48RE Transmission for Sale

heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive used in 2003 to 2007 Dodge Ram 2500

Code: vaz196
  • In Stock, 48RE 4-Speed Heavy-Duty Automatic with Overdrive Available
  • Free Shipping to All 50 States via Freight Pallet, 7 to 14 Business Days
  • Year and Donor Truck Verified (2003 to 2007 Ram 2500 / 3500)
  • All 4 Forward Gears Shift-Tested
  • 2nd Gear Band Condition Assessed (Known 48RE Wear Point)
  • Overdrive Clutch Pack Condition Documented
  • Torque Converter Function Verified (Stall and Lockup)
  • Valve Body Condition Checked
  • Governor Pressure Solenoid Tested
  • Input and Output Shaft Spline Condition Verified
  • 100% Inspection Before Every Order Ships
  • No Core Charge, Keep Your Old Transmission
$2,499.00 In Stock

About the 48RE Transmission

Are you in search of a robust 48RE transmission for sale to breathe new life into your 5.9 Cummins-equipped Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500? Look no further. Our used 48RE transmissions for sale offer the perfect blend of durability and proven performance for your Ram, especially trucks equipped with the legendary 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. Whether you're replacing a worn transmission, completing a Cummins build, or sourcing a base for an aftermarket "bulletproofed" build, the 48RE has earned its reputation as one of the most modifiable heavy-duty automatic transmissions in the diesel truck market.

What is a 48RE Transmission?

The 48RE is a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that served as the workhorse behind 5.9 Cummins-equipped Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups from 2003 through 2007 model years. Built at the Chrysler Kokomo Transmission Plant in Indiana, the 48RE is a member of the Torqueflite 727 family lineage, a transmission architecture that traces back to the 1960s and has been continuously reinforced for modern heavy-duty diesel applications.

The 48RE Lineage

Understanding where the 48RE fits in the Chrysler heavy-duty automatic transmission family helps you choose the right unit:

  • 47RH (1994 to 1995): Fully hydraulic version, used behind the original 5.9 Cummins 12-valve in 1994-1995 Rams. No electronic controls.
  • 47RE (1996 to 2002): Electronic version, used behind the 5.9 Cummins 12-valve (1996-1998) and 24-valve VP44 (1998.5-2002) in Ram 2500/3500.
  • 48RE (2003 to 2007): Heavy-duty version with strengthened internals, used behind the 5.9 Cummins HPCR (High-Pressure Common Rail) in Ram 2500/3500.
  • 68RFE (2007.5 plus): Modern 6-speed automatic that replaced the 48RE for 2007.5 plus Ram trucks paired with the 6.7 Cummins.

The 48RE is essentially a beefed-up 47RE with stronger overdrive components and revised valve body programming for the higher torque output of the HPCR-equipped Cummins.

Key Features of the 48RE

  • Heavy-Duty Internals: Reinforced overdrive clutch pack, larger sun gear shell, and strengthened bands compared to the 47RE
  • High-Torque Capacity: Stock OEM rating of 460 to 475 lb-ft, with aftermarket builds handling 700 to 1,000 plus lb-ft
  • Compatibility: Designed specifically for 5.9 Cummins-equipped Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks
  • Proven Architecture: Torqueflite 727 family architecture has been refined for over 40 years
  • Tested Quality: Each used 48RE transmission undergoes thorough inspection of known wear points
  • Deep Aftermarket Support: One of the most extensively-supported diesel automatic transmissions in the aftermarket

Why Choose Our 48RE Transmissions?

When you're in the market for a 48RE transmission for sale, it's crucial to choose a supplier who understands the transmission's strengths AND known weak points. Here's why our transmissions stand out:

1. Carefully Inspected for Known 48RE Wear Points: We specifically check the 2nd gear band, overdrive clutch pack, torque converter, valve body, and governor pressure solenoid , the five most-documented 48RE wear items.

2. Donor Truck History Documented: We provide year, mileage, and donor truck information for every unit.

3. Compatibility Verified: We ensure each transmission matches your specific Dodge Ram model and year.

4. Bulletproofing Consultation Available: If you're planning an aftermarket build, our team can discuss which upgrade path makes sense for your power output goals.

Comparing the 48RE to Modern Alternatives

While the 48RE is a solid choice for 2003 to 2007 Ram 2500/3500 owners, it's worth understanding the modern alternatives:

  • 68RFE (2007.5 plus 6.7 Cummins): Modern 6-speed automatic with improved fuel economy and smoother shifting. NOT interchangeable with the 48RE , different bellhousing, different ECM, different fluid (ATF plus 4 vs Mopar ATF plus 4 plus).
  • Aisin AS69RC (2013 plus 3500/4500/5500 HD): Premium heavy-duty 6-speed automatic for highest torque applications. Used in Ram 3500 with 6.7 Cummins HO and Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab. NOT a direct replacement for 48RE.

Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific truck year and power application.

Known 48RE Weak Points (Honest Disclosure)

The 48RE is generally reliable but has documented weak points that buyers should understand. We disclose these openly so you can plan accordingly:

  • Stock Torque Converter: The factory torque converter is the primary weakness, especially in modified applications. Upgrading to a quality aftermarket triple-disc converter (ATS, BD, Goerend) is the standard first upgrade.
  • 2nd Gear Band Wear: Documented wear pattern at high mileage, especially with heavy towing. Replacement band kits are readily available.
  • Overdrive Clutch Pack: The overdrive clutches can develop slippage in modified applications. Aftermarket reinforced clutch packs solve this.
  • Governor Pressure Solenoid: Electronic control component that can fail and cause shift point issues. Inexpensive replacement part.
  • Valve Body Wear: Original ATF plus 3 fluid was too thin; modern ATF plus 4 specification corrected the issue, but older units may have accelerated valve body wear from running the original fluid spec.

Ready to Purchase Your 48RE Transmission?

Don't let transmission issues hold your Cummins-equipped Ram back. Invest in a quality used 48RE transmission for sale today and get back on the road with confidence. Remember, proper installation and matching your transmission to your engine's actual power output is key to maximizing the life of your 48RE.

If you're running a tuned 5.9 Cummins making 500 plus lb-ft, consider adding a quality aftermarket torque converter and reinforced clutch packs as preventive maintenance. Our team can advise on the right upgrade path for your specific application.

Ready to unleash the full potential of your Dodge Ram Cummins? Contact us now to find the perfect 48RE transmission for sale that meets your needs and budget!

Vehicle Compatibility

VehicleCompatibility
Dodge Ram 2500 (2003 to 2007)All cab and bed configurations, 2WD and 4WD
Dodge Ram 3500 (2003 to 2007)Single rear wheel and dual rear wheel configurations
Primary Engine5.9L Cummins ISB HPCR Turbo Diesel (325 to 350 HP / 600 to 650 lb-ft factory)
Secondary Engine Applications5.7L Hemi V8 (some 2003 to 2007 Ram 2500 gas applications), 5.9L Magnum V8 (legacy applications)
NOT Compatible (Different Transmissions)1994-2002 Ram 2500/3500 (use 47RH or 47RE), 2007.5 plus Ram trucks with 6.7 Cummins (use 68RFE or Aisin AS69RC), Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab (use 68RFE or AS69RC)
Compatible Transfer CasesNV271 (manual shift) and NV273 (electric shift) for 4WD applications

Condition and Inspection

  • Year verified (2003 to 2007 model year)
  • Donor truck confirmed (Ram 2500 / 3500)
  • 2WD or 4WD configuration noted
  • All 4 forward gears shift-tested under load
  • 2nd gear band condition assessed (known wear point)
  • Overdrive clutch pack condition documented
  • Torque converter stall and lockup function verified
  • Valve body condition inspected
  • Governor pressure solenoid function tested
  • Output shaft and 31-spline condition verified
  • Input shaft and 29-spline condition verified
  • Bellhousing matched to 5.9 Cummins HPCR bolt pattern
  • Fluid sample analyzed for metal contamination
  • ATF plus 4 fluid spec confirmed
  • Year correctly identified (2003 to 2007 only , 2007.5 plus uses 68RFE)
  • All 4 gears shift-tested before shipping
  • Known 48RE wear points (2nd gear band, overdrive clutch, torque converter, governor solenoid) specifically inspected
  • Donor truck history documented
  • Aftermarket bulletproofing strategy consultation available
  • Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
  • 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
  • Cummins / Ram experienced support team
  • Cross-reference to 68RFE if your truck is 2007.5 plus
Bellhousing To Tailshaft Length 23.5 inches
Fluid Capacity 17.5 quarts
Fluid Type ATF plus 4 (Chrysler specification)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.45:1, 2nd 1.45:1, 3rd 1.00:1, 4th 0.69:1 (overdrive)
Reverse Ratio 2.21:1
Input Shaft Spline Count 29 splines
Output Shaft Spline Count 31 splines
Overall Length 29.625 inches
Stock Oem Torque Rating 460 to 475 lb-ft (factory rating)
Aftermarket Built Capacity 700 to 1,000 plus lb-ft achievable
Weight 290 lbs (dry)
Type Automatic, 4-speed with overdrive
Manufacturer Chrysler / DaimlerChrysler (Kokomo Transmission Plant)
Model 48RE (A618 internal designation)
Engine Family Architecture Torqueflite 727 derivative, heavy-duty reinforced
Production Years 2003 to 2007 model years
Predecessor 47RE (1996-2002) and 47RH (1994-1995)
Successor 68RFE (2007.5 plus) and Aisin AS69RC (2013 plus HD applications)
Compatibility 2003 to 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 with 5.9L Cummins HPCR
What vehicles use the 48RE transmission?
The 48RE was used in 2003 to 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups paired primarily with the 5.9L Cummins HPCR turbo diesel engine. Some gas applications (5.7 Hemi and legacy 5.9 Magnum V8) also used the 48RE. If your Ram is 2007.5 or newer, you have the 68RFE 6-speed automatic, NOT the 48RE.
Is the 48RE the same as the 47RE?
Can the 48RE handle high horsepower?
What's the difference between the 48RE and the 68RFE?
What are the known weak points of the 48RE?
What fluid does the 48RE use?
How much does a 48RE transmission cost?
How does shipping work?

15 Day Replacement Warranty.

Covered:

  • Internal defects discovered at delivery (broken planetary gears
  • Failed clutch packs at delivery
  • Cracked case
  • Complete loss of all gears at delivery
  • Broken torque converter at delivery)

Not Covered:

  • Improper installation
  • Damage from operation past stock torque rating without supporting modifications, 2nd gear band wear progression after delivery (a documented 48re wear item)
  • Governor pressure solenoid failures after delivery
  • Valve body wear
  • Torque converter wear in modified applications
  • Labor costs
  • Freight damage

Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days.

  • Year Verified: 2003 to 2007 model year confirmed
  • Donor Truck Documented: Ram 2500 / 3500
  • All 4 Gears Shift Tested: Quality verified before shipping
  • 2nd Gear Band Condition Assessed: Known wear point inspected
  • Overdrive Clutch Pack Documented: Slippage check performed
  • Torque Converter Verified: Stall and lockup tested
  • Governor Pressure Solenoid Tested: Electronic control verified
  • Bellhousing Matched: 5.9 Cummins HPCR bolt pattern
  • Free Shipping All 50 States: Heavy freight pallet
  • No Core Charge: Keep your old transmission
  • 15 Day Warranty: Internal defects covered
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