Can a 48RE be made to work in a FORD?

[GOT-Torque]

I don't need to know all the details, just if it is possible to get a 48RE to work in a FORD application. Latest plan is a 2004 HO Cummins, a 48RE trans, and a NV273 transfer case all from a Dodge implanted in a 2000 excursion.



Can the transmission be made to work with the donor ECU from the dodge? What other signals are needed from the ford? I imagine a speed signal from somewhere?



If it is possible, I can figure out the details later, if not possible meaning I would need to purchase a stand alone controller (like a $1500 one from ATS), it may sway my decision.



Thanks again for all the info...

 

[DKarvwnaris]

I don't need to know all the details, just if it is possible to get a 48RE to work in a FORD application. Latest plan is a 2004 HO Cummins, a 48RE trans, and a NV273 transfer case all from a Dodge implanted in a 2000 excursion.



Can the transmission be made to work with the donor ECU from the dodge? What other signals are needed from the ford? I imagine a speed signal from somewhere?



If it is possible, I can figure out the details later, if not possible meaning I would need to purchase a stand alone controller (like a $1500 one from ATS), it may sway my decision.



Thanks again for all the info...

Yes it can be done, is it easy? NO.

If you get the donor parts from the same truck and the harness as well, you can get it to work with less issue, but you'll be doing ALOT of rewiring to get it all together. The cost ATS wants for their controller is not that bad if you consider the time you'll spend modifying everything.

Most Fords have multiple speed sensors in them, usually one in the rear end that is an itegrated ABS and speed sensor. Few have them on the transmission's anymore. I just troubleshooted a '99 ford truck for speedometer failure, it ended up being the front speed sensor in the ABS hub ring that went out. Good thing is, the speedo in the Ford should work independently of the dodge so you won't need to interrupt the dash wiring if you want to keep the ford cluster, since it receives its signal from the axles, not the transmission/transfer case. You might not think this is a big deal, but with the newer electronic signal speedo's it can become very time consuming and costly to get the tock gauges to work again regardless of the transmission type if its anything but stock.



There's alot more to it than this, but as you asked, the complete details are for later.

 

[GOT-Torque]

So the only outside signal from the dogde components would be from a speed sensor, other than that, it would be a matter of correct harnesses and getting the right connections between the transmission and dodge ECU?



Yes I planned on using the stock ford instrument cluster, so you are saying the speedo will work fine without the ford engine/transmission since it receives its info from the axles?



Would the ECU's only purpose in my swap be for the transmission control or would it also be used for other things (like intake heater activation, etc?).



You may very well be correct with the $1500 being a good deal compared to the work/effort involved. I just need to learn what pieces would be required and how much work is involved so I can make a decision to tackle this obstacle or justify the $1500. For example, if the ECU is only used for transmission control and nothing else, that cost could be eliminated if I use the stand alone controller, however if it is needed for other functions, the money will be spent and it might as well be used for transmission control too.



Thanks

 

[DKarvwnaris]

So the only outside signal from the dogde components would be from a speed sensor, other than that, it would be a matter of correct harnesses and getting the right connections between the transmission and dodge ECU?



Yes I planned on using the stock ford instrument cluster, so you are saying the speedo will work fine without the ford engine/transmission since it receives its info from the axles?



Would the ECU's only purpose in my swap be for the transmission control or would it also be used for other things (like intake heater activation, etc?).



You may very well be correct with the $1500 being a good deal compared to the work/effort involved. I just need to learn what pieces would be required and how much work is involved so I can make a decision to tackle this obstacle or justify the $1500. For example, if the ECU is only used for transmission control and nothing else, that cost could be eliminated if I use the stand alone controller, however if it is needed for other functions, the money will be spent and it might as well be used for transmission control too.



Thanks

The ECU controls more than the transmission, but the other components aren't as bad to get working in another vehicle.

Somethings like the Ford's "on or off" style oil pressure gauges are not a plus in my eyes, so I would look into aftermarket gauges so you can get an actual true oil pressure reading.

Other issues with the cruise, Heater controls, charging system etc. are reliant on the ECM. I haven't worked on the newer engines or used them in repowers yet, so I can't give you real specifics on them beyond this. Kenny at Autoworld has been solving the programming issues with a local shop, he might be able to give you further insight into specific systems the newer trucks have built into the ecm. Kenny's business line is 406 727 8915