48re Band Adjustments

[DwayneKelch]

Gentlemen,



I just purchased a 2004. 5 Dodge/Cummins and the transmission is due service (26K miles). Therefore I needed to know, are the band adjustment procedures for the 48re the same as the 47re?



If so, I thought I'd service the transmission myself and save $100 by not taking it to the dealer to perform. Thanks in advance.





Dwayne

 

[tburke]

Yes the 48 is the same trans just beefed up alittle.

 

[Dieselnerd]

With the type of bands used in the 47RE and the 48RE it's really not necessary to adjust the bands every time you change fluid. If they are adjusted properly they hold the adjustment for a very long time. Remember, if you (or someone at the dealer) adjusts them too tight, you will notice nothing as you drive but the transmission will be wearing the bands. Why? When the transmission shifts, a set of bands releases at the same time another tightens on its drum. If they are too tight, one set will engage slightly before the other releases and something has to slip. This causes band wear. On the other hand, if they wear slightly and are not quite tight enough, no damage will be done since one will release before the other engages. If they are too loose you will notice a "flare" or rpm increase between gears. You don't want this condition but if it occurs it doesn't hurt anything like if it was too tight. If the transmission is shifting nice, no flare, just leave it alone. This advice was given to me by Dave Goerend when I spent a day with him in his transmission shop while he tore my '96 transmission down and rebuilt it. I (and many others) consider Dave to be a real transmission Guru and follow his always excellent advice.

 

[DPKetchum]

Very FEW if ANY in the REAL world EVER touch the bans on these units UNLESS at major overhaul. I have asked transmission tech/rebuilders this question many times over the last 10 years from dealers to independent shops and told time after time leave ALONE. Actually I got the smirky grin from most all then was told no adjustment ever needed unless major repair. In fact I would not mess with pulling the pan/filter until at LEAST 60k. I USE flush machines on autos. Best thing to EVER happen to a automatic(and consumer) since its invention.

 

[NavyDood]

The band should never need adjusted. If it needs adjusting, then it needs to be replaced. These bands are paper thin to begin with. If it was loose then it has worn out.



ONLY mopar ATF+4 (which is synthetic) is still approved in the 48re along with other DC trannies. DC released it so other oil companies can start producing the ATF+4 spec transmission fluids. Still haven't seen any on the market. All Amsoil did was add modifiers to to meet the standard of ATF+4. So until DC acknowledges what transmission fluids are compatible, if anything other than Mopar ATF+4 is used, your transmission warranty is voided. ATF+3 is not compatible.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Gentlemen,



Wow. Never realized I paid for something I never got when I took my truck to the dealer for a transmission service. What a rip... however, the news isn't too shocking. How can the service writer look you in the eyes when quoting you a price, especially when they mention that the bands are adjusted as part of the service?



Think I'll dump the pan myself, replace filter, tinker around a little (won't touch bands), install PML transmission pan, and refill with fluid myself. Of course, nothing but Mopar ATF+4 will be placed back into transmission. Can't wait until someone else produces ATF+4. After the initial service, I'll have the flush done next time.



I appreciate the invaluable knowledge you guys shared. I already paid for my TDR annual membership in one thread... gotta love this site. Take care.





Dwayne