J Banning

Problem:
No forward or reverse gears. Lots of fluid leaking from front of trans.


The truck:
- 2004.5 CTD with a Bully Dog Power Pup.
- Stock 48RE trans & converter.
- 86,500 miles on the odometer -- almost all highway & unloaded. I only tow about 10 times a year (5,500 – 10,000 lbs) and baby it when I do. I don’t beat on the truck when commuting or towing.


Details:
A few weeks ago I noticed some odd shifting behavior from a stop. Under half throttle the truck would shift into 2nd then quickly to 3rd about a second later, then it would sometimes shift back to 2nd, where it would then shift to 3rd & 4th like normal. This was on flat ground & mild acceleration to keep up with traffic.

Yesterday I left a friends house where the truck had been sitting for several hours. At one stop sign I went full throttle in 1st & 2nd gear. About a mile later at another stop sign I left the stop sign at a normal pace and the truck hung 2nd gear. I had to lift off the throttle for it to shift. Another mile and after leaving the next stop sign it felt like the truck left in 2nd or 3rd gear (perhaps it was slipping). At this point I was really worried, but was only about a mile from my house. I knew something was wrong, but the trans temp gauge was only reading about 175*. After leaving the next stop sign the trans was definitely slipping so I pulled over to the side of the road.

I got out & checked the fluid level. It looked fine but the fluid was definitely burnt (only about 8-10,000mi on the fluid). With the truck running I looked underneath and was surprised to see a very heavy leak coming from the inspection cover (front pump seal?), and the whole underside of the trans, cross member, gas tank, driveshaft and rear axle covered in fluid. The back bumper and tailgate were dry with no spots. I've also noticed nothing on the driveway at the house, so it must have just happened.


What was the cause?
A blown seal, or something internal that then caused the leak?

What is the fix? What else should I do? The cost??
I gotta get this fixed ASAP -- it is my daily driver. The good part is that there are three separate guys in our car club that own transmission businesses. I’ll be calling them Monday morning. In the meantime however, can anyone enlighten me on what you have experienced or know of in regards to a 48RE rebuild (parts needed, cost, etc.)?

While the trans is opened up, and cost in mind, are there any other things I should consider doing in regards to strength and longevity? Perhaps a valve body & converter? If so, from who? Cost?

All opinions very much appreciated. Thanks.
-Banning.

johnh

sounds like a rebuild is in order

J Banning

Who has had their 48RE rebuilt lately?

What was done?

What did it cost?

sabersix

J Banning,

You'll probably have better luck getting responses over in the 5.9L 3rd Gen forum. Most of us here have the 68RE tranny.

J Banning

I thought that's where I was -- 3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007

600rrpilot

i think your in the right spot.

question for ya...is the cover you speak up the little half moon shaped cover? if so...I think mine has a slight leak too...nothing near what you experienced. But im wondering now if this is where im headed. Ive never removed that cover. Im gonna try tightening it up a bit tonight.

I dont have much advice as im new to tran's. But good luck with yours!

DBLR

http://www.goerend.com/transmissions.php

sabersix

Sorry, I'm dazed and confused.

06RAM2500

If it ran out while sitting still, you'd a been ok. But driving it, might have burnt it up. Be a lot of work to drop it, replace the seal, and find out it's burnt up. BTW, your in this forum: 3rd Generation Ram - Years 2003 and up > 3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007

J Banning

The fluid was leaking from the inspection cover under the converter.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm weighing my options.

-Banning.

bighornram

Just rebuild it aftermarket with the good stuff so you never have to worry about it again....

Cuminapart

NADP "HEAVY HAULER" , good converter, Mag Hytec double deep pan. That should solve the problem.

rogers259

Call Goerend and talk to Dave, he'll get you setup right.