I am a rebuild guy. I want the trans the truck came from from the factory. I have seen questionable stuff in all the so called name brands. I would rather trust the local guy you can see face to face. Anyhow...

You will want a 3xTC, input shaft, VB with increased apply pressure, band apply strut, frictions, steels, washers, bearings, bushings, sun-gear, gaskets, replace plastic parts, etc.. You can get a kit or price out the individual parts. A 3xTC is 14, input is 5 to 7, VB 1 to 5, strut, frictions, steels, washers, bearings & gaskets 3.5 to 4, plus sun-gear and OD plate. Assuming all hard parts are useable.. parts on the max side 3 to 3.5 plus install.

a 450 hp 48re is a stock refreshed trans and that is all marketing. It is the torque that is important and apply pressure at the right time

Find out what he is changing for the almost 2k.. Prawly doesn't include a TC or will be stock at best. You can drive thru a stock TC with any performance upgrades, especially towing.

 

I just rebuilt for a lot less than a new unit and am happy so far, but it’s only been a few thousand miles and cost was an issue for me. I think you need to weigh cost and how long you plan on owning the truck. Category 1 is the best of your three options because it’s more built than the others, but not necessary for your goals. However, if cost isn’t a deal breaker for you, get more than you want. It’ll either translate into more options if you decide to upgrade further than originally planned, or more longevity from being over built. Also look into Goerend and Firepunk. Read through the forum and aggregate the comments. I’ve read the most good in reference to Goerend.

 

X2 @Daisyland
At 230K my 48RE gave it up. I already had a professionally built valve body/shift kit. We upgraded the solenoids on the VB with Borg Warner, added Sonnex billet accumulator and other minor parts. We ordered a Goerend billet single disk 15SS, lower stall, converter. I do not plan to upgrade my power with a race type tune or bigger turbo. So we stayed with stock flex plate and shafts. I don't regret not buying the HD stuff so I don't hot rod my truck or be tempted to up the power. My goal is to tow without any drama and reliability.

I made a spreadsheet to compare the different trans companies parts, prices and to get educated. It served me when talking to the trans shop. The trans shop was IMPRESSED with the Goerend converter. Even a single disk is massive.

. I vetted this trans shop and the owner worked with me on using my conveter, valve body and such. I have about $4,500 in the entire rebuild, fluids and labor. So far, it shifts very quick and FIRM like I want in a HD trans

We upgraded our tuner to MM3 Tuner. Rob at MM3 has fixed the 47 and 48 trans to down shift when needed, upshift a little higher RPM, lock the converter in 2nd and upped the shift pressure a bit. This is a game changer for these "dumb" trans. I run his 12 Valve tune for economy and fun. The tow tune works great and keeps the EGTs in check.

Yesterday was my first tow with the set up above. On the interstate trans temp held at 175F towing my loaded enclosed car hauler. Trans shifted where it needed to make smooth power and keep egts low, 900 to 1040F. Merging and passing slower cars was with easy. If felt like I was never putting the truck in a strain and it shifted at the optimum rpm.

 

I’ll second Rob’s tunes. I just installed them on a early 03 with the 47RE and the truck drives and shifts SO much better. He can’t tune the 47RE and I can only dream about how the 48RE responds to his tuning.

 

Daisyland, I have the same idea as you about wanting "my" transmission in the truck. I asked for a parts list on the rebuild, I'll see what he says. And have a look at what you suggested to compare. I'm out if my lane when it comes to transmissions, the guidance helps me know if I'm going to get what I need for the truck.

Alcharger, I'm impressed at your temps towing. I was watching a Goerend video on the TC types, their example TCs were huge in diameter. It looks like you really did your homework. I should do the same so I'm educated and not as blind on this. Looks like you got your truck where you like it. I will have to study up on MM3. My truck is stock right now, I didn't want to tempt reliability.

Frenchy, I appreciate hearing your experience with the rebuild. I plan to keep the truck for a long time. It is my daily driver now, and as time goes by itll stay on the farm. I've owned it since Feb 2009 /32k miles so safe to say we're staying together for the long haul
New trucks are pretty expensive so putting money to keep a good paid off truck is ok.

 

Heard back from my tech. He said parts would be a single billet TC, raybestos kickdown band, reverse band, front and rear clutches and steels, OD clutches and steels, billet accumulator piston and intermediate servo piston.

 

You may not need the reverse band, they are typically in good condition.

Ask about increasing the apply pressure. If a custom valve body is in the budget dynamic has great reviews. They also offer "products" that are between stock and a custom VB. Certainly sounds like your on a good path

 

X2 on a performance VB to make to firm up the shifts and extend the lif of the trans.

 

I took yalls advice on the VB. I'm ordering a Dynamic valve body in addition to the rebuild kit. But I have a question first. On the VB Dynamic, I says to select "Daily Driver Only" or "HD Towing Only". Anyone know the difference? I'd like to order online tonight instead of trying to do it at work tomorrow if I try to call them. But if I gotta wait to speak to them about the difference, then I guess so.

Edit: I just made the executive decision - VB ordered

 

Well, all my parts are in and the truck goes to the shop tomorrow. I can't wait to get it back.

 

Yeah!

Post back with driving impressions when you get it back!

 

Go her back, she drives great!

First impressions...

- the column shifter feels different due to the different style linkage connection sent with the valve body. It fits properly, just a different style. Still getting use to that, it is less clunky in the gear detents. I end up in N when going to R. And I can get into D1 easily which is nice. Going back to P is more difficult, I have to let it roll slightly. Probably a linkage adjustment fine tune issue? Nothing world ending, just different.

- truck is responsive down low immediately off idle. It feels strong.

- 1to2 shift is very smooth/crisp. In T/H mode, it is firm and quick.

- 2to3 is smooth and 3 is solid, it doesn't feel mushy

- 4toOD still transitions nicely, it seemed to do so in stock form too.


My tech said the internals of the transmission looked good, even though I had the 1-2 issue I had. He said band looked great and nothing was burned. He suspected the servo to be the culprit IIRC. I had been changing my fluid and filter every 30k in an effort to stay ahead of killing it. It seems it paid off as it was in good condition overall. It was recommended that if towing more frequently to drop it to 15-20k, which is fine.

Anyway, I look forward to driving her more. So far I like the vombo of the Suncoast Cat1 and Dynamic Transmission VB.

Now, just need to send back my cores.

 

Great, glad that you like the setup. Did you buy the dd or two VB?

If/when you are ready, consider this tuner. It fixes many of the 48rfe shift issues in a healthy trans. I have this tuner and it delivered everything Rob promised.

"MM3 Tuning - Fall in Love with your 3rd Gen!!! | Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum" https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/mm3-tuning-fall-in-love-with-your-3rd-gen.2514141/

 

I got the Tow VB.

I'm glad you mentioned the MM3. I had just looked at those and wondered if I should try it. How did it change your truck?

 

Rob found where to adjust the trans in the ecu code. It allows the trans to down shift earlier. Up shift rpm is raised a little and hold the gear, not shift, without putting the skinny pedal to the mat. Tunes are less smokey, 12v tune has a 2 mpg increase over other tuners...

As far as I know, Rob is the only tuner with the trans adjustments....

MM3 has an optional tune change on the fly option that I like.

Gauges are nice as well.

 

Good morning, thanks for the original post, very informative for down the road! Thank you for your time in advance, looking for opinions. I have an early 04 with 48re and 154k that shifts beautifully all the way thru OD when cold. But on the highway when it heats up won't shift to OD . Upgrade the trans oil cooler? Trying to avoid a rebuild for a while, thanks , John