Theres probably a section explaining this, and if so, point me to it, if not then.... I'm doing a transmission fluid and filter change, I need how many quarts of ATF4 I need, the filter part numbers if possible, and any other info that may be relevant. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.7L, the 545RFE Tranny and its 4WD.

 

Just go to the parts store and they can give you he filters/numbers. There are @ filters. Shouldn't costs more than $30

Are you doing a pan drop only? Buy 8qts of fluid./ ATF +4 ONLY.
If you are doing a flush, 17qts is needed.

ATF+4 is a Fully Synthetic Fluid FYI...

Pan drop only changes the fluid from the pan.
A flush replaces all old fluid with new (lines, cooler and any fluid in the tq converter which is more than half)

 

thanks bud, im actually headin into town to get supplies for an oil change, ill ask while I'm there.. and I'm doing full flush.. i want all the old crap out..

 

If your tranny has a lot of miles on it, you might want to hold off on a "full flush". I believe in these cases, a "partial flush" ie just a pan drop and filter change more than suffices.
A flush apparently on high mileage trannys can cause many problems.
Just what I've read on various forums.
I personally only did a pan drop and filter change when my truck was at 60K miles, as it was bought as a used truck & I didn't know it's history.
Al.

 

also if you dont want to put that rtv crap back on your trans pan then buy a 45RFE kit or just the gasket. The gasket fits perfectly. If your pan is aluminum then I guess stick to the rtv but if its steel like mine then I'd use the gasket just to make things easier and less messy.

 

Forget the flush. When I did my drop 'n' drain, I bought nine quarts of Valvoline ATF +4, both filters and the gasket. I used seven quarts of fluid. The filter kit was $28 and the fluid was about $27. It is a messy job! If you expect to do it often (lotsa yearly miles), a pan with a drain plug might be worthwhile.

ATF +4 is not necessarily synthetic, but it doesn't matter. Be careful with the pan bolts. Many folks have wrung the heads off. 105 in/lbs is the torque.

 

thanks guys, i have about 130,000miles, so if the pan drop and filter change will suffice then ill leave the torque converter and lines alone. alot less tranny fluid to buy... also, while im on the subject of this trans, would anyone recommend the transgo kit for this thing? pros/cons? thanks again

 

Yep Transgo HD kit is good, (same 03 truck as yours) I installed mine at 120,000 miles and no problems since and it is said "it actually saves your tranny". Make sure they give you the longer 4x4 spin on filter in your 2 pce kit. Also recommend the 03 TMR delete mod while your at it too.

 

I believe you mean, the longer flat filter for a 4x4.
The 4x4 filter has a longer pickup tube, than the 2wd version.
The spin on cartridge filter is the same.
Al.

 

My mistake, Was studying for Job Oportunity Exam Competition next week while checking the forum. Yes you are correct Mate. The 4x4 Sump filter has a longer plastic tube coming out and cooler return filter same, never seen a 2wd one anyhow. Main point to e1diab1o was make sure he gets the correct parts. PAI when the trucks apart and it don't fit. There is also a TSB out there (05 Models I beleive).