How does your 48RE shift?

[LightmanE300]

I'm wondering if its just mine, I'm not used to trucks, or if everyone's 48RE shifts pretty rough and at odd times. For one, it really seems to thud/slam into gear when it's changing gears. Almost like someone popped the clutch in a stickshift, but not quite that bad.



Also the locking of the tq/overdrive is strange sometimes. It locks at 50mph almost religiously. Sometimes I'll be taking off fast, and it will barely have gotten into the lower gear, cross 50mph and instantly shift to lockup. It's just very abrupt sometimes and seems weird. Sometimes when taking off slowly, i'll hear/feel it go into lockup, and then when i'm continuing to gain speed, it will unlock or downshift before it can shift up to the next gear.



Just seems like the transmission shifts pretty rough/firmly and acts a little funny What do you guys think?

 

[StephenThomas]

hehehehe....

Well... . for starters..... I'm so glad you posted this thread cuz I've been thinking about it too. I too feel like the timing of the shifts are off. I don't mind the firm shifts... . but they are dramatically different from my 47RE in my 01'.

 

[LightmanE300]

Funny. I have just never been in any passenger vehicle that shifted this rough, so I wasn't sure if it was normal. Even my tahoe shifted almost without you feeling it at all... it just surprised me that this thing hits so hard. Makes me worry for longevity.



Also when my TC locks up to overdrive at 50mph for the first time when cold, wow it really gives a low grumble and vibration. Everyone else's doing that too?

 

[Wiredawg]

Mine Shift Great

I like the way mine shifts: The shifts are firm and quick. I remember this is how I wished our '96 gasser Ram 46RE shifted. It had slushy shift.



Wiredawg

 

[curatchko]

Well, after my 99 fiasco, with a soggy shifting transmission, and then spending a couple grand on it and a converter, and then in the end having a trans that could kill a u-joint with the shifts... .



... I'm thrilled at this 48RE trans... . shifts quick, firm, but not harsh.



The jerking you're feeling is that it likes to lock up the converter in 3rd gear, and then shift into OD, simultaniously unlocking and then quickly locking... . yeah it's kinda strange, but the way I see it is don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This is a GREAT working transmission in my book... . light years ahead of the 47RE.



Chris

 

[NSperduto]

Quick, hard firm shifts are the key to long transmission life. What makes the trans shift smooth and a nice overlap of slipping clutches. So the less you feel it shift, the more slippage it has, the worse it is for the trans. So when the trans shifts firmer, that's better for the trans.



NIck

 

[LightmanE300]

Cool, well we will see. I'm not sure I've seen posts yet from anyone who has a LOT of miles on a 48RE yet.

 

[XcumminsX]

Lightman man shift exactly how you are saying yours does. do you notice it shifts odd as you are driving in traffic? mine shifts odd most when i am trying to give it more gas and at times it does seem like it shifts at the wrong point. Im assuming its the normal operation of the computer and all it is doing is minimizing the stress to the transmission. anyone else wanna chime in. Great Post lightman i have been wondering about this.

 

[FPoitra]

I would have to agree, mine shifts pretty hard also compared to my old 00 GMC that I traded. But then again, this is my 1st 3/4 ton and HD truck with an HD transmission, so I imagine its normal. Sure doesnt shift like a caddy. Keep in mind the nice long powertrain warranty for that extra piece of mind.

 

[XcumminsX]

yeah i hope they come out with a new trans for 2004. 5 then i hope mine is getting worse and worse and blows up so i get the new transmission :--)

 

[Tejasdge]

Unpredictable Shifting

At the new owner orientation(OK, I went in hopes of some good free stuff and only ended up with an alright Dodge neck tie and free food) I spoke to the service manager about this issue since my commute often degrades into more stop than go. He suggested hitting the overdrive button. At lower speeds it seems to help. He said that it changed the shift programing. I don't know about that, but I think it just gives the 48RE fewer choices about how/when to shift.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

I have noticed a loud noise going from secound to third , but only at light or no throttle. Sounds as bad as u-joint ready to fail and it is at it's worst when trans is normal operating temp. As far as shift timing and firmness i have no complaints after a month or so of learning how to adapt to the programing. Just comes natural now! (With out even thinking about it)

 

[XcumminsX]

i notice alot of us guys with bfg's are complaining...

 

[LightmanE300]

I have the stock size bfg's and I dont think the tires are affecting the trans. I will say YES I agree, it shifts strangely in traffic, just doesn't seem to be 'waiting' in the right gear like it should. Sometimes it shifts too fast, and it downshifts VERY easily too sometimes. Who knows, I just hope it's not going to come apart any time soon. Maybe nsperduto is right. I just figured the hard shifts would be detrimental to the trans life!

 

[SKelly]

At times mine will shift strangely as well. I think I have gotten used to how to drive it though. If I give it more throttle it seems to shift firmly and correctly. If I baby it or I am in traffic it hunts for the right 2nd to 3rd shift point or makes a tremendous racket when it drops into OD.



At the second oil change I mentioned it to the dealer and took the tech for a ride but I got the old "they all do that". I figure if and when it breaks I'll bring it into the dealer.



By the way, there are some other posts on this topic, 03 48 RE OD Shudder ect...

 

[LightmanE300]

Skelly thats exactly how mine is. I've gotten a little bit used to it, and have changed my driving a bit accordingly , but people that are guests in my truck, like my date last night, asked what was wrong wtih my transmission in such a new truck Just wondered why they are so harsh and sometimes unpredictable. .

 

[SKelly]

It's funny you mention guests in your truck. When I first took some guys out from work in mine they all commented on the noises!



I think that the transmission is fine since the harder I push it, towing or hot rodding, the better it shifts

 

[RankRam]

Originally posted by SKelly



I think that the transmission is fine since the harder I push it, towing or hot rodding, the better it shifts [/B]

I totally agree with your statement. I would also like to point out that these trucks are intended to work, so that would make them seem to be somewhat strange while puttering around town.



I hope what I'm trying to say makes sense.

 

[XcumminsX]

RANK RAM i totally understand what your saying... . buddy of mine tows and he said when he tows the shifts are differnt then when he is lurking in town with no load

 

[RankRam]

Yes they tow very well, the 03 outpulls my 99 and it had an EZ.



I must say I do miss that E-Brake though.