Hey everyone, New here.
Having some issues with my 03 ram 1500 qc 4x4 with the 545rfe. and hemi
It was hesitating when downshifting for more power climbing hills. It would jerk a bit then switch to a lower gear. Later on that trip it wouldn't shift into the top gears 4th and 5th . I was at about 2500 rpm going 55 mph with 17 inch wheels and 3.92 gears.
Next day it drove fine but I only drive 10 mins to work so doesn't get hot especially now in the winter. Coming home today I took a longer route with some hills. Jerky on the hills downshifting into what I assume is the 2nd prime that everyone says is weak.., Then It didn't seem to downshift when I came to a stop and accelerating was sluggish.

Truck has 409,000 kms (255,000 miles) I've had it for around 70,000 miles and to be honest have never changed the filters on the trans. Horrible I know.. Dropped the pan tonight and fluid is somewhat brown but doesn't seem burnt. Magnet has a slimy metal paste on it but I'd say just normal wear and tear not excessive in my limited experience.
Going to get the new filters and fluid tomorrow but guessing it's going to need some work?

I'll get it into a local trans shop and see what they say.. Not sure what a rebuild would cost. I do have a spare trans that came with the truck that is supposed to be good but seems like a big chance to take swapping it.

Anyone else had these issues?