I have an 02 1500 with the 4.7 and the 45rfe. I've got the 5-45rfe TCM swap and it's been great so far.

My transmission is slipping badly. I was headed out to go riding today with my brother in law and uncle and had a quad in the bed and two dirt bikes on a small, nearly weightless trailer. I've made this trip many times no issues, cruises at 3,000 RPM up the grade no problem.

Except now. Before we even got a quarter way up the grade it started hunting for gears, bogging down, then shifting down and screaming at 4,000 rpm, then it just fell into neutral while in D. No forward drive. I let off the gas, coasted off the closest exit and it went back into gear. We turned around and swapped trucks with my brother in laws 2500 chevy.

I know the 2500 and 3500 rams came with the 545rfe transmission. I use the truck a lot for truck stuff, and intend to keep it. Are the transmissions in the quarter and one ton models built up at all? and if so, will a 2500 or 3500 545rfe bolt up in a 1500?

Thanks all

 

Nope. Any 45/545RFE, same transmission.

 

Huh, interesting. That means the transmissions on 3/4-1tons are either reasonably well built or weak half ton transmissions.


Edit - To clarify, I mean if it's a one size fits all its either strong enough for a one ton or weak enough for a half ton.

Edit 2 - Sorry to nag. Are there any canbus issues with picking a newer year 545rfe?

 

I think they changed something in the solenoid pack in 06 (I could be wrong) but the packs are easily swapped. I've changed transmissions twice, first time I put an 04 in my 03, second time it was a low mileage 05 into my 03.

 

Thanks for your help Lonestar. I was able to locate an 05 tranny with only 10,000 on the ticker. Should be pretty straight forward to replace with a guarantee on the tranny from the shop.

Sure beats $2500 to rebuild it.

 

Yep. That's what alot of people do when you start putting more power to it they tend to crap out, cheaper to find a low mileage replacement and keep on going.