2005 48 RE Thrust washer

[ACF]

I was trying to find out what the differences are between the 05 and 06 transmissions. Some one on this site stated that it is nothing but software... . is this true? I know that they upgraded the thrust washer in the 48 at some point but do not know when that happened, was it for 04. 5? Also what exactly is a thrust washer and what did they do in order to upgrade it? Thanks.

 

[klenger]

The thrust washer was upgraded late in the 2004 model year, but the sw to support the exhaust brake was not introduced till the 2006 models.

 

[Dieselnerd]

The 48RE has had several thrust washer upgrades since it's introduction. Like it's name, a thrust washer is a washer that fits between two turning parts where one thrusts against another and it is the part that takes the wear rather than the turning parts.



They have used various coatings and different ways to lube the washers to solve some early wear (50K miles on some early ones) and now appear to have solved the problem. Like Ken said, software is the only difference between the '05 and '06.



There was some talk about a software release to upgrade the '05 for an exhaust brake but I wouldn't hold my breath since it would cost DC money and probably little or no profit to be made.

 

[klenger]

As I understand the issue, the reason the thrust washer needed rework is because the original intended design of the transmission was to propel the truck forward, not provide engine braking. The original washer design was not intended to have the high level of force in the reverse direction. The new design was the 1st step in the process to getting a fully functional exhaust brake for the 48RE.

 

[pwr2tow]

From the 06 dodge cummins broucher



Ultra strong planetary carriers - recently upgraded to a six-pinion design. There's high converter clutch pressure and capacity, with added capacity on all clutches and bands. This transmission can now engage the converter clutch in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears, and a revised hydraulic pump offers 15 percent greater flow capacity over previous models.

 

[ACF]

Well so much for that... ... ... ... ... . guess they are not the same as the 05's then. Looks like some hardware was changed.

 

[cerberusiam]

Well so much for that... ... ... ... ... . guess they are not the same as the 05's then. Looks like some hardware was changed.

Go dig up some 03 literature, it says the same thing. :-laf

 

[Dieselnerd]

That's true, the basic mechanicals are unchanged since it's introduction. The previous model they talk about in the brochure is the 47RE. Only changes since '03 are software and several versions of thrust washers.

 

[cerberusiam]

The 05 FSM shows what seems to be a 6 pinion planetary but without having all the pieces on the bench it is hard to tell if the diagrams are correct.



My understanding is there are minor differences in hard parts from 03 to 06 centering mostly around thrust wahers that promote better lubing.



The major differences are in the programming and the addition of an electronic TV pressure control in 05 to enable better controlfor the EB, which of course didn't happen because the programming was not sophisticated enough to make sure the trans was in the gear it needed be and the pressure up for the EB. :{