, anyone know the trans fluid weight, how many quarts it will take, the part number on the filters? Any help would be great, thanks.

 

Lots on here say use the OEM transmission filters. I am under the impression the aftermarkets don't hold the seal, etc.

Everything you are looking for is in the FAQ's in the Service Manual. I'd post it for you but I'm using my phone at the moment.

 

I looked there and I didnt see it, I will have to give it another look

 

Be careful putting in Amsoil though, its not quite 100% aggreable with the dodge tranny apparently. I flushed mine with it and have been having wierd slip issues at around 45mph when the torque converter locks in since.

 

I can't find an Automatic Transmission Filter part #. You can order them here though: http://www.wholesalemopar.com/parts_catalog.html
Fill in your yr/model/make and then select Maintenance & lubrication>Transmission>Automatic transmission>Filter
Otherwise I'd just go to the dealership and ask for an ATF kit.

Service manual says "Use only MoparT ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid." But any ATF+4 should be fine. Royal Purple worked well in my '02 and I plan to use the same in my '05 when the time comes. Only adding my about Royal Purple as Jester apparently had some trouble with his Amsoil. YMMV

You might consider adding this while you've got it apart.

I've heard break clean works good to remove RTV on the pan. I don't think you are supposed to spray it onto the transmission area tho, maybe just damp the rag and rub?

On my downloaded PDF page 19. Book wise it's 0-8:

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Service Fill - 42RLE 3.8L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul Fill - 42RLE 8.3L (17.6 pts.)
Service Fill - 545RFE 2WD - 5.2 L (11 pts.)
Service Fill - 545RFE 4WD - 6.2 L (13 pts.)
O-haul Fill - 545RFE 13.33L (28.0 pts.)

Dry fill capacity Depending on type and size of internal cooler, length and inside diameter of cooler lines, or use of
an auxiliary cooler, these figures may vary. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)

TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION - 21-245 / PDF 3852
The 42RLE transmission can be identified by a barcode
label that is affixed to the upper left area of the
bellhousing.
The label contains a series of digits that can be translated
into useful information such as transmission part
number (10), date of manufacture (4, 5), manufacturing
origin (2), assembly line identifier (6), build
sequence number (7), etc..
If the tag is not legible or is missing, the “PK” number,
which is stamped into the left rear flange of the transmission
case, can be referred to for identification. The
entire part number, build code, and sequence number
are stamped into the flange.
*Manual has an example picture*
21-683 PDF 4290 as an 545RFE Transmission identification explanation too, it's less clear, but has a better picture.

 

I put Fram filters in about a year ago and have had no problems. I also put the pan gasket on instead of RTV and have had no leaks. The pan is a real pain in the butt as the bolts are underneath the crossmember on the rear of the tranny. Anything that is rated at ATF+4 should be good to use. Also, the proper way to check your fluid level is with the dip stick. I tend to underfill a bit and then just top it off as per the manual.

 

I had my trans flushed with Amsoil last year, no problems...and I did not use a Mopar filter kit, either.
My buddy who did it told me the issue is with the seal on the end of the pickup tube (inner filter, not the spin on one). He prefers NOT to change it unless it is a Mopar filter kit.

Either way, 20k miles and no issues whatsoever

 

Good to know, maybe it was just one of those thing's that only lasted a short while but the legend lives on?

Before I was a forum reader/member here, on my last truck, I just did mine by following the Haynes manual instructions and got a kit from some local parts store, whichever one had the kit in stock.

Ran great for the 15k miles I put on it up until I traded it in.

 

I changed my trans filters a little while back that were from Advanced Auto. The box said Pro King on it. I also put in 8 quarts of Amsoil Universal Synthetic. If anything it shifts a little better than before.

 

All AMSOIL in my truck no issues