New transmission

[911RAM]

When do you think they will come out with a better auto transmission? any good guess.



I don't want to go buy another ford so i hope someone can give up a little info.



also how are the front ends on the 3rd gen. are they anything like the 2nd gen. loose steering and what not.



and how about the lift pumps are they any better sorry for rambling on just getting excited about getting a new truck any info would be great thanks

 

[MichaelWright]

I think DC is comming out with a new 6 spd, we shall see. I don't recall anything on the autos.



I do know that the 48re is much improved, in fact, it seems to be holding up MUCH better the the Ford or GM trannies for towing/regular duty (non bombed trucks).



I was just down in Angola Indiana at Daves Diesel. These guys get a semi load of trannies a week to be rebuilt, saw them with my own eyes waiting to be shipped out. The Dodge 48re is the best of the bunch according to the owner of the shop. And he drives a Duramax, with a heavily beefed transmission, because that is GM's weak link according to him.



Sounds like the 48re is the best of the bunch for now, just check the boards of the other guys. Rarely do you read of transmission problems with the Dodge, other then running TST boxes at 9/9 on a stock 48.



For whatever it is worth. Happy with mine, had to beef because of my mods. If you plan on keeping it stock, just do regular maintainence every 15-20,000 miles. You should be fine. Many here are.



Mike

 

[tschwab]

also how are the front ends on the 3rd gen. are they anything like the 2nd gen. loose steering and what not.



and how about the lift pumps are they any better sorry for rambling on just getting excited about getting a new truck any info would be great thanks

NO problems with the transmission, and the track record so far on non-bombed has been very good.



Have not heard of any lift pump problems.



Front ends??? Have your ridden or driven one yet - They handle like they are on rails, exspecially the 2WD with its rack & pinion steering.

 

[coobie]

I think DC is comming out with a new 6 spd, we shall see. I don't recall anything on the autos.



I do know that the 48re is much improved, in fact, it seems to be holding up MUCH better the the Ford or GM trannies for towing/regular duty (non bombed trucks).



I was just down in Angola Indiana at Daves Diesel. These guys get a semi load of trannies a week to be rebuilt, saw them with my own eyes waiting to be shipped out. The Dodge 48re is the best of the bunch according to the owner of the shop. And he drives a Duramax, with a heavily beefed transmission, because that is GM's weak link according to him.



Sounds like the 48re is the best of the bunch for now, just check the boards of the other guys. Rarely do you read of transmission problems with the Dodge, other then running TST boxes at 9/9 on a stock 48.



For whatever it is worth. Happy with mine, had to beef because of my mods. If you plan on keeping it stock, just do regular maintainence every 15-20,000 miles. You should be fine. Many here are.



Mike

Had the same conversation with Rick at daves Diesel 2 weeks ago. He tells me the dodge 48 re is holding up real well. coobie

 

[cerberusiam]

Currently the 48RE is the strongest production transmission in the Big 3 light duty diesel trucks. They have an excellent track record with the unmodified trucks and are capapble of handling a fair amount of BOMB's. Even though there seems to be a big demand for the Allison it has shown itself to be border line with the DMAX and even Allison themselves nixes the idea of the 1000 series behind the ISB. The 5 speed auto is not really needed behind the ISB because it has enough torque where the v8's don't have it. There are rumors of a 58RE in the testing stage for the light duty trucks and brand new auto for the medium duties but no word on when they will be available.



DC seems to have a handle on the front end problems that plagued the earlier trucks and the newer ones are quite good. The only drawback at this point is the switch to American Axles and some QC problems with the ball joints has created problems with supply. There a fair number of instances of the ball joints going bad at 30k and there are no heavy duty parts available and a backlog of oreders for the OEM ball joints. The 2x4 seem to be solid so far.



Then new CP3 fuel pump doesn't have the problems of the VP44 but there are issues all the same. The CR system does not like dirty or inadequatly lubed fuel. Bad fuel cause the pump to start spitting out small pieces of metal and causing problems with injectors. The injectors themselves are a bit more sensitive than the older ones and require good clean fuel to function correctly. So far one of the problems seem to be mechanical related and using good fuel and conditioners will remedy the problems.



The current DC offering of a Cummins powered truck is one the best so far. It is even starting to dominate in areas the Super Duties usually were untouchable. There are rumors of stepped up power with the current configuration and possible a stroked ISB and of course the megacab. I think that about the first part of 2006 before the new emissions controls goes into effect may be a good time to get the latest and greatest. Given the state of the economy now would be a good time also to make a deal on a solid truck.

 

[BHolm]

I also think that the 48re is the best automatic out there. I just traded a D-max/Allison truck for my '05 CTD. The Chev had hardly any towing under its belt and burned the heck out of its fluid. It took three flushes, two external filter changes and one pan filter change to get it red again. I have no faith in the Allison. In fact the torque is limited in first and fifth on the new LLY 590 lb/ft version of the D-max. They know it can't handle it. I don't know about Ford transmission but I sure have no desire to be one of the 6. 0L diesels guinea pigs! No faith in that lump either.



Dodge has the best package mechanically by a long shot. I wish I could have the seats out of my Chevy, the Dodge ones are HARD and flat.



I think that new in tank fuel pump for '05 eliminates the lift pump issues.



I have two '03s that have been perfect. No transmission issues, no front end issues, no warranty claims at all. They make regional hauls for me, 3-500 miles a day, 15k loads down, 8k empty trailers back, always towing something.



I have a '99 Ford 7. 3 that I love, I have had an '01 and '03 Duramaxes, I just voted with my pocketbook by buying a new '05 CTD. These are sweet trucks, light years ahead of the 2nd gen (no offense!).

 

[LesStallings]

Steering, handling, and cornering have been the biggest surprise on my 04 regular cab dually rear wheel drive. In Tennessee, I travel a VERY curvy country road and the handling is incredible. I had expected no where near the flat response on the curve after curve (asphalt).

 

[911RAM]

Thanks for all the replys



I would like to get another cummins and would like to wait till the mega cab to make a choice. do you think it will be in 2005 or 2006?



I have not yet driven the 3rd gen cummins but i guess i better from what you all say I just havent had any time. ]



I do like the looks of the 05 powerjoke. also i have a friend with a 03 powerjoke and he put the juice chip in and had his injector pump sent away and never touched his auto transmission and that things blows some serious smoke and hauls tail, but he never tows with it . I can't believe he doesn't have any problems but he doesnt and its been that way since it was new.



Happy thanksgiving

 

[MichaelWright]

On the mega cab, I believe they are talking 06. Someone correct me if I am wrong.



You need to test drive the 3rd gen. I think that you will be plesently surprised. Also compare maintaince costs of the 6. 0 versus the CTD. The CTD is much easier on the wallet with longer intervals between sevices.



As far as the 05 Ford, I would be very leary of the mechanical/engineering problems with the engine/drivetrain. I know 4 guys that have them 03/04's. Two of them run good last I heard, one was just bought back and replaced with an 05. The other is awaiting buyback, and hopefully that will work out. So, I would say you have a 50/50 chance of getting a good one. Those are some pretty lousy odds in my book.



Now there are 6 of us with the 3rd gens (2500/3500/3500 drw) in the neighborhood. 5 CTD's and one Hemi 2500. Ron is the only one that has had some trouble, and that is with his 6 spd sticking between shifts in his CTD.



That's a pretty good mix of Dodges, even the one with the Hemi (he kicks himself for not getting another CTD). All have been doing real well, all have said they would get another, even Ron. I think you will also find that the 3rd gen rides much better then the Ford. And I would not take a chance on bombing a Ford. Many warranties have been cancelled due to aftermarket exhausts and air intakes alone on the Fords. And those things are not cheap to repair, if you can find someone that is even able to work on one. To much of a gamble for me.



Mike

 

[BHolm]

I also looked hard at the '05 Ford. I agree that the ride is rougher than the equivalent Dodge, I was looking at 4-door one ton SRW trucks. The Cummins is the quietest of the three. It gest the best milage and regardless of what the mag rags say, the Cummins is the best puller in the real world.



I want the bigger cab too. Since I got 0% finacing on the '05, and got rid of my Chevy headache at the same time I think I will be able to easily trade into a mega cab once they are availible.



I have been VERY pleased with my 3rd gens. No mods on any of them but stock they have been rock solid. Don't go to drive it unles you are ready to buy! You'll get the fever..... then its all over

 

[hasselbach]

You guys kill me with your brand loyalty. The 48re may be strong, but this truck needs a 5 speed auto period. I'd like to have 4. 10's in the rear, but don't like the super high cruising rpm's that are a result. Or a lower first gear like my Allison which would help out the 3. 73's. The converter is junk, and the lock up programing is a joke. There is absolutely no engine braking to speak of since the converter is so loose and the TC lock up disengages the minute you lift off the throttle. .

 

[TCDiesel]

You guys kill me with your brand loyalty. The 48re may be strong, but this truck needs a 5 speed auto period. I'd like to have 4. 10's in the rear, but don't like the super high cruising rpm's that are a result. Or a lower first gear like my Allison which would help out the 3. 73's. The converter is junk, and the lock up programing is a joke. There is absolutely no engine braking to speak of since the converter is so loose and the TC lock up disengages the minute you lift off the throttle. .

I Have to agree,$2500. 00 Upgrade with commander than you got a Ironclad transmission. If you upgrade your trans YOU will never want a stock Program again,Than when you put a exhaust brake on it ,How sweet it is.

 

[SAvery]

I know it's not about the auto, but I really, really, loved switching from an auto to a 6 speed. So much better control. No longer can you order an NV 5600, they closed out ordering for all NV 5600's on tuesday.

 

[BHolm]

I think the Allison is junk myself. Talk about sad programming, those things jump out of OD so quick it makes your head spin. Then you have to listen to that rattly D-max at 3000 rpm while the fuel milage goes in the gutter. I owned two of them, an '01 and an '03. I had an engineer from Allison come and hook his laptop to my '01. The stupid thing wouldn't pull in OD, I made an 800 miles trip hauling a truck back from Atlanta and I had to do it in 4th gear, 5mpg with the pathetic 23 gallon tank in the short box. They made it better, still nowhere near as good as the 48re which actually LIKES being in OD with the convertor locked. My '03 Allison burned the fluid black as coal by its 25k mile flush. It had never towed more than 4000 lbs at that point. GM says black fluid in the Allison is "normal" yeah right! Multiple flushes and filters later they got it clean. I had no faith in it and moved UP to a 48re.



BTW, with 3. 73s and the same tires rpms are identical in OD on the Allison and 48re. I guess a lower first would be nice if you RACE diesel trucks, something I fail to understand.

 

[KYLE4]

Guys I hate to be the guy who says this as a Dodge fan but we just bought a 05 powerstroke 6. 0 and we are putting 500hp down to the ground with stock torque convertor and there new torqueshift auto transmission this thing does'nt miss a beat gonna run propane into it and see what an extra 100hp does to it

 

[TCDiesel]

I"m curious,How are you getting 500 HP TO THE GROUND ON A 05 6. 0.

 

[jimnance]

Can't speak to the auto transmission, though my 47RE has held up well for 100,000 miles, so towing heavy



My '03 has sooo much better suspension. The front end is much better and the brakes are awsome.



My six speed is terrific for towing heavy, and the diff hasn't given me any trouble. Considering I'm towing very heavy, I'm very happy. Pretty much flawless.

 

[hasselbach]

My Allison works flawless with some minor flaws. I get a consistent 19 mpg in my 4x4 dually 03 too. If you have an Allison that works good, you will love it.

 

[MichaelWright]

500 hp to the ground! What did you do, drop a Cummins in it? If you are really getting 500 to the ground, I wonder how long it will all stay together? So what is your secret, 50/50 stop leak/oil? Need to see some dyno sheets, don't believe it.



From reading over at the ford sites, allot of 6. 0's can't handle a mild pressure box without things going severly wrong, much less a trip to the grocery store. And now you are trying for 600+hp? Can't see it happening. I'm calling you out on this one.



Mike

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Had the same conversation with Rick at daves Diesel 2 weeks ago. He tells me the dodge 48 re is holding up real well. coobie

I was lookin at a ford site today. Seen 3 torqueshifts being rebuilt. On the first page. Its a new transmission so I guess they will have a bug or two to work out. Im suprised the 48s are doing as well as they are. Im curious. Which transmission do you think gets the most hp to the ground?