On the Dakota pickups that are equipped with the 4 speed 45RFE transmission, a simple TCM swap will convert it to a 5 speed 545RFE. Is it as simple with the full size rams? Looking at an 04 and wondering if the TCM can be swapped to make it 5 speed.

And 04 Hemi does have a 45RFE, right?

 

From what I've read, it isn't that involved. Supposedly, the dealer can hook up ye olde starscan and fix it right up.

All the Hemis have 545s.

 

Oh ok, thanks. I thought hemi's didn't get 5 speed autos until 06.

 

My '03 has it.

 

The 545RFE came out in the rams in 03. I dont see how a TCM swap will make a 45RFE into a 545RFE...they are physically different transmissions, one being a 4 speed and the latter being a 5 speed.

 

Not true, they are the exact same transmission. the 45RFE is just programed differently. Only people with an 02 can do this. The dealership can do this, you have to have friends to do it tho, they can get in trouble. Or you can ask me via PM and I can find the guys name to get a hold of to do this.

 

All 03+ 1500 Auto Trannies are 545RFE

 

Which are technically a 6-speed with the stupid prime 2nd gear.

 

yeah you can turn the four into a five speed with a flash from a dealer or send your computer to a place like B&G's and they can also give ya some extra power and torque too, and i used to know a guy who put a hemi into a dakota i think and it had the same stock 4 speed that my 02 ram with the 4.7L annd im also throwing a hemi into mine, but i bought both the hemi and the trans, and they are sitting right next to each other in my garage this second and you cant tell the difference! the only difference is the program! kinda crazy that a transmission can be several different speeds depending on the software not hardware!

 

What gear is not used in the 45RFE? the 2nd OD?