Yep they did, just like those Fleetguards that were mentioned. But there weren't enough of them out there to warrant a TSB.

But eeeeverybody was using FRAMs. Alot still to this day. Do you guys realize how a small subset of the general Dodge Diesel-driving population this site's member's are?

 

DTT recommends the earlier flat open style filter,( I believe a 727 trans filter will work, but not positive) as opposed to the newer plastic encased filter, because they flow better.

But in some cases, as in mine, I had to change back to the newer plastic encased filter, because it (the flat filter) was causing foaming. DTT had no explanation, other than, some will foam with it's use, and some will not.

I had checked my stick immiediately after a couple of 100+ mile runs, and it had foam on it. My trans was also banging pretty hard going in and out of gear. I changed back to the newer style filter, and no more foaming or harsh engagements.

 

JJPage interesting info.

 

I took mine out for a few 25-30 mile runs and checked the fluid after each. their were bubbles on the dipstick, but I guess I could describe this as foaming. but the trans shifts perfect, if not better than before (I think I let it go too long with the old fluid) so, should I get a different filter?

 

ian, what is the level on the fluid, overfilled can cause foaming as well.......

 

Your choice. On stock tranny.. not a big concern either way. I can't help you. I've never used anything but the earlier filter.
I have seen occasional foam (bubbles) on my dipstick, but, like 'mikmaze' said, I do tend to run very full.
I've never experienced poor performance from it, so I don't worry.

The amount of anti foam additive in newer ATF's (Dexron III and newer) is considerable. I think you can always get some tell tale foam on the dipstick if you pull it right after driving. How it shifts tells the true story, IMHO.
Also, just my opinion, but I feel stock trannys have even greater need for high quality synthetic ATF than do custom built units. I'm not am Amsoil fanatic, but I do swear by their ATF+4 spec'ed ATF.

RJ

 

ian515,

Double check to see that your not over full and just keep and eye on the shifting, if the foam get worst or shifting goes to heck then I would change it out and use a 48re filter. My self I was able to buy a Dodge trans filter for $20.00. I though why worry about getting the wrong one from NAPA when I can get one from Dodge parts dept for a few bucks more. BTW my local NAPA told me their book didn't show Dodge had a 47 or 48re auto trans, they wanted to give sell me a filter for the 545, 5 speed auto.

 

I just changed my fluid and used a NAPA filter. The 47 & 48 filters are the same, they give you both gaskets in the kit. Not familiar enough with the 545, but I can tell you the filter they gave me looked exactly like the last filter I got from the Dodge Dealer.

 

My trans shifted fine while moving, even with the foaming. It was after the trans was good and warmed up, at a stop, going from drive to reverse, or into park, or park to drive, the trans would hit really hard, almost as if another car bumped you.

I have run Dexron III since DTT built my trans, (at their urging). They installed the flat filter, after I arrived back in Spokane, I called them to inquire about the harsh shifts into gear and into park at a stop. That is when they asked about foam on the dipstick, so I had to check it out, after a trip down to Lewiston, I stopped and pulled the stick, sure enough, foam.

I changed the fluid and put in the new style filter and have not had a problem since.

 

My self I can't trust a parts house that tells me their book does not show that Dodge had/made a 47 or 48 auto trans but would sell me a filter that fit the 5 speed auto used behind the Hemi!

 

I haven't found a counter monkey in a parts house I could trust anywhere in the past ten years.

 

Do what I do and look up the part numbers from NAPA online so you know they are giving you the right part.

 

I didn't know ahead of time I had to know more then the person reading the parts book. If I have to do his job I feel I should get a discount on the parts! I know 25 years ago it was not very hard to look up an item in the parts book so I don't understand why this guy could not.

 

I'm going to get mine at Geno's, not crazy about Fram's either. Once I put the pan and filter back in anybody know how many quarts of fluid I'm looking at?
Thanks.

 

On average the 48re if your just replacing the filter takes between 6-7 qts to refill.