I've been chasing around ebay to find the right gasket and filter kit for my 2005 dakota with transmission 5-545RFE two wheel drive tranny. There's so much info and none of it tells me which ones fit this tranny. Anyone have any part numbers for kits at local auto parts stores? Also I've noticed there were some recommended fluids for this tranny. Mine was due to have it's 1st flush and re-filter at 60k. I'm just a hair over that. Also what is the recommended rear end oil for this truck. Dealership says they don't just drain it, they pull the housing off and re-fill. Any info on this subject?

 

DO NOT FLUSH YOUR TRANSMISSION! Be sure to use genuine Mopar filters. Just drop the pan, replace the filters and whatever fluid you lose. There is no gasket on the pan. It's just sealed with silicone, IIRC. This is a good thread to read:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...estions-2.html

 

there is a pan gasket, but it's a pain major to put in. It's a lot easier to just use the silicone gasket stuff. I've run some aftermarket filters for a couple of years with no ill effect. Any knowledgeable parts store should be able to get you these parts with no problem. The biggest thing is make sure you put the proper dodge rated transmission fluid in and seat the one filter properly. While you are at it, you should put a drain plug into the pan so it's way easier to do anything transmission related in the future. B&M 80250, it's slick.

 

"Pull the housing off and refill" is fancy talk for "we drop the pan and drain it, then put it back on and fill it". +1 for no flush. Unless you are having problems or the fluid looks nasty, I would not even think of flushing.

Not sure on the filters part. Haven't gotten that far with mine yet (just under 30k). However, make sure and use ATF+4 ONLY. Do not use any other fluid, or any additives that claim to make a fluid like ATF+4. Many companies make certified ATF+4 fluid, you don't have to buy it from Mopar, but don't use any other specification of fluid. These transmissions are picky about that.

 

Yeah, most of the Auto Parts chains sell their own brand of ATF +4. O'Reilly's is synthetic and about $5.99 a quart. I did my 5.2 yesterday, oil, filter, bunch of new sensors, and a drain plug. I don't EVER want to do that again! I caught most of the oil (drilled a hole in the pan and let it drain,) but still there was oil all over the place. Drilled just enough to hole the pan, but not go all the way through--all drill swarf was carried away with the draining oil.

 

ATF+4 is synthetic by nature. If it isn't synthetic, it isn't ATF+4.

You are correct. I used Castrol ATF+4 back when I changed the fluid in my 2001 Ram, before I traded it in for the Dakota.

 

The easiest way to replace the transmission pan gasket .Is to first make sure surfaces are clean and smooth then I use Gaskacinch it comes in a can with brush in cap. Apply to pan and matching side of gasket let dry afew minutes then apply gasket line up bolt holes press down lightly. This will hold gaskte in place when trying to line up bolts with holes Easy as pie. The stuff is like rubber cement but stickier use it alot on marine diesel engine repairs and rebuilds. Got this tip from 35 year veteran diesel mechanic works great makes jobs easier

 

When I did my transmission I bought a mopar filter (I read on here about it first) and then I used royal purple transmission fluid. For the pan gasket I used permatex. I forgot to order a gasket so I had to do what I had to. Since ever part store had to order it and I had to drive it the next day.

 

Ebay and other online retailers are very confusing, I sure couldn't confidently buy the "right" filters from them, especially since I didn't know what they looked like. The dealer was the only sure bet, so I went Mopar.

 

There is a lot of confusion on this subject. The owner's manual says one thing. The MoPar AT+4 can says "This is intended to be a fill for life". I asked my mechanic to change the fluid and filter while my Dak was in for something else, and he told me that the Master Service Manual his shop used did not recommend changing the fluid unless it was dirty, or burnt??? In short, he said the fluid was fine, and he would not change it because it was unnecessary.