Transmission or something else?

[bigflatdaddy]

I have a 2003 Ram with a few upgrades (intake, exhuast, chip) and at 122,000 miles, I'm developing a driveline issue. In all honesty, with the upgrades, I'm suprised that it has taken this long. I expected something to happen sometime... .



Anyway, the truck is pretty solid, but I may have finally damaged the auto transmission. All is good until I'm in overdrive, or the highest non-overdrive gear. If I'm towing or trying to accelerate quickly (from 50+MPH), I encounter an issue where the engine runs faster, but there is no corresponding increase in speed. At this point, I back it down and take it easy. Once I didn't and the truck started vibrating enough to spill my coffee in the drink holder, you could feel the shake throughout the entire truck.



This tells me either torque converter or clutch, but could it be something else? I was really surprised by the vibration.



In any event, I'm not at all unhappy with the performance. I knew the upgrades would put extra stress on the driveline and one day, the day to fix something would arrive.



Any thoughts would be appreciated.



Paul

 

[BGlidewell]

Ever had the bands adjusted?

 

[rscurtis]

Adjusting the bands is good maintenance, but it's not the problem here, as the bands are released in direct or overdrive gear. If it was the reverse-high clutch, there would be an issue in reverse. I would bank on the TCC slipping under load.

 

[cerberusiam]

Slipping bands won't shake the truck like that. The TC clutch is glazed and not holding the power anymore. Ideally you would change this out ASAP as the longer it runs the harder it is on the trans and the more damage happens. At this point its probably time for a complete overhaul instead of the typical fixes.

 

[bigflatdaddy]

Thanks for the help. Is there an easy way to tell if you have a 46 or 47?

 

[cerberusiam]

Thanks for the help. Is there an easy way to tell if you have a 46 or 47?

What is the build date (drivers door) on your truck and is it an SO or HO?

 

[bigflatdaddy]

Found it on Goerends...



For 2003 - If the 8th digit of the VIN is a 6 then you have a 47RE, if it is a C then you have a 48RE



I got jipped. I have the 47... .

 

[cerberusiam]

For 2003 - If the 8th digit of the VIN is a 6 then you have a 47RE, if it is a C then you have a 48RE

Maybe, maybe not. The only way to know for sure is pull the trans apart but build date is usually better than the VIN.



The 48RE went into production Jan 03. The 47 was done then and they were all 48's.

 

[Prairie Dog]

You could easily have driveline issues adding to the symptoms too. If you still have shaking or shutter problems after getting the transmission fixed, you may want to check your u-joints and carrier bearing.

 

[SWithrow]

Found it on Goerends...

For 2003 - If the 8th digit of the VIN is a 6 then you have a 47RE, if it is a C then you have a 48RE

I got jipped. I have the 47... .

I had the 47RE and replaced it with a 48RE, no problem with the ECM, I have 50k on it and it still pulls great.

 

[bigflatdaddy]

I was thinking, in the big picture, that I would probably replace the carrier and u-joints while it is apart. No sense in taking it apart again... .

 

[JJPage]

[QUOTE I got jipped. I have the 47... . [/QUOTE]



Bill at DTT may dissagree... . He told me he preferred the 47, Less Mass.

 

[bigflatdaddy]

Thanks for your help everyone. I ordered a new transmission from Goerend in Iowa and had it installed by MTS Performance Diesel in Pacific, Missouri. All I can say is "WOW". There is such a difference in the shifting and overall performance, I will never own a stock transmission again. Next time I buy a new truck, it goes straight to the shop for a real transmission.



Paul