Dodge Ram Transmission Rebuild Cost

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

Table of Contents

Call (623) 473-9800

Request a Free Quote

What Goes Into a Dodge Ram Transmission Rebuild

Dodge and Ram trucks have used several very different automatic transmissions over the years, and the one in your truck makes a big difference in what a rebuild involves. A 1990s or early-2000s Ram 2500 with a Cummins likely has a hydraulically based four-speed with electronic overdrive. A mid-2000s half-ton might have a five-speed RFE unit. A later heavy-duty diesel may have the six-speed 68RFE or an Aisin, and a modern Ram 1500 has an eight-speed. Each one has its own parts, weak points and labor.

At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale, we quote Ram transmission rebuilds after inspection, and estimates are free. Here’s what drives the Dodge Ram transmission rebuild cost. Call (623) 473-9800 to discuss your truck.

Ram Transmissions and Their Typical Issues

46RE, 47RE and 48RE Four-Speeds

These descendants of Chrysler’s long-running TorqueFlite design were used in Ram trucks for many years, with the 47RE and 48RE common behind Cummins diesels. They’re rebuildable and respond well to upgrades. Typical complaints include overdrive problems, band adjustment issues, governor pressure sensor faults and converter clutch issues. See 48RE overdrive problems and 47RE/48RE upgrades.

45RFE and 545RFE

These fully electronic units were used in many Ram 1500s, Durangos and Jeeps. They’re known for going into limp mode when the computer detects a ratio or pressure problem, which can be caused by sensors, solenoid packs, wiring or internal wear. See 45RFE/545RFE limp mode.

65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE

The six-speed 68RFE is common in later Ram 2500 and 3500 diesels. It works hard behind high-torque engines, and towing in heat can wear clutches and cause overheating. Complaints include slipping, harsh shifts and limp mode. See 68RFE problems.

Aisin AS68RC and AS69RC

These heavy-duty six-speeds appear in many Ram 3500 and chassis-cab high-output diesels. They’re strong units, but parts and procedures differ from the RFE family.

Eight-Speed Automatics

Modern Ram 1500s use an eight-speed automatic based on the ZF 8HP design, sometimes badged as 845RE or 8HP70/8HP75. Complaints can include shift quality, shudder and electronic faults. Some issues are improved by software updates; others need mechanical repair. See Ram 1500 8-speed problems.

What Drives the Cost

Transmission model: a four-speed 48RE and an eight-speed are very different jobs
Extent of damage: wear parts only, or damaged drums, gear sets, shafts and pumps
Torque converter: stock or heavy-duty, especially behind a Cummins
Upgrades: stronger parts and valve body improvements for towing or tuned engines
Electronics: solenoid packs, sensors, wiring and programming
Two-wheel vs. four-wheel drive: affects removal and installation time
Cooling: flushing or replacing the cooler, and adding capacity for towing

Cummins Trucks and Upgrades

Cummins-powered Rams make a lot of torque, and many owners add tuning or tow near their truck’s limits. A stock rebuild may not hold up to that use. During a rebuild, upgraded clutches, bands, valve body work, billet input shafts and heavy-duty converters are common choices, depending on the transmission. We’ll recommend parts that fit how you use the truck, not the most expensive combination available.

Diagnose First

Many Ram transmission complaints are electrical or hydraulic rather than internal. A failed governor pressure sensor on a 48RE, a solenoid pack on an RFE unit or a wiring fault can all cause symptoms that look like a dying transmission. We check fluid, scan for codes, review live data and road test before recommending a rebuild.

Arizona Towing and Ram Trucks

Ram trucks tow fifth-wheels, toy haulers, horse trailers and boats all over Arizona, often up long grades in summer heat. Keeping fluid on a severe-service schedule, using tow/haul mode and adding cooling capacity make a real difference in transmission life.

Older Rams with the 46RE, 47RE or 48RE also need periodic band adjustment and fluid service, which many owners skip. Keeping up with that maintenance, and fixing leaks at cooler lines and the pan promptly, can add years to a four-speed. On RFE and eight-speed trucks, using the correct fluid specification is critical, because the wrong fluid can cause shift complaints of its own.

Warranty and Financing

Qualifying transmission rebuilds and replacements at Sun West come with our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. See our warranty page and financing options. You can also visit our Ram transmissions page.