So at 245K my 545RFE in my 1500 finally starting to **** the bed. I knew this day was coming so I've already started looking around for parts. I found a place that has a few transmissions. I've been leaning towards upgrading to the 65RFE. I've read that its basically the same as my current 545RFE just with a better torque controller. The shop has a 2016 65 for $1000USD w/195K miles or a 545 for $600 w/170K miles on it. There a few other 65s on the site with different mileages . But the question is, is the 65 really worth more miles and more money?

 

That is seriously expensive for a trans that is RAPIDLY approaching end of life...... for either one.

And if you go with the 65, what about the controller for it??

I would be more tempted to buy something already rebuilt, and install that..... Either that, or just have yours rebuilt.

 

Well unfortunately I can not afford a reman or rebuilt at the moment. That price does come with a 12 month warranty 🤷‍♂️ ..
And as far as the TC i keep reading conflicting information. Some say there isn't one and that you just have to reprogramthe ECU, some say to get a stand alone

 

Well, a one year warranty is nothing to sneeze at. That's helps some at least. Does the price include installation? Or is that extra? (or do you get to install it?)

No idea about the trans control on those trucks....

 

They quoted 6-800 for install depending on if they find something else wrong as they putting it in. Which im sure they will 🙄

 

Even if you could put it in the truck (I want to say there were connector differences but don't quote me) it wouldn't matter because whatever year PCM you have controls TCM function. Once plugged in, the PCM would treat it as a 545 and you have no choice in that. It's like the older trucks, up to 2002 it was just the 45RFE 4 speed but the moment it was installed in a 2003 or newer it became a 5 speed because of the programming.