45RFE 545RFE Bonded Clutch Piston Kit 5pc Dodge Jeep Ram

This is the complete set of five bonded clutch apply pistons for the Chrysler 45RFE and 545RFE rear-wheel-drive automatic. On the RFE the apply pistons for the underdrive, overdrive, reverse, 2C/4C and low-reverse clutch packs use rubber molded (bonded) directly onto the piston instead of a separate lip seal, so when the rubber ages the whole piston has to come out. This kit gives you all five in one box (Precision International / Remco part number K44900A-99).

The bonded rubber hardens, takes a set and cracks from years of heat cycles. Once it does, clutch apply pressure bleeds past the piston instead of clamping the pack. On the bench that shows up as a clutch that will not hold on the air check; in the truck it is a delayed or soft engagement, a slip on the 1-2 or 2-3, or a clutch that comes back burnt after a rebuild. Replacing every apply piston while the unit is apart is the only way to know the seal is fresh, which is why rebuilders change the full set rather than chasing one leak at a time.

Fitment covers the 45RFE and 545RFE 2004-up applications: Dodge Dakota and Durango 4.7L and 5.7L, Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 4.7L, 5.7L and 8.0L, Chrysler Aspen 4.7L and 5.7L, Jeep Commander 3.7L/4.7L/5.7L, Grand Cherokee 4.7L/5.7L/6.4L, Liberty 2.8L and 3.7L, Wrangler 2.8L, and the Mitsubishi Raider 4.7L. Check your build against the model and year before ordering, since the RFE family spans 1999 through 2018.

On assembly, seat each piston in place of the original, put a light film of assembly lube or clean ATF on the bonded lip so it does not fold on the drum, then air-check every pack before the unit goes back together. Do not pry on the bonded rubber and keep it away from solvents that swell the seal.