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The 46RE, 47RE and 48RE are the same family: a three-speed hydraulic TorqueFlite core with an electronically controlled overdrive unit bolted to the back. The 46RE (A518) went behind the 5.2L and 5.9L gas V8s in Ram 1500s, Durangos, Dakotas and Grand Cherokees. The 47RE (A618) is the heavy-duty version behind the 5.9L Cummins, 8.0L V10 and 5.9L gas in 2500 and 3500 Rams. The 48RE replaced it for 2003 through 2007 Ram 2500/3500s, mostly behind the Cummins, with a stronger overdrive section and a revised valve body.
From the factory all three shift soft. That is fine behind a stock gas V8. Behind a Cummins making 150 to 200 horsepower more than stock, the soft 2-3 and the long 3-4 apply are what burn the direct clutch and the overdrive clutch. A shift kit raises line pressure and shortens those applies so the clutches hold instead of slipping.
Year Breaks Matter More Than Brand
These transmissions were revised constantly. The RH versions (46RH, 47RH) used a mechanical governor on the output shaft. The RE versions switched to an electronic governor pressure solenoid and sensor on the valve body, starting around 1996. The valve body and accumulator changed again at the 48RE introduction for 2003. A kit built for a 1995 47RH will not match a 2005 48RE separator plate.
Before you order, read the ID tag on the driver side of the case and confirm the model year. Then match the kit to both.
| Kit | Fits | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47RE shift kit, 1989-1998 | A500 through A518 family, early 47RH/47RE | Early valve body revision. Accumulator springs, valves and drill bits for separator plate changes | $97.92 |
| 46RE shift kit, 1999-05 | Later 46RE and A618-style valve bodies | Later revision kit with accumulator springs, seals and valves | $117.59 |
| 48RE shift kit, 2003-08 | 48RE, 2003-2008 | TransGo calibration aimed at the soft 2-3 and 3-4 on Cummins trucks | $117.99 |
| 48RE reprogramming kit, 2003-2008 | 48RE, 2003-2008 | Fuller TransGo reprogramming kit with separator plate parts and extra springs for tuned trucks | $236.99 |
Everything we carry for these units is on the 46RE, 47RE and 48RE shop pages. For complete units and heavier hard parts, see our sister store CoreTransmissionParts.com.
What a Good Kit Fixes
- Soft or flared 2-3 shift. The engine flares a few hundred rpm between second and third. This is the direct clutch slipping and it is the number one killer of these units behind a diesel.
- Busy 2-3-2 hunting. Common on 48REs at light throttle on a slight grade. The recalibration tightens the shift timing so it stops hunting.
- Slipping into overdrive. The overdrive clutch apply is too slow for the torque it sees. A kit raises pressure feeding the overdrive circuit.
- Harsh or bumpy 1-2 with a slow apply. Revised accumulator springs give a clean, quick 1-2 instead of a long slide followed by a bump.
Check These First, Every Time
TV cable adjustment
The throttle valve cable tells the valve body how hard you are pushing. If it is too loose, line pressure stays low, shifts are early and soft, and the clutches slip under load. This is the single most common reason a Ram trans gets misdiagnosed as needing a shift kit or a rebuild. Adjust it with the factory procedure before you touch anything else. On a Cummins with an aftermarket throttle position setup, confirm the cable is actually moving through its full range.
Front and rear band adjustment
The front (kickdown) band adjuster is on the driver side of the case and can be reached without dropping the pan. The rear (low-reverse) band adjuster is inside the pan. The factory procedure torques the front adjuster to a reference value, typically 72 in-lb, then backs it off a set number of turns for your exact unit. A loose front band gives a sloppy 1-2 and a slipping kickdown; adjust both bands whenever the kit goes in.
Governor pressure solenoid and sensor
The RE units use a governor pressure solenoid and sensor to control upshift timing. A failing solenoid causes erratic shifts, a delayed 1-2, or a truck stuck in one gear. A shift kit cannot fix that. See our 46RE governor pressure solenoid guide for the diagnosis.
Overdrive solenoid and wiring
No 3-4 shift at all, or overdrive that drops out, is usually electrical: the overdrive solenoid, the switch or the harness. See 47RE no overdrive fix.
Install Notes
- The kit goes in with the transmission in the truck. Drop the pan, remove the filter, disconnect the governor pressure solenoid and sensor connectors and the park rod, and remove the valve body. Pull the accumulator piston and spring from the case while the valve body is out.
- Work on a clean bench. The kit usually asks you to drill specific separator plate holes to a set size. Use the supplied bits and do not guess.
- Replace the accumulator springs and piston seal rings from the kit. Old springs sag and are part of why the shift went soft in the first place.
- Adjust both bands and the TV cable after reassembly, fill with ATF+4 (MS-9602 spec), and check level hot in neutral per the service manual.
- If the fluid is black or you find friction material in the pan, stop and rebuild. Our 48RE rebuild kit guide and 46RE rebuild kit guide cover what to buy.
Get the Right Kit for Your Year
Shift kits, filters, pan gaskets, bands and governor solenoids for the Chrysler RE four-speeds.
Shop 48RE Parts → 47RE Parts 46RE PartsFAQ
Is a 47RE shift kit the same as a 48RE shift kit?
Not always. The 48RE introduced for 2003 uses a revised valve body and overdrive section, so kits are sold by transmission and year range. Match your case ID tag and model year to the kit before ordering.
Do I need a shift kit on a tuned Cummins?
Yes. Behind a tuned 5.9L Cummins the factory calibration lets the direct and overdrive clutches slip long enough to burn them. A shift kit and a correctly adjusted TV cable are the minimum before adding power.
Can I install a 46RE or 48RE shift kit without removing the transmission?
Yes. The valve body and accumulator come out from under the truck with the pan off. Band adjustment is also done in the vehicle.
What fluid should a 46RE, 47RE or 48RE use after a shift kit?
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602). Do not use a generic multi-vehicle fluid in these units; clutch and band friction behavior is calibrated around ATF+4.
Why does my Ram still shift soft after a shift kit?
Check the TV cable adjustment first, then the band adjustment. A loose TV cable keeps line pressure low no matter what springs are in the valve body.