Smarty Jr vs 48RE

[DaveHess]

Quick question for the 03. 5 to 04. 5 owners with the 48RE and a Smarty Jr. My 48 RE has had a crappy 3rd to 4th gear shift since new. Acts like it can't decide what to do at times. My dealership told me it is because I am a light throttle driver and I'll give them that. I have also read through my research about the converter locking in 3rd, unlocking for the 4th gear shift and then relocking giving that RPM flare I get moments prior to 4th gear. This does not occur when I am towing, only deadheading. Since the Smarty Jr, my 3rd to 4th shifts have been more "decisive" and more to my expectations. It is also my understanding that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module-located right rear inner fender behind the battery) on the 03. 5's was a standalone computer.



So my question to you guys and to Bob Wagner, does the Smarty Jr send anything to the PCM or does it have more to do with the APPS position post Smarty Jr as opposed to the APPS position in stock ECM dress? I still am a light throttle driver. Or could it be the power band was moved and the power being put to the transmission is increased enough at the same APPS position as stock and the 48RE is happier. This is an unexpected surprise for me and I'd like to know as I was getting ready to drop about 4 big ones on a new transmission and converter and as of right now that does not seem to be needed. I'd love to hear some responses here.



Dave

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

my situation is different however, I run a smarty on my '06 I am running an old program with mine,about 2. 5 yrs old. the shifting is probably the biggest disappointment about running the smarty for me, you get alot more fuel with less pedal certainly down in the low RPM range, this causes the trans to upshift I get 4th before I even hit 50mph, 45-50 seems to be a very common speed while driving around in town, this causes the motor to lug and blow smoke with even a little extra throttle, I have to drive the truck alot different as if I lay into in that situation, I personally feel it is very very hard on the transmission. I have been told there is nothing that can be done to fix the 4th gear shift point which is my main issue, I can press the OD off button which I do, however that means an extrea shift out of 4th, then I have to remember to turn it back on again.

 

[DaveHess]

CC: I used to do the same thing of shutting off the O/D until I knew I'd be running over 50 MPH, then turn the O/D back on. Haven't done that since the Smarty Jr. Just seemed like an annoying extra thing to do and another opportunity for a worn out switch eventually. My shifts since the Jr just have been more decisive and I dare say enjoyable. The curiosity is killing me even though the only two things changed out this time was the installation of a FASS 95/95 and the Smarty Jr. The FASS has given me the most headaches. I continue to have intermittant fuel leaks. Evey couple of days I'll get a puddle of fuel under the the engine area but not below the CP3 as before. This has lead me to believe it from the existing OEM hardware. I ordered the GDP filter elimination kit so I can get rid of the OEM stuff and block the line from the tank. Unless I get real brave and eliminate that too. I don't know. That'll cause me some sleepless nights for sure until I totally trust the FASS. I worry too much

 

[WHazelwood]

I'm also "light footed" and using the Smarty Jr. on the tow setting (program #2) my truck shifts fine. I also have a PacBrake that I use when towing and use the tow/haul button till I get up to highway speeds. I also have a switch that'll lock the torque converter or hold it locked down to about 28 mph when I use the PacBrake. Sometimes I'll forget and leave the TC switch on and the engine will lug and let me know but no shift issues.

Keep grinnin,

 

[kevhype0825]

I am also very interested to know if the Smarty or Smarty Jr does rectify the shifting issues discussed here. I suffer daily with my 06 having that "gear hunting" issue. I normally drive at speeds just below 50 and my truck is forever shifting back and forth between 3rd and 4th gears.

 

[DaveHess]

I am also very interested to know if the Smarty or Smarty Jr does rectify the shifting issues discussed here. I suffer daily with my 06 having that "gear hunting" issue. I normally drive at speeds just below 50 and my truck is forever shifting back and forth between 3rd and 4th gears.

I wish I understood that. My $100 beater I bought 4 years ago busted a pinion gear about a week ago so I've been driving "'Smokey" all week, something I haven't done in four years, and it is shifting like a different truck. I've been waiting for Bob Wagner to pop in here and enlighten me but I believe the power band probably shifted somewhat and it put my 48RE in a happier place. I baby the hell out of this truck with a light foot (try to squeeze two weeks of fuel out her every payday). I know I am very pleased with my Smarty Jr so far and if this is unintended side effect, I'm lovin' it more!