Adjusted 48RE...Drives Better Than Ever!

[Wiredawg]

My wife's truck has 108K on it and decided to service the transmission myself. I puchased a quality inch/pound torque wrench and followed directions in the FSM. The truck shift so smooth, I'm not sure the transmission was ever properly adjusted after this. Nothing like doing the job right.



Wiredawg.

 

[FJfonda]

Wiredawg,

I have heard horror stories of adjustments gone bad... . read the FSM procedure and it seems pretty straight forward ... any hints-tips?

 

[Wiredawg]

FJFonda,



I think getting a quality torque wrench is big. I paid $139 for it. I think being meticulous is next. After loosening the locknut, tighten band adjusting screw to 72 inch/lbs. Then, back it off 1 and 3/4 turns. I marked the socket and carefully turned the exact turns. Tightened it up.



I don't think the dealer was meticulous about it. Once they did fluid change with band adjustment and didn't replace the the transmission kickdown return spring. After this, I beleive a lot of folks problems is improperly adjusted bands.



I am serious... this transmission is smooth and strong!



Hope this helps,



Wiredawg

 

[FJfonda]

Wiredawg,

Thanks, I will be doing an adjustment at the next fluid change.

 

[Jdorfmeyer]

Is their anywhere I can access instructions on the adjustment here on the site? Thanks

 

[JimB1]

Go to Diesel Transmission Technology - DTT Performance Diesel Transmission and Power Accessories.



There's lots of plain english 47 & 48re trans info.

 

[FJfonda]

48RE should look like this:



BAND ADJUSTMENT AND FINAL

1. Adjust front and rear bands as follows:

a. Loosen locknut on each band adjusting screw 4-5 turns.

b. Tighten both adjusting screws to 8 N·m (72 in. lbs. ).

c. Back off front band adjusting screw 1-3/4 turns, for diesel vehicles, or 1-1/2 turns for V-10 vehicles.

d. Back off rear band adjusting screw 3 turns.

e. Hold each adjusting screw in position and tighten locknut to 34 N·m (25 ft. lbs. ) torque.

2. Install magnet in oil pan. Magnet seats on small protrusion at corner of pan.

3. Position new oil pan gasket on case and install oil pan. Tighten pan bolts to 13. 6 N·m (125 in. lbs. ).

4. Install throttle valve and shift selector levers on valve body manual lever shaft.

5. Apply small quantity of dielectric grease to terminal pins of solenoid case connector and neutral switch.

6. Fill transmission with recommended fluid.

 

[TMills]

I've always used the tighten the adjusting screw till it makes contact method and it works good for me. I have no use for a inch-pound torque wrench and not willing to pay good money for something I will use once every 9 months.

 

[Wiredawg]

TMills,



I know about that method... I used it last time I adjusted the bands based upon a friend's advice. It didn't give me as good of results as this did.



Also, there are other uses for a good inch/lb torque wrench, like installing injectors and other low torque requirements. I had a cheapie non-ratchet inch/lb torque wrench, but was hard to fit in tight places. I just needed the excuse to buy another tool.



Whatever works for you is good. Thanks for the reply.



Wiredawg

 

[WoodChuck]

Most if not all places that service transmissions (even the dealer) will tell you the band adjustment is not necessary and won't do it. I call B. S. It will make a big difference if it's never been done before. Subsequent adjustments aren't really noticeable but for the little extra time it takes I always do it on a transmission service just so I know it's right.