48RE transmission upgrades...opinions/experience wanted

[GrantP]

My '06 48RE trans is having some issues that are driving me nuts and I'm looking for some help from the guys on this board who have "been there and done that".

Issues:
1) Under light throttle, such as leaving my neighborhood in the morning, the 1-2 shift seems to bounce back and forth between gears. If I apply more throttle it will upshift to second fine, it's the light throttle that does it. I have a local shop that has done trans work for me in the past on a different vehicle, it was suggested that a transgo shift kit will eliminate that problem but aren't the solenoids suspect here as well?

2) My 97 had a full DTT rebuild and I really liked the fluid coupling in the DTT converter. It would pull much better at low RPM's, the factory converter just "flares" up several hundred RPM before it does much. This may be more in keeping with the common rail vs. the 12V but I miss the instant satisfaction of the DTT converter. Looking for opinions on converter manufacturers (not flaming threads) that people have used and are happy with.

I see a lot of transgo and Hughes Performance boxes laying around the trans shop I have used previously but I don't hear anyone on this board talking about using Hughes converters, anyone have any experience with them in this application?

My truck has 46k on it so I'm not looking at a full rebuild at this point, I just want it to shift correctly and prepare the transmission for a smarty in the future. The engine is all stock now and I don't see adding any more power than the smarty will provide in the future.

Thanks in advance,
Grant

 

[Todd1113]

Sounds like you need at least a good single disk convertor (gorend, suncoast), a shift kit (transgo), and maybe billet input shaft.

 

[Mathes308]

My 46re and 48re both do the same thing under light throttle. Drives me crazy.
The shift hunting is redicuous, if I come to a small grade it will go 4-3-2-3-2
A little extra throttle keeps it from doing that but then I'm going too fast for the curve.

My 48re has 203k on it, stock.
40k seems super early to need a full rebuild.
I have always used transgo kits but after research on here I'm going to try the superior shift kits, they say installation is easier and more easily reversible.

As for torque converter, yup.... Needs one!
Too slippy. Looking for a good one.

 

[rrowdy]

My 2nd gen did this shuttle between 1&2 so I installed a new pressure transducer and solenoid and it cured it.
With your symtoms that's where I'd start. The strange thing is that it's the only thing that cured the lockup shuttle problems I had.

My 3rd gen is starting the same 1-2 shuttle mostly when cold so I have a spare solenoid and transducer for that one too
when time permits. These parts seem weak especially with higher line pressures. When this happens again, I'm converting to the GM Solenoid.

Also, Change the output speed sensor as they all work together. For your converter, I wouldn't update (unless it fails) until your trans is ready for rebuilding then do it all at once according to what you're wanting to achieve.
Converters from any of the major DC tramsmission builders will put a smile on your face.

Good luck!

 

[Mathes308]

Not sure I can wait for the trans to quit before going to a new converter, local shop wants $600 to install one (just install), starting to think it's worth the risk, prob save that much in fuel the first year.

 

[rrowdy]

600 seems a little heavy for a converter R&R but I guess if that's what the shops charge now, your only other choice is to do the R&R yourself.
Not an easy job for one person but if you have a friend to help it's not too bad. If the pan is clean and you haven't shed too much clutch material you should be OK.

 

[Tuesdak]

Check with Allstate Transmission in Phoenix for a reasonable rate to R&R the Torque Converter. They will drop out and rebuild a 4X4 4L80E for ~$1100.00 + hard parts like gears if needed. Had many rebuilds there.

 

[Mathes308]

Don't want to hijack a thread but maybe it will help lead to helpful info.
Don't know about the OP but I don't know any good diesel trans places in central PA

 

[GrantP]

I'm not sure if I'll do the converter at this point or not with only 46k on it. I do tend to agree that if the trans is going to be pulled for a converter then it might as well be rebuilt at the same time. Has anyone had any experience with the Hughes converters? I'm pretty sure that's what the trans shop is going to recommend and just want to be armed with some info (good or bad).

 

[rrowdy]

The only experience I've had with hughes with regard to Dodge Cummins is their deep pans. I've used several of their converters, trans brakes and hard parts on my drag cars over the years and they're excellent but.....
I'd stick to those with the most experience on the Dodge Cummins such as Goerend, DTT, Suncoast just to name a few. This increases your chances of satisfaction.